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Vienna Christmas market in the evening

8 Day Christmas Markets Road Trip

Germany & Austria

(8 days / 7 nights)

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Soak in the European Christmas spirit

Enter into a winter wonderland on this enchanting tour of Europe’s dreamiest Christmas markets. Begin in bustling Munich, where lights glimmer above the vibrant stalls in Marienplatz square. Then take the wheel to drive south, past snow-blanketed peaks and fairytale castles, to the storybook city of Innsbruck. Here amongst the mountains, discover centuries-old festive markets before journeying through the mesmerising, frost-tipped landscapes of Austria. Spend a night in musical Salzburg, then finish in elegant Vienna, where more bustling markets await.

Want to spend more time exploring the Christmas markets of Munich or Vienna? You can add extra nights to the start or end (or both!) or your trip during the booking process.

8 days / 7 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1771 EUR

Find your price
Request info

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts in the Alps
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Experience true storybook magic with a Christmas adventure in the Alps
  • Admire elegant architecture in Vienna and see the Hofburg, Schönbrun & Belvedere palaces decked out for the holiday season
  • Discover charming, fairy-lit city streets and journey past snowy mountain peaks in Austria
  • Wander past vibrant stalls and a towering bauble-adorned tree in Munich’s world-famous Marienplatz square
  • Let yourself be charmed by the dreamy Alpine scenery and cosy markets of Innsbruck
  • Gaze upon snow-dusted Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney’s iconic logo
  • Immerse yourself in musical history in Salzburg, and browse world-renowned handcrafted ornaments
  • Explore the historic, fantastically festive markets of Bavaria in Germany
  • Sample traditional festive delicacies from cosy market stalls, like Glühwein and roasted chestnuts
  • Enjoy a magical road trip with peace of mind with your detailed personal itinerary and hand-marked map from a local travel expert

Travel style

Self-Drive i

Interest

Alps i, Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Christmas i, Christmas Markets of Europe i, Classic i, Culture and History i, Family i

Season

Nov - Dec

Departure

Daily

Interest

Alps i, Best Seller i, Castles and Royalty i, Christmas i, Christmas Markets of Europe i, Classic i, Culture and History i, Family i

Driving distance

719/446 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to Christmastime in Munich

    After arriving in Munich and checking in to your accommodation, head out to explore the festive streets of Bavaria’s capital.

    Begin in Marienplatz square, in the heart of Munich’s Old Town (“Altstadt”), which is transformed every year to host a dazzling market called Christkindlmarkt.

    Stroll colourful stalls, sip on a steaming mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) and be wowed by the sparkling Christmas tree at the centre of the square.

    This evening, make sure you stroll past the magnificent Frauenkirche cathedral on your way to get a taste of Bavarian beverages at the hugely popular Hofbräuhaus brewery.

    Spend the night in Munich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: Exploring Munich’s Christmas Markets

    Head to the Munich Residenz, a former royal palace with a magical Christmas Village in its elegant courtyard.

    Next up is Mittelaltermarkt, a medieval-themed market evoking the delights of Christmasses long past.

    Then head to the English Garden (“Englischer Garten”) to seek out the cosy seasonal market beneath the Chinese Tower

    You could also take the U-Bahn to the Olympiapark, where the Tollwood Winter Festival and fairytale-themed Märchenbazar await.

    This evening, discover enjoy a bite to eat at Rindermarkt, near Marianplatz. You’ll also find delicious wintry delicacies on offer at the Viktualienmarkt food market nearby.

    Spend another night in Munich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: The Bavarian Alps & Colourful Innsbruck

    Hit the road for a scenic drive to the storybook city of Innsbruck in Austria.

    Along the way, you could detour to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein or the musical town of Mittenwald.

    Continue through the snowy Bavarian Alps to Innsbruck. The rest of the day is yours to explore its enchanting markets.

    Head to Maria-Theresien Strasse to discover a vibrant Christmas market and look out for the iconic Golden Roof (“Goldenes Dachl").

    Then, stroll through the Old Town and stop by the Fairytale Market or cosy Wiltener Platz Christmas Market to discover more festive stalls.

    Spend the night in the Innsbruck area.

    Average driving distance: 148 km / 92 mi.

    Average driving distance including the detour to Neuschwanstein Castle: 247 km / 153 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: Journey through the snowy Austrian Alps

    Spend your day journeying east to Salzburg. You’ll travel through more of Austria’s spectacular Alps, with incredible snow-dusted views abound.

