Where Locals Go for Christmas: Wolfgangsee Advent Tour
Active
12h - 13h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Forget the crowds of Vienna and come along to where Austrians themselves go at Christmas — the magical villages around Lake Wolfgang.
Every year in Advent, locals leave the busy streets behind and head to Lake Wolfgang, where Christmas feels like a fairy tale. Each village has its own charm:
In St. Gilgen, the market glows with baroque lanterns, Mozart motifs, and elegant stalls.
In Strobl, the “Shepherds’ Advent” feels like stepping into a nativity scene, with animals, rustic huts, and twinkling lights by the water.
In St. Wolfgang, torches and lanterns shine across the lake, while a giant floating Advent candle glows as the symbol of the season.
With your own driver and private guide, you can take it slow — stop for photos, warm up with mulled wine, taste local treats, and shop for unique handmade gifts. This is NOT the usual Hallstatt trip. It’s a more authentic holiday escape, the one Austrians keep for themselves — and now you can experience it too.
Available options
Where Locals Go for Christmas: Wolfgangsee Advent Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pick up and drop off
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English speaking guide
Professional English speaking driver
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Vienna to Hallstatt, about 4h.
I'll tell you general information about Austria and Austrian history. We'll do a short stop at a gas station for a restroom, snack, and coffee. We will drive along a picturesque village road, past fascinating mountain views and the beautiful town of Bad Ischl, which for many years was a favorite vacation spot of the imperial family of Austria.
2
Known as the “Shepherds’ Advent,” Strobl transforms into a living nativity scene with animals, huts, and festive decorations right on the lakefront.
3
St Wolfgang 3 hours.
Christmas in the village of St. Wolfgang is a magical experience set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. As the holiday season arrives, the village is adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The central square hosts a charming Christmas market, where you can find handmade crafts, traditional Austrian treats, and mulled wine.
The lake itself adds a unique element to the atmosphere, as floating boats adorned with lights create a mesmerizing reflection on the water. People gather by the lakeside to enjoy Christmas carols and to soak in the festive ambiance.
4
The highlight of Lake Wolfgang: glowing torches, lakeside lanterns, and the famous floating Advent candle shining across the water. An unforgettable holiday scene.
5
Stop 5
Hallstatt - Vienna, about 3h.
Drop off at your hotel. The road back to Vienna, 3h 30min by car
On our road, we'll stop once on the highway for visiting the restroom and snacks.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.
Top Attractions
Schönbrunn Palace
A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour
St. Stephen's Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury
Belvedere Palace
A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.
Historical/Art/Museum
2-3 hours
€16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere
Vienna State Opera
One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-4 hours (performance length)
€10-200 depending on performance and seat
Hofburg Palace
The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours
€14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection
Must-Try Local Dishes
Wiener Schnitzel
A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.
Dinner
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Sachertorte
A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Apfelstrudel
A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Vienna Woods
Cycling along the Danube
Kayaking on the Danube
Coffee house hopping
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending opera or concert performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center
By train
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof
By bus
Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt
Leopoldstadt
Wieden
Hietzing
Day trips
Bratislava
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Salzburg
300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight
The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.
Hallstatt
200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.
Festivals
Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June
Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March
Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
- Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
- Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
- Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
