Christmas Magic in the Vienna Woods: Abbey, Baden, Advent Markets

Vienna , Austria

Christmas Magic in the Vienna Woods: Abbey, Baden, Advent Markets

Active

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Vienna’s markets are world-famous — but they can be crowded and overwhelming. This private tour offers something different: an escape into the peaceful Vienna Woods, where history, light, and festive traditions blend into an unforgettable holiday experience.

Begin at Heiligenkreuz Abbey, a living monastery where Romanesque halls and candlelit chapels carry the quiet spirit of Advent. Continue to Baden, where the town’s Advent Market fills the streets with twinkling lights, handmade gifts, and the aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

On selected dates, your evening ends with something truly special:
- Laxenburg Palace Christmas Garden (Wed–Fri): stroll through imperial gardens transformed into a glowing wonderland of light and sound.
- Medieval Water Castle Market (Sat–Sun): step into a fairy-tale fortress by the water, where torches, music, and artisan stalls bring the Middle Ages to life.

This tour lets you slow down and capture memories away from Vienna’s busy city center.

Available options

Christmas Magic in the Vienna Woods: Abbey, Baden, Advent Markets

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Wine tasting

Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation from Vienna and back

Professional English speaking guide

Professional English speaking driver

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our first destination is Heiligenkreuz Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1133. One of the oldest continuously active monasteries in the world, it is a breathtaking example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. We will explore its peaceful cloisters and historic chapels, soaking in the timeless, spiritual atmosphere. This is a place where history feels alive. (Entrance fee is included in the tour price).

After the abbey, we will travel to the elegant spa town of Baden bei Wien. You will have ample time to explore its famous "Advent Mile," a charming Christmas market that stretches through the town's center. Bright wooden stalls, holiday music, and the scent of gingerbread — Baden’s Advent Market is small, cozy, and filled with local traditions.

Laxenburg Palace Christmas Garden (Wednesdays–Fridays, Nov–Dec)
As dusk falls, we journey to a modern winter fairytale: the Christmas Garden at Laxenburg Palace Park. You will walk along a spectacular two-kilometer trail adorned with millions of lights, glittering installations, and festive music. It's a truly magical and immersive experience for all ages. (Entrance ticket to the Christmas Garden is included).

Medieval Water Castle Market (Saturdays–Sundays)
we visit one of the region's most romantic markets, held in the courtyard of a medieval "water castle" (a castle surrounded by a moat). This smaller, highly atmospheric market focuses on high-quality arts, crafts, and regional culinary delights.

Stop 5

After a day of quiet festive charm, relax on the drive back to Vienna. Drop-off at your hotel is included.

What's not included

Gratuities for the guide&driver (optional)

Personal expenses at the Christmas market

Food and drinks at the Christmas markets

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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