A Sparkling Austrian Christmas
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Winter in the city of Salzburg ©Tourismus Salzburg GmbH
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Christmas Market in Salzburg ©Tourismus Salzburg GmbH
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Christmas Market in Salzburg ©Tourismus Salzburg GmbH, Photographer Guenter Breitegger
This year, why not enjoy a traditional Austrian Christmas in the picturesque town of St Johann im Pongau
Located just 50 miles south of the charming city of Salzburg, St Johann im Pongau is renowned for its dramatic scenery and festive atmosphere. The town boasts shops, bars and cafes, all within walking distance of the hotel in the heart of the village centre. Warm up with mulled wine, cookies and roasted chestnuts on Christmas Eve and enjoy a sparkling Austrian Christmas with a traditional Austrian dinner on Christmas Day accompanied by some traditional Christmas music.
The town’s mountain scenery will give the break a festive feel with many snow covered peaks visible from the hotel. Alternatively, why not head higher into the mountains for a scenic drive through the Ziller Valley and see the Kitzbühel Alps. Salzburg is especially beautiful during the Christmas period, with the Christmas markets still running and many festive decorations and events taking place. An excursion to Salzburg will certainly get you in the Christmas mood! Also located nearby is the beautiful lakeside town of Halstatt, one of Austria’s oldest and most photographed villages. Perhaps take a cruise across the lake and soak in the iconic scenery featured on many Christmas cards.
Dates
December 2024 and 2025 on request
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Metz
Depart from your local area in the UK and make your way to Calais for a ferry crossing. Upon arrival in Calais, head to Metz, where you can enjoy dinner in your hotel and relax.
Day 2
Metz Christmas Markets
Today explore Metz and visit the second most-visited Christmas markets in France! Begin your tour soaking up the magical, cosy atmosphere of Metz’s Christmas markets. The traditional wooden huts welcome you on this festive adventure. Potter around the glowing stalls as you shop for quirky souvenirs and gifts.
Day 3
Arrive in Austria
Today you will continue to beautiful Austria. Check into the Hotel Brückenwirt in St Johann im Pongau and enjoy a 3 course dinner.
Day 4
Excursion to Hallstatt
Embark on a half-day excursion to the quaint village of Hallstatt. Nestled between the edge of Hallstätter Lake and the towering Dachstein mountains, Austria’s oldest and possibly most photographed village is something like a mirage in the Salzkammergut Lake Region. The best way to experience the magnitude of this beautiful village is with a ferry ride across the lake (subject to weather conditions in winter). As the arresting scenery of a tiny village tucked between mountains and water comes into view, you will immediately want to know more about this destination. Take a short walk from the market square to take your very own snapshot and capture the delightful houses built into the mountain, the glass-like lake, and the amazing mountains in the background.
Day 5
At Leisure
Wrap up warm and stroll around the traditional village of St Johann im Pongau. In the afternoon, why not relax and make use of the hotel’s excellent swimming pool and spa facilities? With a heated outdoor pool open all year round, you don’t have to get wrapped up to soak in the scenery.
Day 6
Christmas Shopping in Salzburg
Explore Salzburg today with a guided walking tour, then spend time at leisure to further enjoy the romantic fairy-tale city and birthplace of Mozart. It offers a combination of history, art, culture and architecture surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Stroll around the Salzburg Christmas markets. With its traditional flair and special atmosphere the markets are the perfect setting to get into the Christmas mood. The beautiful Cathedral Square, the traditional stalls and the quality of products sold charm visitors year after year. The streets are filled with unmistakable smells of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, potatoes pancakes, mulled wine and many more.
Day 7
Zell am See & Kitzbühel
The busy town of Zell am See has long been a favourite with visitors from the UK. Sitting on the banks of Lake Zell, and with the Hohe Tauern mountains behind, the setting is often described as one of Austria’s most beautiful. We will continue to medieval Kitzbühel, where there’s time to explore this town of colourful buildings and quaint churches. Enjoy the town’s charming Christmas markets or perhaps head to the picturesque lake, known to freeze over in winter.
Day 8
Depart Austria for France
The time has come to bed farewell to Austria. Depart early in order to reach Metz for your overnight stay in the hotel. From your base in Metz, you can enjoy the Christmas festivities in the city or pop across the border to Trier or even visit Nancy.
Day 9
Return to the UK
Depart Metz and head to Calais for youeturn ferry crossing. Arriving back on UK soil, continue your journey home.
Featured hotel
Hotel Brückenwirt in St Johann im Pongau
Popular centrally located family-run hotel. All bedrooms with balcony and seating area. The hotel has a lift to all floors, restaurant with menu choice for dinner, café and sun terrace. Free entrance to wellness area and sauna. Live music and dancing (seasonal). Free coach parking available at the hotel.
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- Brückenwirt St Johann im Pongau Restaurant
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- Brückenwirt St Johann im Pongau Double room
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- Hotel Brückenwirt, St Johann im Pongau, Austria
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| December 2024 and 2025 | Prices available on request |
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