Vienna in Winter
Where art, culture, and the joy of life come together

Vienna in winter: Where city charm meets adventure. Whether in a museum, a café, or on the ice – the city offers a world of new experiences, perfect for urban explorers!

“When someone goes on a journey, they have stories to tell.” In Vienna, that couldn’t be easier! Even in winter, there’s plenty for the curious to discover.

History comes alive at historic sites, palaces, and museums, offering something for the whole family to enjoy. Vienna is blessed with abundant art and culture that captivates even the youngest visitors. It’s presented engagingly, and designed to inspire discovery and spark curiosity. Culture draws us in, especially when we can get creative, making anything possible!

For a change of pace, enjoy the lively atmosphere at the ice rink in front of Vienna’s City Hall or try a few rounds of curling outside the MuseumsQuartier.

Facts about the City
Inhabitants:approx. 1.8 million (largest city in Austria)
State capital:Vienna is both a province and the provincial capital
Area:approx. 415 km²
Altitude:151 m (Lobau) to 542 m (Hermannskogel)
Viewpoints:Danube Tower, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hermannskogel

The Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel is one of the oldest in the world and offers spectacular views of the city. An iconic symbol of Vienna and a highlight of the Prater.

Meet Vienna

Top highlights

Tours

Museums and galleries

Ball Season in Austria

New year in Vienna

Culture, waltzes, and a world-famous concert

At the turn of the year, Vienna dazzles in festive splendour. The New Year's Eve Trail draws visitors with vibrant stalls, music, and twinkling lights, while the scent of punch and roasted almonds fills the air. The world-famous Vienna Philharmonics New Year's Concert marks the perfect start to the year, capturing the essence of Viennese culture and joy.

Celebrations begin early, with people of all ages gathering on the New Year's Eve Trail for dancing and live music. As midnight approaches, crowds flock to the best viewpoints to admire the fireworks and welcome the new year together – a true Viennese tradition.

Music is in the air

Vienna: City of music

In the city of music, the Vienna Philharmonic is Vienna’s cultural flagship. Conductors from around the world consider it an honour to lead the New Year’s Concert in the 'Golden Hall' of the Musikverein – an acoustic masterpiece. The Vienna Boys' Choir also enchants audiences worldwide with their singing.

But Vienna offers more than just classical music: The jazz scene thrives at the Porgy & Bess club, while electronic beats pulse along the Danube Canal.

At Christmas, Vienna’s churches turn their grand halls into spaces filled with magical sounds. Whether classical choirs or festive organ music, these concerts fill the city with a reflective atmosphere, bringing Christmas magic to the heart of Vienna.

Sights in Vienna

Top events

Famous personalities

Experience culinary Vienna

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Green Vienna

Sustainability in Vienna

The trees

The “Vienna City Gardens” manage and maintain nearly half a million trees: 95,000 street and avenue trees, 188,400 park trees, 1,900 trees on industrial sites, and around 200,000 forest trees, such as those in the Wiener Prater.

Urban farms

Surprisingly, Vienna hosts about 800 farms. They produce more cucumbers than the rest of Austria combined and contribute significantly to the harvest of aubergines, parsley, tomatoes, and peppers.

Green spaces

Fields, parks, vineyards, forests, and gardens: thanks to the Vienna Woods and the Danube Wetlands, almost half of Vienna's total area is green space. The Hietzing district is the greenest, with about 70% green coverage.

Sustainable mobility

Vienna has 162 public transport lines used by over 966 million passengers annually. The city excels in sustainable mobility: 73% use public transport to get to work, 44% walk, 13% cycle, and only 33% drive.

Enjoy Vienna mobile and relaxed

Vienna travel cards

Visitors enjoy discounts, free admission, public transport mobility, and many special offers for their stay from the very first day.

Vienna City Card

Vienna Pass

Vienna Flexi Pass

Vienna Welcome Card

FAQs

  • Prater

  • Spanish Riding School

  • Belvedere Palace

  • Musikverein

  • Schönbrunn Palace

  • Vienna State Opera House

  • St. Stephen's Cathedral

  • Museum of Art History

In Vienna, the offer ranges from museum visits to Christmas markets to sports such as ice skating, tobogganing or curling.

On the website of the Vienna Tourist Board, you will find an extensive Calendar of events.

Vienna’s uniqueness lies in its blend of art, culture, architecture, music, and charming character. It keeps the tradition alive while skillfully combining it with modern elements.

5 reasons why Vienna offers such high quality of life

  1. Green spaces are close by
    You can reach a nearby recreational area, such as the Danube Island, in just 15 minutes from the city centre.

  2. Public transport runs smoothly
    Viennese love their public transport like trams, buses, and the U-Bahn. The U-Bahn even runs all night on weekends.

  3. Pure drinking water from the tap
    The city’s drinking water comes directly from the Lower Austrian and Styrian Alps through high-quality pipelines.

  4. The city is spotless
    Streets, parks, and public spaces are immaculately clean, thanks to excellent waste collection and cleaning services.

  5. Everything at a relaxed pace
    Vienna’s coffee houses and wine taverns have long encouraged a laid-back mentality: In Vienna, there’s no rush.

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