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Austria & Germany Christmas Markets Itinerary: Vienna, Innsbruck & Munich
7 Days
3 Stops
Private transfer
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Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertThe Nordkette cable car during a Christmas market itinerary is the call most travelers don't expect, and it's the one I always insist on. Leaving the medieval stalls and mulled wine of Innsbruck behind to reach 7,500 feet in ten minutes, with the Inn Valley and Advent lights spread below, gives the alpine dimension of this trip a physical reality that no amount of market browsing can replicate. The sequence is what I find particularly well-designed: Vienna's imperial squares set a grand tone, Innsbruck tightens the scale to something mountain-framed and intimate, and Munich closes with the full Bavarian festive register. One practical detail worth knowing: Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace market operates in afternoon and evening and is noticeably less crowded than the City Hall market on weekday mornings.
The Nordkette cable car during a Christmas market itinerary is the call most travelers don't expect, and it's the one I always insist on. Leaving the medieval stalls and mulled wine of Innsbruck behind to reach 7,500 feet in ten minutes, with the Inn Valley and Advent lights spread below, gives the alpine dimension of this trip a physical reality that no amount of market browsing can replicate. The sequence is what I find particularly well-designed: Vienna's imperial squares set a grand tone, Innsbruck tightens the scale to something mountain-framed and intimate, and Munich closes with the full Bavarian festive register. One practical detail worth knowing: Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace market operates in afternoon and evening and is noticeably less crowded than the City Hall market on weekday mornings.
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Vienna
Day 1 - 2
Resting over the banks of the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Vienna, the country’s capital city, is famous for its classical music heritage and reflects an enticing blend of old and new. The historical centre is skyscraper-free and dotted with immaculate, charming little parks. It is also pedestrian friendly and extremely compact, which is convenient as this area contains the bulk of the city’s major tourist highlights. Chief among these are the famous Burgtheater and Opera House and an array of opulent baroque palaces lining the warren of narrow, medieval alleyways which wind their way around the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. Add to this a slew of grand coffee houses and a rich history of classical music (residents included Mozart and Beethoven) and it becomes difficult to imagine a more livable city than the sophisticated metropolis of Vienna.
Your accommodation
Rosewood Vienna
Rosewood Vienna is housed in a beautifully restored, historic 19th-century building, ideally situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town. The accommodation features spacious rooms and suites equipped with bespoke furniture and lighting, large marble bathrooms and parquet flooring. Guests can enjoy dining at the selection of restaurants and bars. Leisure facilities and services include Wi-Fi access, a wellness spa and a fitness centre.
Your activity
Christmas market walking tour
Discover Vienna’s Christmas magic alongside a local guide who knows all the best spots. On this festive walking tour, you’ll explore four carefully chosen markets in some of the city’s trendiest and most authentic districts. Warm up with a cup of spiced mulled wine and indulge in traditional Austrian holiday snacks as you go. Wander between twinkling stalls filled with handcrafted goods, soak up the joyful atmosphere, and learn about Vienna’s unique Christmas traditions. Taste sweet treats, sip a punch with a hint of rum, and enjoy the cheerful buzz of both classic and contemporary markets. Perfect for those who want to experience Vienna’s holiday charm beyond the usual tourist trail.
Innsbruck
Day 3 - 4
Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol state in Austria, lies within the Alps. With its relatively mild Alpine climate and outdoor sports facilities impressive enough to thrill even the most adventurous extreme-sports enthusiast, this spectacular historic city is the perfect springboard for making the leap between the urban and the outdoors. See Emperor Maximilian’s glorious fifteenth-century influences in the Gothic Hofkerche Cathedral, the city’s landmark Goldenes Dachl (golden roof), and the remarkable Gothic and Baroque buildings strewn along the winding cobbled streets of its charming historic Altstadt (Old Town). Every year thousands of tourists are drawn to this delightful picture-perfect city presided over by the imposing jagged peaks of the Nordkette mountain range and the majestic Habsburg palace.
Your accommodation
Hotel Goldener Adler BW Signature Collection by Best Western
Conveniently located on Herzog-Friedrich Street in Innsbruck, Austria, Hotel Goldener Adler BW Signature Collection is an ideal accommodation option for leisure and business travellers. The hotel features comfortably furnished rooms with TVs, tea/coffee makers, safes, ironing facilities, private bathrooms, hairdryers, and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast on-site. Facilities and services include a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a bar/lounge, electric vehicle charging stations, room service, and Wi-Fi.