    Upon arrival in Salzburg, head out to explore the city under the twinkling lights. While beautiful all year round, Salzburg is truly magical at Christmas.

    Take a stroll through the historic Alstadt (“Old Town”) and stop off at the bustling Christmas Market, with plenty of stalls selling handcrafted goods and tasty treats. It’s spread across the famous Dom- and Residenzplatz squares, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    You could also delve into the city’s rich musical past at Mozart’s birthplace.

    Spend the night in Salzburg.

    Average driving distance: 176 km / 109 mi.

    Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 5: Exploring the Christmas Markets of Salzburg

    Immerse yourself in more of the yuletide sights and sounds of Salzburg today.

    Head to the elegant Salzburg Cathedral. Each Christmastime, a magical market springs up here, offering handcrafted souvenirs and delicious local treats.

    Next, head to the medieval fortress Hohensalzburg. In the castle courtyard you’ll find a tucked-away Christmas market that feels like stepping into a fairytale.

    Fans of The Sound of Music will want to visit the Mirabell Palace Gardens (“Mirabellgarten”)..Then, top off your Salzburg experience at Schloss Hellbrunn, a Renaissance palace. Each winter it hosts a vibrant market surrounded by bauble-adorned conifer trees.

    Spend another night in Salzburg.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 6: From elegant Salzburg to vibrant Vienna

    Journey through Austria’s frosty countryside to reach the capital, Vienna. This drive takes you into the district of Salzkammergut, famous for its crystal-clear lakes and chocolate-box villages.

    Along the way, make a stop at Melk Abbey on the shores of the Danube river.

    When you arrive, return your rental car and drop your bags at your accommodation. Then, head out to explore the city streets.

    Head to Rathausplatz square to discover Vienna’s most famous Christmas market, in front of Vienna City Hall. This is also where you’ll find a huge ice rink, so lace up your skates and go for a spin surrounded by glimmering lights.

    Spend the night in Vienna.

    Average driving distance: 296 km / 184 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 7: The Magic of Christmas in Vienna

    Today is all about embracing the Christmas spirit in Austria’s magical capital.

    Start by strolling down the iconic Ringstrasse boulevard, under a canopy of trees and twinkling lights.

    Don’t miss iconic sites like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the palaces of Hofburg, Schönbrunn and Belvedere.

    Then, throw yourself into the city’s festivities at its enchanting markets. Some of the most famous include the Christmas Village at Maria-Theresian-Platz and the Karlsplatz Christmas Market. There’s even a market at Schönbrunn Palace to explore.

    This evening, you might want to see festive show at the Vienna State Opera – just be sure to book your tickets in advance.

    Spend another night in Vienna.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 8: Departure from Austria

    Today, your Christmas adventure in Germany and Austria comes to an end. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, spend the morning enjoying some more of the city’s festive spirit.

    If you want to spend more time discovering the magic of Vienna, we recommend adding extra nights in the booking steps. This way you can make the most of your time in the Austrian capital.

    Later, make your way to the airport in time for your departure flight.

    Attractions
View full itinerary

Optional extras

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

8 days / 7 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1771 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in the Alps. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in the Alpine region, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

As this is a self-guided tour, you’re welcome to stop whenever and wherever you wish along the way. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, hand-annotated map and our very own Alps Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

During your tour of the Alps, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and personal experience.

Across the Alps region, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please also note that in the countries you’ll be visiting, room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Your self-drive Christmas markets tour is all about discovering the magical festivities that pop up all over the cities of Europe in wintertime. Each city has several different markets on offer, so you can choose to spend your day exploring as many as you like.

Most Christmas markets in Europe are free to explore. That said, they may have paid attractions on offer, such as fairground rides for any children in your party.

We recommend checking the opening hours of any markets you want to visit. These may vary by market and depending on the day of the week. Some stay open late into the night, while some begin to wind down in the early evening.

It’s also good to keep in mind that the most popular markets can become busy during peak hours. This gives them a bustling atmosphere, but if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting the markets on weekdays during normal working hours (usually 9 AM – 5 PM).

Travelling with your kids? No problem! Just let your travel consultant know during the booking process. We’ll arrange any cots needed at your accommodation.

If you need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. This will incur a small extra cost.

The minimum age to hire a car in the Alps is 19. A small fee will also apply to any drivers under 25.

If you are under 25, you may also be restricted in the size of vehicle you are able to rent. Please contact your personal Travel Consultant if you are unsure about which car to choose.

