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Exploring the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna, Austria, transforms into a winter wonderland every holiday season, with festive Christmas markets that exude charm, tradition, and a magical atmosphere. From historic squares to grand palaces, the Christmas markets in Vienna offer a picturesque setting for visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth of the season. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious holiday treats, or simply a cozy place to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive cheer, Vienna’s Christmas markets are a must-see.
1. Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz
Located in front of the magnificent Vienna City Hall (Rathaus), the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is one of the most iconic Christmas markets in the city. With its stunning backdrop of neo-Gothic architecture, this market is a highlight of the holiday season. Visitors can wander through a forest of twinkling lights, browse over 150 stalls offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to holiday decorations, and sample delicious seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts, hot mulled wine (Glühwein), and sugar-coated almonds. The market also hosts a large ice skating rink, adding to the festive fun.
2. Schwedenplatz Christmas Market
For a slightly more intimate and romantic experience, head to the Schwedenplatz Christmas Market. Located along the Danube Canal, this market offers a unique atmosphere with beautifully decorated stalls set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s skyline and water. Here, you’ll find local artisans selling handmade gifts, winter apparel, and seasonal delicacies. The focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products makes it an appealing stop for those looking for environmentally conscious holiday shopping.
3. Spittelberg Christmas Market
Nestled in one of Vienna’s oldest neighborhoods, the Spittelberg Christmas Market is perfect for those who appreciate a more quaint and cozy setting. Spittelberg is a charming district filled with narrow cobblestone streets, and during Christmas, these streets come alive with festive lights and charming market stalls. Local artisans offer handmade crafts, jewelry, and decorations, while food stalls serve delicious Viennese delicacies like roasted meats, mulled wine, and gingerbread. The intimate atmosphere and historic charm make this market a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
4. Belvedere Palace Christmas Market
For a regal Christmas market experience, head to the Belvedere Palace, a stunning Baroque masterpiece surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Belvedere Christmas Market combines elegance with festive cheer, offering a more refined shopping and dining experience. The market features high-quality artisanal goods, including handmade jewelry, decorative items, and winter clothing. Enjoy hot chocolate, mulled wine, and pastries while soaking in the serene beauty of the palace grounds. This market’s peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for those looking to escape the larger crowds.
5. Prater Christmas Market
Set in the famous Prater Park, the Prater Christmas Market offers a festive escape in a green oasis within the city. With its carousel rides, twinkling lights, and large Christmas tree, the Prater market brings joy to visitors of all ages. Stalls offer traditional Christmas items, from wooden toys to festive ornaments, and a variety of Austrian snacks and sweets. The market is especially popular with families, thanks to its more relaxed vibe and entertainment options for children.
6. Karlsplatz Christmas Market
For a market that combines culture, history, and holiday spirit, visit the Christmas Market at Karlsplatz, situated in front of the impressive Karlskirche (St. Charles Church). The market is known for its focus on authentic, artisanal goods and crafts, including handmade candles, wooden toys, and unique decorations. The picturesque church, with its Baroque architecture and grand dome, provides a breathtaking backdrop to the market. Here, visitors can enjoy Austrian specialties such as traditional sausages, pretzels, and a warm cup of Glühwein.
7. Maria-Theresien-Platz Christmas Market
At the heart of Vienna’s museum quarter, the Christmas Market at Maria-Theresien-Platz offers a festive escape right next to the magnificent Natural History Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The square is beautifully lit, with over 70 stalls offering a variety of Christmas goods, including toys, decorations, and food. The market is particularly well known for its diverse range of handcrafted gifts, making it a great place to find something truly unique. The grandeur of the museums combined with the festive cheer of the market creates a magical experience.
8. Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung
Located in the historic Freyung Square, the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt at Freyung is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Vienna. This market takes visitors back in time with its traditional wooden stalls, offering a delightful selection of handmade crafts, antiques, and seasonal treats. The market’s nostalgic charm is complemented by its location, which is surrounded by beautiful period buildings. It’s the perfect place to find authentic, old-fashioned Christmas gifts while sipping on a warm cup of spiced punch or mulled wine.
9. Wintermarkt at Schloss Schönbrunn
For a more aristocratic holiday experience, visit the Wintermarkt at the grand Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial residence. The market here is smaller but no less enchanting, with elegant stalls set against the palace’s majestic architecture. The market emphasizes high-quality, artisanal products, such as handmade candles, pottery, and jewelry. Enjoy a scenic stroll through the palace grounds, sample delicious pastries, and soak in the festive atmosphere in this regal setting.
Conclusion
Vienna’s Christmas markets are a celebration of tradition, charm, and warmth. Whether you’re strolling through the grand squares in front of historic palaces or exploring the quaint, cobbled streets of Spittelberg, each market offers a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories. The combination of festive lights, delicious treats, and the city’s stunning architecture creates the perfect setting to embrace the holiday spirit in Vienna. So, wrap up warm, sip on some mulled wine, and enjoy the magical atmosphere that makes Vienna’s Christmas markets some of the most beautiful in the world.
Zanimljivosti
U susjednoj zemlji za prometni prekršaj dobio kaznu od 106.000 eura
58-godišnji Švicarac vozio je preblizu drugom vozilu na autocesti. Sada je osuđen na veliku novčanu kaznu.
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58-godišnjak je 23. ožujka vozio svoj automobil autocestom A1 prema Zürichu. “Policijski video dokazi pokazuju kako vozač prati vozilo ispred sebe na nedovoljnoj udaljenosti”, navodi se u presudi Saveznog suda.
Kako je vidljivo iz odluke Višeg suda, udaljenost od automobila ispred mora biti šestina brzinomjera. “Ovo nije proizvoljna odluka”, presudio je Savezni sud. Osim toga, podupire odluku Višeg suda koji je mjerio udaljenost kroz smjernice. Savezni sud stoga potvrđuje kaznu. Milijunaš se nadao da će svojom žalbom postići oslobađajuću presudu.
Kazna je tolika jer Švicarac ima oporezivi prihod od preko 1,6 milijuna franaka.
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Budućnost je električna, zbog čega je fokus sajma mobilnosti također na e-mobilnosti, koja će biti najsnažniji pokretač rasta u budućnosti – ne samo u pogledu ciljeva EU-a za CO2.
