Europe at your doorstep for a dream Christmas
How to achieve a fairytale Christmas without straying too far from Italy? Snow, markets and timeless scenery await you in Austria and Switzerland. Here’s how to reach the most characteristic and fun spots…
Austria And Swiss are 2 of the perfect destinations for a Christmas from dream just outside the borders of Italy. If you want to spend Christmas outside the national borders, but without traveling too much, these are definitely the destinations to put in your sights… here’s how to reach them and what to do to celebrate the most magical days of the year in an unforgettable way!
How to reach Austria from Italy
If you want to reach Austria in airplanewhich is obviously advisable especially for those traveling from central and southern Italy, you have Vienna as the only direct link available. For the big cities of northern and central Italy there is also the very valid alternative of reaching Austria by trainwith excellent connections offered by ÖBB (Austrian Railways). By train you will have the advantage of being able to reach some of the major cities of Austria. One of the best train connections between Italy and Austria is the one offered by the night train Night cast, which will take you to Linz, Salzburg, Munich and Leoben, starting from Rome, Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Livorno but also from Udine, Venice, Brescia, Milan and Treviso. Another open option obviously remains that of reaching Austria in car. Some of the border crossings open all year round are the Brenner Passwhich connects Merano to Innsbruck or the step of the Tarvisio which connects Udine to Villach.
How to reach Switzerland from Italy
From Italy i air connections with Switzerland they are much more functional and regular from every small or large city, islands included, thanks to the national airline Swiss international airlines. Geneva, Zurich, Basel and Bern can be easily reached by train with trains departing regularly from Milan. The train remains the most recommended choice for reaching Switzerland because it will allow you to start enjoying the beauty of the landscapes even before arriving. Particularly recommended is the little train Centovalli which connects Locarno to Domodossola.
Austria not to be missed
Austria is a treasure to be discovered step by step, between large cities, small towns and paradises that open up from mountains Christmas here will really leave you speechless.
Vienna: the small market of Karlsplatz
Obviously you can’t miss the Vienna Christmasthe city crossed by Danube which will give you the opportunity to relive the places and the stories of the characters Princess Sisi, Mozart, Beethoven and Freud. We advise you to go and visit the small Christmas market on Karlsplatz in front of the church of San Carlo. The culinary peculiarity of the place is represented by organic and certified food, perfect for families
Innsbruck: The most famous market in Austria
At Christmas he has a super characteristic moment of his own, not to be missed, too Innsbruckthe capital of the Alps, where you can visit the market of Tyrolean among the most beautiful in Europe. True paradise also for women walk and excursions dedicated to trekkinghere you will certainly be able to organize days without limits!
READ ALSO: Tyrolean Christmas Markets: 6 unique locations between Italy and Austria!
The Region of Carinthia: Christmas on the “thousand” lakes
Another paradise not to be missed in Austria is the one “designed” by a thousand lakes of the region of Carinthia. There are at least 40 large lakes and they are wonderful to see even when, as in this period, their surfaces become ice. The “Christkindlmarkt” Christmas Market in the Neuer Platz will be your destination for Christmas in Carinthia. Furthermore, the peculiarity of this market is that from 27 to 31 December it becomes Silvermarktthe special market of New Year’s. Another unique experience to do for the Austrian Christmas in the lake region, is the path of theKatschberg Adventa winter hike at over 1700 meters of altitude in the spectacular scenery of the nature reserve of Gontal on the Katschberg.
Switzerland not to be missed
To have so many days available, Switzerland would have to go from top to bottom. If you have only a few days available for the Christmas holidays, then focus on visiting at least these unmissable places
Zurich: Christkindlmarkt the most beautiful market in the city
Historic city, the largest in Switzerland, is divided in 2 by the river Limmat. In addition to the masterpieces of Gothic architecture, do not miss a visit to the famous cathedral of Fraumünsterwhose stained glass windows are the work of Giacometti e Chagal. Taking a walk on the monumental Munster bridge you can access the Lindenhof district, which represents the oldest nucleus of the city. At Zurich main station you can visit the Christkindlmarktone of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the city.
Bern, the market show on Kleine Schainze
The Swiss capital is a masterpiece medieval everything to discover. Inserted among the World Heritage Sites Unesco, here you can spend unforgettable Christmas days in which you will feel like you are in a fairy tale. On the Kleine Schainze of Bern you will find a super Christmas market where you can enjoy the traditions and art of confectionery Swiss.
Montreaux: Let’s go find out Montreaux Noël
Let’s go to Montréux, where you will find one of the most suggestive places you can imagine. Here you will find one of the most beautiful village-markets in the whole area Europe. Montreaux Noël: events, animations, Santa Claus’ house, shows and the woodcutters’ New Year’s Eve await you here. You have all the information to achieve a fairytale Christmas, choose where to aim… and enjoy it!