10.10.2021

Winter Love in the City

Snowflakes and the magic of winter enchant us every year, but winter delights are not just to be found on the ski slopes and country-country ski trails. Austria’s cities have a great deal to offer guests in the cold seasond, too.

67 km of idyllic hiking routes surround Innsbruck, the capital of Tirol, enriching your winter city break. In Vienna, a family toboggan session can become part of your itinerary, with local hills and parks transforming into ideal runs. Or get to know the urban environment from a different perspective on a unique city tour, such as to the Spittelberg to learn about its eventful history. The architectural hotspot of Vorarlberg can be explored on individual expeditions and an interactive city guide will lead you through the highlights of Graz city centre.

Austria's Cities in Winter

BURGENLAND

Musical Winter Journey to Eisenstadt

In Eisenstadt, the capital of Burgenland, the "Haydn Explosive" exhibition is ideal for an excursion. It was here that composer Joseph Haydn was a court musician for the Esterházy family for more than 40 years. The digital Haydnwalk, a kind of virtual scavenger hunt, also leads in his footsteps.

 

CARINTHIA

Ice Skating in Klagenfurt

There are opportunities to glide across the ice on the many ponds and lakes surrounding Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia. The website of the Carinthian ice skating association, provides daily updates on which areas are safe to skate on. Popular places include the 1.5 km long Lendkanal, the Kreuzberglteich, and the Rauschelesee.

 

LOWER AUSTRIA

On Winter Paths Through St. Pölten

St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, amazes with its different architectural styles. The spectrum ranges from baroque buildings to art nouveau houses and the modern structures in the government district. In winter, the town hall square and its baroque buildings are the starting point for various city tours and walks. With the "Hearonymus" app, visitors can also explore St. Pölten on their own.

 

UPPER AUSTRIA

Marvel at Graffiti in Linz

Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is home to the largest inland harbour of the Upper Danube. Large warehouses, containers, cranes, and tracks set the scene around the three large water basins. A few years ago, the desire was expressed to brighten up the grey facades of the harbour buildings, resulting in the idea of "Mural Harbor". The colourful gallery is now home to around 300 large-scale graffitis and murals by artists from 35 nations, which visitors can check out on guided tours. The tours take place every Saturday afternoon in winter. 

 

SALZBURGERLAND

Salzburg Ice Arena

The ice arena in Salzburg's Volksgarten has 2 circuits of 300 m² and 400 m². They are connected by a 240 m long, 3 m wide ice path. There is also an indoor ice rink.

 

STYRIA

Ice Skating in Graz

In the middle of the old town of Graz, right beneath the clock tower, there is a 1,000 m² ice rink on Karmeliterplatz in winter. Beginners and experienced skaters can enjoy their rounds on the perfectly groomed ice in the picturesque city centre.

Interactive CityGuide Through Graz

Explore the top sights of Graz at your leisure whilst listening to exciting tales and background information with the interactive CityGuide. The tour leads to 17 "Beauties of Graz" and the CityGuide provides stories and anecdotes at each station. Quiz fans are invited to answer a question after each station and there is a little reward for those who solve the puzzle.  

 

VORARLBERG

Explore Vorarlberg Architecture

Vorarlberg‘s extraordinary architecture can be explored in winter, too. There are seven day tours to choose from, put together by experts. Each one focuses on two themes, such as "Architecture and Landscape", "Craft and Innovation" or "Art and Culture".

Tobogganing and Skiing in Bregenz With a View of Lake Constance

Winter sports enthusiasts have plenty of options in Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg. Glide down the slopes with a view of Lake Constance and ski all the way to Bregenz on the city’s local mountain, the 1,064 m high Pfänder, when the snow condition allows it. There is also an attractive toboggan run from the Pfänder to Bregenz, which can be reached by the Pfänderbahn cable car.

Lake Constance Boat Trips in Winter

The Lake Constance ships run on set dates throughout winter. During Christmas time, they call at the loveliest markets around the lake, with Nikolaus (St. Nicholas) accompanying some of the trips bearing gifts for the children. The New Year’s Eve cruises with dinner, music, and fireworks are very popular, and gourmets can book the evening "Fondue Ship" on various dates throughout the cold months.

 

TIROL

Winter Hiking Around Innsbruck

The 17 cleared or prepared paths near the Tirolean capital are 67 km long, with sturdy shoes and warm clothing being all you need to set off on a winter adventure. From the leisurely Mieminger Plateau to the high-alpine landscape of the Sellraintal or with cable car assistance in Oberperfuss: winter hiking gets the heart rate up and opens views of impressive mountain panoramas and romantic scenery. There are also huts to stop and warm up at along the way.

 

VIENNA

Tobogganing in Vienna

Austria’s capital has a number of places for mainly short toboggan runs. On the Jesuitenwiese meadow in the Prater, a 60 m long track leads down from the 10 m high hill. Floodlights ensure the fun can continue until 9 pm. There are toboggan hills in 15 parks including the Stadtpark, Schweizergarten, Kurpark Oberlaa, and on the Roter Berg in Hietzing. The toboggan runs from the Satzberg and in the Steinhof recreation area, both in the 14th district, are around 200 m long.

Vienna Tours in Winter

City tours on various topics – from architecture to cuisine – take place all year round in Vienna. Guided tours through Vienna’s cemeteries are particularly atmospheric in the cold season. Participants learn more about the famous personalities that have been laid to rest here and the interesting burial rites of the Viennese. The Central Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Europe. It is home to around 330,000 graves and the small "Cemetery of the Nameless".

Ice Skating in Vienna

Ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities of Vienna’s residents and visitors alike. High above the city, Vienna’s only rooftop ice rink invites you to enjoy a unique experience: the Engelmann Artificial Ice Rink was founded over 100 years ago as the world‘s first open-air artificial ice rink. It has been located on the roof of a building in the 17th district since the 1970s.

By day and night, ice skaters glide in front of the magnificent backdrop of City Hall. The approx. 8,300 m² ice surface is divided into squares and paths that wind their way through the romantically lit City Hall Park. Several stalls offer drinks and snacks.

The Wiener Eislaufverein (Viennese ice skating association) near the Stadtpark is a traditional rink with urban charm. It has been attracting figure skaters and ice dancers as well as ice hockey players, freestylers, and curlers with its 6,000 m² ice surface for more than 150 years.

The Wintergarten in the MuseumsQuartier and "ParadEIS" on the Danube Canal are also ideal for curling.

Download full text here