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Exploring the European Christmas markets by train is a fun, easy, and adventurous way to experience the continent during the festive season. My 7-day itinerary will take you through Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna — three cities that truly capture the magic of Christmas, each in its own unique way.
I chose these destinations because they’re home to some of the best Christmas markets in the world, all conveniently connected by short and scenic train rides.
Having lived near Salzburg and Vienna, I can tell you firsthand how beautiful these cities are year-round — but come December, they transform. Twinkling lights fill the streets, market stalls brim with handmade gifts, and the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon lingers in the air. This is the ultimate Christmas adventure!
And if you’ve got extra time, consider extending your trip with my 14-day European Christmas Markets itinerary, where even more charming towns, traditions, and twinkling market squares await.
Why Explore European Christmas Markets by Train?
Exploring Europe’s Christmas markets by train is one of the best ways to hop from city to city. With Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna only a couple of hours apart by rail, it’s easy and convenient to travel between them. Plus, it offers some seriously scenic views along the way.
Unlike driving, train travel is stress-free — you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride without worrying about traffic or parking.
Your 7-Day European Christmas Markets by Train Itinerary
Europe is bursting with Christmas markets, but Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna are the ones you absolutely can’t miss. Here’s how to make the most of your 7-Day European Christmas Markets by Train adventure:
- 2 days in Munich
- 2 days in Salzburg
- 3 days in Vienna
This gives you enough time in each city to soak up the festive atmosphere while also doing some sightseeing along the way. Plus, it’s not too rushed, so you won’t return home exhausted!
Munich Christmas Markets by Train: Highlights and Tips
- Visit the Magical Christmas Markets: Munich’s Christkindlmarkt in Marienplatz is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful Christmas Markets, with charming stalls, festive treats, and a huge Christmas tree. However, it’s not the only one that Munich has to offer; in fact, the city has over 20 other markets, such as Tollwood, Kripperlmarkt, and Pink Christmas. For a more in-depth experience, join a guided tour around Munich’s Christmas markets.
- Ice-Skate at Münchner Eiszauber: Skate on Munich’s largest mobile rink at Karlsplatz. With stunning lights, delicious food, and themed events, it’s the perfect way to spend a day in Munich this winter.
- Ride the ChristkindlTram: Hop aboard the festive ChristkindlTram, a vintage tram serving gingerbread and mulled wine while touring Munich’s landmarks. Tickets are available at Sendlinger Tor.
- Join the Krampus Run: In December, you can watch (or join) the famous Krampus Run in Marienplatz, in which participants dress as the terrifying Christmas monster. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure!
- Curl on the Nymphenburg Canal: When the Nymphenburg Palace Canal freezes over, the locals flock there to do a spot of curling or ice-skating. You could join in or go for a lovely winter walk in the surrounding palace grounds.
- Sample Delicacies at Viktualienmarkt: Explore the festive stalls of Viktualienmarkt, where you’ll find delicious food and drink options, including their world-famous Glühwein.
- Attend a Christmas Concert at Hercules Hall: Catch a Christmas concert in Hercules Hall, one of Munich’s most stunning venues.
Salzburg Christmas Markets by Train: What Not to Miss
- Explore the Enchanting Christmas Markets: Salzburg’s oldest and most iconic Christmas market is set beneath the fortress in Cathedral Square, dating back to the 15th century. Stroll through the twinkling wooden chalets, sip mulled wine, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Smaller markets also pop up around the city, including at Mirabell Square and Hohensalzburg Fortress Courtyard, so make sure to check these out too.
- Ice Skate on Mozart Square: In winter, Mozartplatz transforms into a magical ice rink. Surrounded by the Cathedral and Residenzplatz, it’s a picturesque spot for skating. You can also hire skates once you’re there.
- Enjoy a Mozart Concert at Hohensalzburg Fortress: Mozart was born in Salzburg, and what better place to experience some of his music than the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress? This Christmas classical concert will put you straight in the festive spirit with traditional Salzburg carols. With breathtaking views over the city, it’s an absolute must-do!
- Take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride: For a truly magical experience, take a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride in Ramsau. Enjoy a cosy ride through the snow-capped woods, a delicious lunch in a traditional Alpine town, and unforgettable winter landscapes.
- Experience Advent Magic at Hellbrunn Palace: Just 20 minutes from the city centre, Hellbrunn Palace offers a festive wonderland. From late November to Christmas Eve, enjoy a charming Christmas market with treats and handmade gifts. And, don’t miss the reindeer-pulled sleigh rides!
Vienna Christmas Markets by Train: A Festive Guide
- Explore Vienna’s Magical Christmas Markets: Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s most famous, with over 100 stalls and a giant tree. The city boasts 12 Christmas markets, including those at Stephansplatz, Karlsplatz, and Maria-Theresien Platz. For an unforgettable experience, join a guided tour of Vienna’s Christmas markets, where you’ll uncover fascinating stories about Austria’s Christmas traditions, indulge in sweet treats, and sip on festive drinks.