Whether you need an international driving permit will depend on which country your licence is from.

You’ll need an international driving permit if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script. That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official government websites before your trip.

Additionally, if you are visiting from a country outside the EU or EEA, the Austrian government requires all drivers to have an international driving permit. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia. If you have a driving licence from the UK, you do not need an international driving permit.

The roads across the Alps are usually in good condition all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness.

You’ll be driving on the right side of the road and the left side of the car. Most rural roads in the Alps are 2-lane, but they can be narrow and winding. This is especially true when crossing mountain passes.

Due to the altitude of some roads, and especially in winter, storms, rain, snow and ice can cause adverse conditions. We recommend checking weather forecasts daily and not taking any risks when it comes to driving.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you will navigate around the Alps ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

We also recommend using navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal in the more rural areas.

The short answer is very easy!

Most countries in Europe are either part of the European Union, the Schengen Area, or both. These are diplomatic agreements that mean visitors to one country can easily cross the border into another.

Chances are you won’t need to pass through any border control after the initial airport inspection in your arrival country. That said, you’ll still need to keep your passport handy, as there may be some spot-checks on cars driving over borders.

During winter in Germany and Austria, the nights grow longer, temperatures fall, and sparking festive lights go up across the streets. The mountains all around start to see heavier snowfall, and some flakes might even fall the bustling cities.

In November, average temperatures in Munich in Germany and Vienna in Austria stay below 11°C (52°F), with lows of around 4°C (39°F). Cold snaps are possible, so don’t be surprised if temperatures drop below freezing, especially at nighttime.

If you’re spending time in Innsbruck or Salzburg, which are nestled amongst the mountains, expect lower temperatures than in the major cities.  In November, these are likely to be between 2°C – 10°C (35°F – 50°F) degrees and lower, with the possibility of snowfall.

In December, the weather gets chillier and the atmosphere gets even more festive. You can expect regular negative temperatures, especially at night. In Munich and Vienna, the averages are between -2°C and 5°C (28°F – 41°F). In Innsbruck and Salzburg, it can get as cold as -3°C (26°F) and typically won’t get warmer than 3°C (38°F).

Read more about what to weather to expect in the Alps on our travel guide.

Wintertime in the Alps is all about one thing: staying cosy! As you’ll be exploring vibrant Christmas markets during your trip, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Temperatures are likely to be chilly and it might even snow!

For these reasons, we recommend packing the following:

  • Warm, thermal underlayers
  • Warm fleeces and woollen jumpers
  • Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
  • Thick woollen socks
  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots
  • A day bag for your essentials
  • A smart outfit for dining out in the city
  • Your camera and charging packs for your electronics
  • Reusable water bottle
  • 2-pin European plug adapter

You can find more handy information about packing for a trip through the Alps on our travel guide.

There are limited laundry facilities in the countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the larger cities and towns. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

It’s good to be aware that you may require different currencies during your Alps trip. Germany, Austria and Italy have the Euro (€) as their local currency.

That said, Switzerland and Liechtenstein both have the Swiss franc (CHF, ₣) as their currency.

On your Alps road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around €1.50–€1.90 per litre. That’s ₣1.40–1.80.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation in the Alps. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between €25–€30 per person for each day’s lunch, or ₣20–30. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between €30–€35, ₣25–35. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay €50–€70 or more, which would be ₣45-65. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

In Germany, Switzerland and Austria tipping is not mandatory, but welcomed. It is usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill.

Germany and Austria are part of the European Union. This means that if you are visiting from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or another EU state, you won’t need a visa to enter.

Visiting from another country? You can find complete lists of countries whose nationals require visas to visit Germany and Austria on the following websites:

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in Europe, and for at least 6 months after your departure date. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it before your trip.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can easily add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades.

If you prefer, you can begin your tour in a different city in the region. Just ask your travel consultant and they can let you know the options in terms of train travel or rental car fees. We’ll be happy to try to rearrange your itinerary so it works for you. 

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be a regional travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome package with hard copies of your itinerary, accommodation and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Alps Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Munich?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. The airport is well connected to the city via public transport such as S-Bahn, trains and buses.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM. You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching your transfer to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euros (EUR), the local currency in Germany, Italy and Austria.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels.

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Superior

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses.

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Rental car

Enjoy your journey with free GPS and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x4
  • A
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Saloon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Crossover SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 5
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x9
  • x3
  • x5
  • A
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 9
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1771 EUR

Request info

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