5 Things to Do in Vienna in Winter For A Fun Expedition

Activities to Do in Vienna in Winter

1. Ice skating in Vienna
2. Try Eisstockschiesen
3. Sledding
4. Hit the Christmas Markets
5. Skiing in the Semmering

Vienna is a tremendously beautiful city, and with the onset of winter, its charm multiplies manifold. In winters, Vienna becomes one of the top-rated tourist destinations in Europe, with people coming to enjoy its Christmas festivities and fervour. It starts illuminating beautifully, with glimmering streets and avenues.

There are hundreds of things to do in Vienna in winter which generally revolve around the Christmas festivities. One of the top rated activities to do in winter is ice-skating, a popular sport in Vienne in the snowy months. Public areas like the Rathausplatz get converted into beautiful skating grounds, attended by scores of children and adults. You can also indulge in other snow-related activities like sledding, ice stocking or skiing down the slopes of Semmering.

Visiting the Christmas Markets is yet another fascinating thing to do in the holiday season. These markets are an amazing place not only to shop for Christmas festivities, but also to come across and see the people and local life of Vienna.

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Essential Information About Vienna In Winter

01

Weather Conditions In Vienna

Vienna has typical European weather conditions, with extremely cold and snowy winters, pleasant spring and autumn, and warm summers. It is partly cloudy most times of the year and the average temperature ranges from -2 degrees to around 25 degrees (celsius).

The months from June to August are the peak season of tourism as they experience summers that are warm but rarely touch the extremes. The winter months of December to February are cold and freezing, and may even witness snowfall. While the remaining months have moderate temperature and are most ideal for a pleasant Vienna tour.

02

What To Pack For Vienna Trip

Clothes- It is recommended to put on simple, casual clothes that are also warm like coats, jackets, pullovers, etc.

You can accessorise with hats, scarves and gloves to protect from the freezy winters.

You should also pack other necessary items like chargers, a thermos, jumpers and toiletries.

Also you should wear a thermal layer all the time when in Vienna in winters.

Also wear proper winter shoes or boots with warm socks.

Things To Do In Vienna In Winter

03

Ice Skating In Vienna

Owing to its popularity among the Viennese people, ice-skating is one of the top things to do in Vienna in December.

Vienna already has an ice-skating fervour in the city, and hundreds of people crowd skating rinks like Erste Bank Arena and the Vienna Ice World.

However, with the onset of the winter and snowfall, various public areas get transformed into temporary ice-skating rinks.

Rathausplatz is the most popular one among such rinks and sees many children and adults enjoying their winters here.

Put on your equipment and simply go for the thrill that comes with ice-skating.

04

Try Eisstockschiesen

Ice Stocking is a very popular sport in countries receiving snow, and involves competitors sliding their ice stock on an icy top. They may compete either for a targeted goal or simply compete for the longest distance.

Owing to its snowy and freezing winters, ice stocking is one of the most popular things to do in Vienna in winter.

The Viennese Ice Dream is the most popular place to try Eisstockschießen (ice stock sport). You can also find an amazing arena where you can practise ice stocking either free or for a few bucks.

The fun increases manifold when you play it with your friends and family members.

05

Sledding

Sledding, also called sledging, is a popular activity famous in countries that receive snow and involves sliding down hilly slopes on runner-less sledges.

What better place to indulge in sledding than the slopes of Viennese hills and Semmering.

Also, sledding at Bisamberg and Perchtoldsdorfer Heide is one of the best things to do in Vienna in December.

Rejoice as you glide down the slopes of Viennese Hills, with a spectacular snow-covered setting in the background.

To make the most out of your sledding experience, make sure to do it with your family or friends.

06

Hit The Christmas Markets

One of the best things to do in Vienna in winter is to visit the world-famous Viennese Christmas Market.

The tradition of the Christmas market started in the 13th century, when Albrecht I gave permission to set up a December Market.

Enjoy shopping a wide range of items like christmas decor, handicrafts, wine bottles, etc- while exploring these markets.

The Viennese Dream Christmas Market is the most loved Christmas market destination, and provides a stunning winter backdrop. It is marked by immensely beautiful illuminations and has international choirs singing in the background.

Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, Maria Theresian Square and the University of Vienna Campus are other loved marketplaces.

07

Skiing In The Semmering

In case you are wondering what to do in Vienna in winter, we recommend you to try skiing down the slopes of Semmering.

The Semmering Resort near Vienna is known for its spectacular snowy slopes, which are a hit among skiers and sledgers of all ages and experience.

It also hosts a number of world skiing and sledging events, and is an important social place for the Viennese.

Visit one of the rental shops in Vienna from where you can rent equipment for snowboarding, tobogganing, skiing and other activities.

Climb to the top and rejoice as you ski down the spectacular slope of Semmering, with a magnificent snow-covered setting in the background.

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St. Stephen’s Cathedral

A magnificent piece of Gothic and Roman architecture, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna. Famed as one of the monumental places to visit in Vienna, the cathedral’s imposing height, mosaic roofs, elaborately designed exteriors, towers that soar 446 feet up, and the 18 altars inside the cathedral make it the iconic attraction of Vienna."Location: Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Wien, AustriaTiming: 06.00 AM - 10.00 PM Sun; 07.00 AM - 10.00 PM Mon-SatEntry Fee: Free for the cathedral; Audio tour cost €14.50 for adults and €3.90 for children