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace at Christmas: Schönbrunn Palace, once the Habsburgs’ summer residence, hosts a charming Christmas market with arts, crafts, and seasonal treats, alongside open-air concerts.
- Discover Belvedere’s Quiet Christmas Markets: The Belvedere Palace offers a more peaceful market with beautiful handcrafted gifts, food, and a festive atmosphere, open from mid-November to December.
- Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Take a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna’s Old Town, passing landmarks like the Hofburg, Parliament, and Town Hall, with stunning views of the Christmas markets.
- Attend an Advent Concert: Vienna, with its rich musical heritage, offers incredible Christmas concerts, including a Strauss and Mozart Christmas Concert in Kursalon and a Christmas and New Year’s Concert in St. Peter’s Church.
Must-Try Treats and Drinks at Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna Markets
One of the best things about visiting the Christmas markets in Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna is getting to try the delicious food and drink. Here are some festive local treats in each city that you shouldn’t miss:
- In Munich, don’t miss Bratwurst sausages, freshly baked Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Gebrannte Mandeln (candied almonds), and warming Glühwein (mulled wine) served in festive mugs.
- Salzburg offers sweet treats like Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents), Marroni (roasted chestnuts), delicious Apple Strudel, and traditional Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake) dusted with icing sugar.
- Meanwhile, in Vienna, make sure to try the traditional Austrian Krapfen (doughnuts), Kärntner Kasnudeln (apple and nut-filled pastries), and hot mulled wine to keep you cosy.
Best Train Routes Between Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna
Hopping on a train is one of the best ways to get around Europe. For instance, the direct train from Munich Hbf to Salzburg Hbf takes just 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option.
Then, from Salzburg Hbf to Vienna Hbf, the train ride is just 2 hours and 25 minutes, giving you plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful Austrian views.
Booking your tickets on RailEurope makes it super simple to get your Christmas market adventure started!
I’d suggest booking in advance or as soon as you get your flights and accommodation sorted, as ticket prices can increase as you get closer to your travel dates.
Tips for Travelling Between the European Christmas Markets by Train
Whether you follow this itinerary or embark on your own European Christmas market tour, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some tips to make your adventure all the smoother and more enjoyable:
- Decide which cities to visit: There are so many to choose from! You could go to Dresden for traditional German charm, Vienna for stunning architecture and backdrops, or Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas”. Research which ones you want to visit.
- Timing Matters: Christmas markets typically run from late November through to the end of December, but make sure to check the opening dates of the markets you want to visit ahead of time. Visiting earlier in the season and mid-week will help you dodge the biggest crowds. Be sure to check local event calendars too – so you don’t miss festive concerts, special performances, or even the slightly terrifying Krampus parades in Munich and Salzburg.
- Book Travel, Train Tickets, and Accommodation Early: Christmas in Europe can be a popular season, so get everything organised early, as it means you’ll get things cheaper and will have more options.
- Packing Essentials: Europe is freezing in winter, so make sure to pack warm thermal layers, gloves, scarves, and comfortable, waterproof shoes are a must.
Following these tips will help you have a stress-free adventure through Europe’s best Christmas markets.
Where to Stay Near These European Christmas Markets
Whatever your budget, this 7-day European Christmas Markets train itinerary can be tailored to suit you. From budget-friendly stays to luxurious options, I’ve included a mix of accommodations for each city below.
Best Places to Stay in Munich at Christmas
You couldn’t get closer to the Munich Christmas market than at BEYOND by Geisel. Not only is this hotel luxurious and highly rated, but some rooms come with panoramic views of the Town Hall or Rindermarkt square. The only downside is that it’s fairly expensive… maybe an early Christmas present… from you, to you?!
Another great option that’s just as close to Marienplatz is the Platzl Hotel. This hotel is not only gorgeous, but it is a slightly cheaper option than BEYOND. And, for those of you on a strict budget, the Premier Inn München City Zentrum, is much more budget-friendly, and with comfortable beds and a good location, it’s worth every penny!
Best Places to Stay in Salzburg at Christmas
If luxury is what you’re after, then the Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt in the heart of Salzburg is hard to beat. It’s only a stone’s throw away from the Christmas markets, so after hours of exploring the chilly streets, you won’t have far to travel to return to your incredibly comfortable room.
Another beautiful option is the IMLAUER HOTEL PITTER in Salzburg – with its breathtaking views of the city and the fortress, it doesn’t get much better than this. I seriously want to stay here; it looks absolutely incredible! These two are quite expensive options, so for those on a budget, check out soom Salzburg I Capsule Hotel.
Best Places to Stay in Vienna at Christmas
For a truly unforgettable overnight stay, the Park Hyatt takes the crown being one of Vienna’s most exquisite five-star hotels. It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Christmas Markets, plus with a swimming pool and spa, it’s the perfect place to unwind, relax, and warm up after a full day of sightseeing in the cold. With similar amenities, but at a more palatable price, is the Hotel Sans Souci Wien.
Vienna does naturally tend to be more expensive than Munich and Salzburg, but for those looking for something cheaper, Hotel Indigo Vienna or Hotel Erzherzog Rainer are both great options.
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Kirsty
