Austria Christmas Markets Rail Itinerary
Explore the festive markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Lake Wolfgang, and Innsbruck by train in November and December
A winter-themed itinerary focusing on indoor attractions and palaces during the day, and magical Christmas markets in the evening. Travel between the three main cities is via direct trains. A day trip to Lake Wolfgang adds a charming lakeside town atmosphere to the city markets. With early sunsets in December and temperatures often around freezing, plan outdoor activities before 4:00 PM. Avoid the peak crowds after December 20. This route is ideal for couples and older travelers.
In 2026, the Lake Wolfgang Christmas markets run from November 20 to December 20, and are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Day by day
Day 1 · Rathausplatz Christmas Market
Vienna（St. Stephen's Cathedral、Vienna City Hall）
Take the airport express train to the city center (approx. 16 mins). Take the subway to the Rathaus (City Hall) in the evening.
The Rathausplatz market is busiest in the evening; avoid weekend nights if possible.
Stay: Innere Stadt
Day 2 · Schönbrunn Palace & Karlsplatz Market
Vienna（Schönbrunn Palace、Karlskirche、Naschmarkt）
Take the subway to and from Schönbrunn Palace. Walk or take the subway to Karlsplatz in the afternoon.
Stay: Innere Stadt
Day 3 · Hofburg & Belvedere Palace Market
Vienna（Hofburg Palace、Belvedere Palace、Vienna State Opera）
Walk through the Inner City, take the tram to Belvedere Palace in the afternoon, and return to the Inner City in the evening.
Stay: Innere Stadt
Day 4 · Train to Salzburg
Salzburg & Hallstatt（Salzburg Cathedral、Hohensalzburg Fortress、Getreidegasse）
Take a direct train (approx. 2.5 hours). Head to the Old Town in the afternoon to visit the Cathedral Square Christmas Market.
Krampus runs take place around December 5; book accommodations well in advance.
Stay: Salzburg Old Town
Day 5 · Lake Wolfgang Advent Day Trip
Salzburg & Hallstatt（St. Gilgen、Wolfgangsee）
Take Bus 150 to St. Gilgen (approx. 50 mins), then transfer to a local bus or boat to St. Wolfgang.
The markets are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; plan this excursion for Wednesday through Sunday.
Stay: Salzburg Old Town
Day 6 · To Innsbruck Old Town
Innsbruck（Golden Roof & Old Town、Maria-Theresien-Straße & St. Anne's Column）
Take a direct train (approx. 1 hour 50 mins) and explore the Old Town in the afternoon.
Stay: Innsbruck Old Town
Day 7 · Mountain Market & Departure
Innsbruck（Nordkette Cable Car (Hafelekar)）
Take the cable car to Hungerburg and Hafelekar. Return to the main station in the afternoon to depart by train.
The Hungerburg market opens in the afternoon on weekdays; head up the mountain in the morning first.