An Epic European Christmas Market Road Trip in Germany and Austria
10 Days in Germany and Austria Fueled by European Christmas Market Magic
In December, we set out on a 10-day road trip through Germany and Austria—a mix of city exploration, alpine skiing, and European Christmas markets. We flew into Munich, and after a few days exploring the city, rented a car from Sixt with winter tires (a must for mountain driving) and hit the road. Driving gave us the freedom to travel at our own pace and make scenic stops along the way.
Munich: Kicking Off Our Christmas Market Adventures
Our journey began in Munich, where we checked into the Hilton Munich City Center. The hotel’s location made it easy to dive straight into the city’s famous European Christmas markets. Marienplatz, the beating heart of Munich’s festivities, dazzled with ornate wooden stalls and an incredible Christmas tree, Gluewein scents filled the chilly air. We savored hearty German dishes like schnitzel and sausages paired with frothy beers at local beer halls, soaking in the warm coziness of Bavarian hospitality. Following a few days in Munich we picked up our car rental and headed to Austria on the autobahn!
Check Out Bavarian Holiday Magic: A Family Guide to Munich, Germany in December
Salzburg (Round One): Markets and Atmosphere
From Germany we crossed into Austria and landed in Salzburg for the first time. The city was lively but manageable, and the Christkindlmarkt in the historic center made a great backdrop for walking and people-watching. Between the lights strung across throughout the plaza and the choir singing carols outside of the cathedral, it was just the right amount of festive without going over the top.
Discover More Winter Family Fun in Salzburg: Christmas Markets, Music, and Austrian Delights
Zell am See: Ski Days in the Alps
From Salzburg, we drove south into the Alps to Zell am See, where we stayed at The Gast House—modern, comfortable, and centrally located. The town itself was quiet in early December, which made things easy. We spent two full days skiing: one at Kitzsteinhorn, with its glacier and high-altitude runs, and one at Schmittenhöhe, which offered great views over the lake and varied terrain. The conditions were solid, and the mix of beginner and intermediate runs worked well for us and our kids. Evenings were low-key, with dinners close to the hotel and time to recharge.
Find Our More About Family Ski Trips Made Perfect in Zell am See, Austria
Innsbruck: Awestruck Alpine Beauty
After skiing for two days we headed east to explore Innsbruck for a day. Nestled among steep alpine peaks this beautiful little city exuded winter charm. The Christmas market here was more compact but still vibrant, with unique local crafts and some great food stands. It’s walkable, photogenic, and easy to cover in a few hours and we were on our way back to Zell am See for a final night in the alps.
Salzburg (Round Two): Sound of Music and City Views
The following morning we set off for Vienna. Having decided that our initial stop in Salzburg was not complete, we made a detour to check out the classic stops that we missed on the first go-around—Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s birthplace, and wandering the old town. Having recently watched The Sound of Music we ventured out in search of a few of the featured spots. Whether or not you’re a fan, it’s a fun lens through which to see the city. Salzburg was even more relaxed the second time around, and we appreciated being able to see more without rushing. From Salzburg we drove the remaining 3 hours to Vienna, checked into our hotel and returned our rental car.
Vienna: Magnificent Christmas Markets
We wrapped up our 10 day journey in Vienna, staying at the Holiday Inn Vienna—practical, family-friendly, and well connected. The city offered more than just markets: we visited the Vienna Zoo (the world’s oldest), the Haus des Meeres Aquarium, and plenty of wide boulevards for strolling. The Christmas markets here are bigger, more varied, and spread across the city—from the incredible Rathausplatz to Spittelberg and Schönbrunn Palace. Each had a different vibe, and most were easy to explore between meals and museum visits.
Learn More about Vienna in December: The Best Christmas Markets and Winter Experiences
Final Notes
- The Drive: Renting a car was the right move. Sixt made pickup and drop-off easy, and winter tires gave us peace of mind. The highways were well maintained, and alpine driving was straightforward with a little caution.
- Timing: Early to mid-December was a sweet spot—markets were open, snow was on the ground, but it wasn’t peak holiday crowds yet.
- What Worked: Staying in just three hotels—Munich, Zell am See, and Vienna—made unpacking/repacking minimal. Using Salzburg as a mid-point twice helped break up the drive and gave us a second chance to explore it more fully.
- European Christmas Market Road Trip Travel Recap:
- Day 1: Arrived in Munich, Germany
- Day 2: Munich, Germany
- Day 3: Drive to Salzburg, Austria and then on to Zell am See, Austria
- Day 4: Skiing in Zell am See
- Day 5: Skiing in Zell am See
- Day 6: Day trip to Innsbruck, Austria and then back to Zell am See
- Day 7: Drive to Salzburg, Austria and then on to Vienna, Austria
- Day 8: Vienna, Austria
- Day 9: Vienna, Austria
- Day 10: Vienna, Austria and Departed
