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Though some might disagree, there is no higher time to go to Europe than winter: between the little to no crowding and the snow-dusted church spires that look nearly like they have been cropped out of a storybook, it is nothing in need of magical.
Plus, some international locations are simply made to be skilled in winter.
Austria is one such uncommon instance, boasting each historic cities and a dramatic alpine nature, with expansive mountain ranges so far as the eyes can see.
From its cozy nest in Central Europe, it will not be each American’s first selection for a winter getaway this season, however listed here are a couple of explanation why it ought to:
Vienna Is One Of Europe’s Top Winter City Breaks
Let’s begin with Vienna, Austria’s principal vacationer vacation spot and one in every of Europe’s most distinguished cultural capitals.
It’s recognized for its excessive focus of opulent Baroque church buildings, palatial opera homes, and Habsburg-era buildings.
We get it why chances are you’ll be saving Vienna for the subsequent heat season, what with the blooming Schönbrunn gardens and all of the verdant parks you may discover, nevertheless it’s in winter you get the thermal spas, the festive ambiance, and all these unbelievable Christmas markets.
There are a number of to select from, with a few of our favorites together with the foodie-fave Christmas Village at Maria-Theresien Platz–be sure to get your self a few of that scrumptious currywurst–and the huge, 150-stall show at Rathausplatz, the most effective spot for shopping by conventional crafts.
The incontrovertible fact that it is chilly out can also be an ideal excuse to go to indoor points of interest.
If you’re keen on structure, you’ll be able to’t miss the meticulously frescoed Austrian National Library, the imperial Hofburg Palace, mentioned to rival Versailles in magnificence, and the Gothic marvel that’s St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Magical Medieval Towns Covered In Snow
Vienna is the place most guests would bid farewell to Austria earlier than leaping to the subsequent nation, however you do not need to make the identical mistake: Austria’s wintery appeal extends to different cities like Salzburg, well-known for its landmark-packed Old Town, Beethoven, and Sound of Music associations.
It is the place the Julie Andrews-star traditional was filmed, the traditional composer born, and the proud dwelling of a UNESCO-protected medieval heart dotted with palaces, ethereal winter gardens and comfy cafés serving that thick, velvety scorching chocky––Café Konditorei Furst, we’re trying proper at you!
No go to to Austria in winter is full both and not using a stopover, nevertheless temporary, in fairytalish Hallstatt: typically dubbed essentially the most lovely village on the earth, it straddles the banks of a frozen lake and ringed by mountains so excessive you may be tilting your head again to see the top.
In the westernmost third of Austria––the little pear-shaped strip of land protruding––Innsbruck is a mid-size metropolis providing spa accommodations with views of the Alps (try a stunning Hotel Bon Alpina), ski slopes with thrilling toboggan rides, and that hearty, dumpling-heavy Tyrolean delicacies.
Ski Resorts Galore
Ah-ah. Stop proper there.
We can see you considering ‘why the heck would I fly all the way in which to Austria for a ski vacation in winter after I may simply go to Colorado as a substitute?’
Well, have you ever thought-about that, in addition to the freezing temps, the opposite factor you may be uncovered to, is the unbelievable tradition?
Or that, as costly as Austria could also be by European requirements, it is nonetheless far cheaper than the common ski journey within the States?
Have you checked costs for these raise passes and lengthy weekend stays in Telluride recently?
So earlier than you shut this web page or scroll right down to the subsequent article in line, take a look at these wonderful wintertime offers:
Winters in Austria are all about strapping in your ski boots and taking scenic gondola rides solely to glide down by snow-covered mountainsides, and there is no higher technique to take pleasure in nature than reserving an alpine resort keep:
What Are Some Of The Best Spa Hotels In Austria This Season?
Located in Bad Gastein, one of many nation’s ski capitals, the MONDI Hotel Bellevue is a landmark itemizing giving off outdated cash vibes on the foot of the Hohe Tauern peaks, a brief stroll from the cable automobiles, welcoming you to heated indoor baths, a sauna, and very good breakfast from $290 an evening.
Elsewhere in Maurach, a quaint winter village roughly a 45-minute drive from Innsbruck, the Frühstückshotel Margret Hotel has mountain-view rooms ranging from $170, together with breakfast––and it is solely a 5-minute stroll from the picturesque Lake Achen!
Achen known as the Fjord of the Alps for its strip-like extension and winding course, and it is the most important lake in Tyrol.
Now, if it is a spa break you want after that three-day museum haul in Vienna, board the practice west to the small municipality of Waidring, on the outskirts of Salzburg, which can not seem like a lot at first if cottagecore isn’t your most well-liked aesthetic, however performs host to the 4-star Waidringer.
Overlooking Kitzbühel, an unspoiled vary of the European Alps, it options timeless picket furnishings, an enormous spa consisting of a fitness center, a number of therapy rooms and as many as 7 various kinds of sauna, and even a swimming lake.
The restaurant’s meals is made with native produce, and there is even a playground in case you’re coming with the children–all of this for a surprisingly affordable $230 an evening!
Austrians Are The Friendliest People In Europe!
Finally, Austria was lately named the friendliest nation in Europe on the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award, debunking America’s long-time favourite Ireland for the primary time.
Scoring 93.88 out of 100, Austrians are usually not as chilly and dismissive as you would possibly suppose: enter any café in a giant sprawling metropolis like Vienna or a small city like Hallstatt, or ask strangers for instructions, and you will possible be met with a pleasant smile and immediate help.
All issues thought-about, it is no surprise it is one of many prime winter locations throughout the pond this yr, with report bookings noticed for 2024, exceeding the earlier all-time peak of 2019, as reported by Tobias Thomas, General Manager of Statistik Austria.
This season, Americans can fly nonstop from the United States to Vienna (VIE) from as many as 6 departure factors, solely with Austrian Airlines, these being New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington-Dulles (IAD), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX) and Boston (BOS).
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.