Your activity
Innsbruck Christmas tour
Immerse yourself in the festive charm of Innsbruck with a private guided walking tour through its renowned Christmas markets. Wander through the historic old town, where the air is filled with the delightful scents of seasonal treats and the stalls offer a variety of handcrafted gifts and ornaments. Your expert guide will enrich your experience with captivating stories about Innsbruck's holiday traditions and historical landmarks. Explore the market stalls nestled beneath the iconic Golden Roof and along the vibrant Maria-Theresien-Strasse. This tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the holiday spirit amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Austrian Alps, making it a memorable way to celebrate the season.
Munich
Day 5 - 7
Munich, the lively capital of Bavaria and the third-largest city in Germany, lies on the banks of the River Isar. A modern hub complete with state-of-the-art skyscrapers and an exciting nightlife scene, the city revels simultaneously in its traditional customs and its sense of innovation. Some of the phenomenal historical attractions include spectacular Schloss Nymphenburg and the grand Residenz Museum, along with countless others. Nicknamed ‘city of art and beer’, Munich is strewn with impressive and diverse galleries (top choices include the Kunstareal Art Quarter and other-worldly Pinakothek der Moderne) and offers sublime beer-tasting opportunities in a variety of wonderful beer houses and gardens. Locals claim this is the culinary capital of the country - make sure to visit the Viktualienmarkt and dedicate some time to the metropolis’ restaurants. Gorgeous parks, jaw-dropping sports venues, and world-famous festivals (including legendary Octoberfest) complete the package.
Your accommodation
CORTIINA Hotel
CORTIINA Hotel is located in the heart of Munich, Germany, and is an ideal accommodation option for leisure and business travellers. The hotel features a selection of well-appointed and comfortably furnished rooms and suites to ensure guests enjoy a relaxing stay. In-room amenities include internet access, air conditioning, TVs, and minibars. Guests can start the day with a hearty breakfast buffet, relax with a drink at the bar after a day of work or sightseeing, or work out at the on-site fitness centre. Area activities include visiting Marienplatz and shopping at the Viktualienmarkt.
Your activity
Christmas market walking tour
Experience the magic of Munich’s Christmas markets on a guided walking tour through the festively decorated city center. Stroll past the charming stalls of Marienplatz, sample traditional seasonal treats such as Lebkuchen and mulled wine, and soak in the glow of twinkling lights and handcrafted decorations.
Along the way, your guide will share the stories and traditions behind Germany’s beloved Christmas markets—from their medieval origins to today’s joyful celebrations. You’ll also discover hidden gems and local favorites that many visitors miss.
A warm and enchanting way to experience Munich, this tour captures the true spirit of a Bavarian Christmas.
From$5,795
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Meals
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Flexible cancellation policies
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Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
24+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
11+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
6+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Vienna, Innsbruck, and Munich across seven days — three of the most atmospheric Christmas market settings in the German-speaking world, each with its own distinct register. Vienna's markets are imperial in scale, set against Schönbrunn and the Rathaus; Innsbruck's are intimate and mountain-framed, with the Golden Roof above and the Nordkette rising directly behind; Munich's Marienplatz fills the city's central square with a Bavarian directness that the Austrian cities don't quite replicate. The transitions between them matter as much as the destinations.
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A detail worth knowing about the Nordkette cable car from Innsbruck: the lower station is a short walk from the Christmas market, and the ride takes you from the medieval old town to a winter alpine panorama in under twenty minutes. On a clear evening, with the lights of the Inntal below and the mountains catching the last light, it is one of the more quietly extraordinary things the Advent season offers anywhere in Central Europe.
Day 1–2: Vienna
Hotel: Rosewood Vienna
Two nights with the Christmas market walking tour, the Danube Tower, and time in the festive squares and coffeehouses. The markets around the Rathaus and Schönbrunn each have their own character — the Rathaus market is the larger and more theatrical, while Schönbrunn's, set in the palace grounds, is the one that rewards a slow evening visit without the crowds.
Day 3–4: Innsbruck
Hotel: Hotel Goldener Adler BW Signature Collection by Best Western
Two nights with the Innsbruck Christmas tour, the Nordkette cable car, and time in the historic old town. The Goldener Adler on the Herzog-Friedrich-Strasse has stood facing the Golden Roof since 1390 — a place with real historical weight for a winter trip built around medieval tradition.
Day 5–7: Munich
Hotel: CORTIINA Hotel
Two nights with the Christmas market walking tour and the city's Old Town. The Viktualienmarkt adjacent to the central market fills a strong morning with seasonal produce, regional cheeses, and the warm spiced wine that Munich does particularly well. The CORTIINA's position near the market keeps the city's best Advent streets within easy walking distance throughout the stay.
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