Who says you have to hole up at home in winter? Or just visit some of the best ski resorts in Austria to remember winter holidays? There are just too many great activities to do in Vienna during the cold season! So turn off Netflix and get outside – these 10 winter activities are not to be missed!
Vienna has a particularly magical atmosphere in winter – festive Christmas markets, snow-covered parks and cozy cafes invite you to linger during the cold season. If you’re planning to spend this winter indoors, you should quickly dismiss this idea. I’ll show you 10 great winter activities in Vienna that you should definitely try!
The best winter activities in Vienna
Social evening in the fire village
You want to spend a social evening with your friends, but don’t know where to go in winter? Then I have a great tip for you – just organize a private barbecue party directly at the Danube Canal! Yes, that’s exactly what’s possible at the ingenious Feuerdorf – until the end of March you can rent one of the 12 chalets for a small barbecue session. You can choose from six different grill menus and a veggie menu, starting at €19 per person. You don’t have to pay anything for the chalet rental during the day, only after 6 p.m. a fee of 120€ in total is due. On Sundays, the chalets can be rented for free all day.
Pure relaxation in the Kempinski Spa
Who doesn’t know that – especially in winter you are often burnt out and can use a little time out. That’s why you should pamper yourself during the cold season and take a spa day. I can especially recommend the spa area of the luxurious Palais Hansen Kempinski, which is also accessible to non-hotel guests. A day pass for 3 hours costs 35€ during the week and 45€ on weekends, but you have to book in advance. On site, you can relax in the Hydra pool, dive into the sauna world, or treat yourself to a hot stone massage.
Ice skating at Rathausplatz
The Vienna Ice Room is definitely one of the coolest highlights in winter! The huge ice skating rink will be set up in front of the city hall again this year and sweeten the cold season for us. Whether you’re planning a romantic date or maybe want to spend a nice evening with your kids – this is the place to be! Grab your skates and turn a few pirouettes in front of the impressive backdrop of the town hall. This year it starts on January 18, but even before that a small part of the ice rink is open. Guru tip: you can easily book a hotel or rent an apartment at https://karta.com if you plan to stay in Vienna for the Christmas holidays.
A walk through the Vienna Central district
I think there is nothing better than a relaxing winter walk. Instead of going straight home after work, you can just get some fresh air for half an hour and stroll through Vienna’s city center, for example. As early as November, the Kärntner Straße is decorated with elaborate light decorations and offers a dreamlike sight. Just stroll up Rotenturmstraße to Graben and let the great atmosphere take effect on you.
A cozy afternoon at Café Central
Do you prefer to stay warm? Then spend a winter afternoon at the famous Café Central and treat yourself to a classic Viennese Melange. Coffee houses are simply ideal for escaping the cold and reading a book or meeting up with friends in a cozy atmosphere. And while you’re there, be sure to try the sweet treats like apple strudel and Sachertorte – it’s a great way to endure the winter!
● Culture Sunday at the Albertina
For most of you, Sunday is probably a day of rest – but you could also use the last day of the week for a cultural program. How about a visit to the Albertina, for example? The art museum in the 1st district is not only architecturally a feast for the eyes, but also offers an extensive collection. Currently you can experience the Claude Monet exhibition until January 6 and dive into the world of the important French painter. But also the other works of Picasso, Miro or Klimt are absolutely worth seeing!
● Punschen on the Christkindlmarkt
What would winter be without Christmas markets and punch? Fortunately, this year it starts quite early – the first Christmas markets have already opened since the beginning of November and spread Christmas spirit. But before the Christmas rush really gets going, you have to treat yourself to a few mugs of punch – whether it’s on Spittelberg, in front of Schönbrunn Palace or on Rathausplatz, Vienna offers a wide selection of magical Christmas markets.
● A full load of action at laser tag
You prefer a bit of action in winter? I have a suitable activity for you – round up your best friends and play a round of laser tag! In the LaserMAXX hall on Roßauer Lände you can be a kid again for one day and really let off steam. After the exciting battle, you’ll be rewarded with a few drinks at the bar. Laser tag is the ideal way to escape the dreary winter and have some real fun.
Vacation feeling in the Palm House
In the palm house in the Burggarten there is a vacation feeling all year round! Here, as the name suggests, you can enjoy coffee and cake surrounded by numerous palm trees or treat yourself to a really fancy dinner. On Fridays, there is even a DJ who provides a party atmosphere. If you simply want to block out the winter for a few hours, this is the place for you! By the way, you can also have breakfast here, but it’s best to reserve a table in advance!
Sipping cocktails in the Sign Lounge
Last but not least, I have a bar tip for you – a good drink is perfect to warm up in cold temperatures! In the Sign Lounge in the 9th district you get excellent cocktails in a cozy atmosphere – the bar has already won several awards and is one of the best in Vienna. Just let the friendly bartenders conjure up an individual drink for you – believe me, you won’t regret it!
You see – you can have fun even in winter and you don’t have to hide in bed! What do you think – do you like to be active in winter or do you prefer to stay at home? Leave me a comment and let me know! And if you want to escape from the cold, you can of course book a vacation directly with me 😉
