Vienna, Salzburg or Munich - where to go in December?

[DreadingItBadly]

Posting for traffic, please forgive me.

Choosing a destination for a 4-5 day trip before Christmas. The idea is either Vienna or Salzburg+Munich. Travelling with 2 teens (14 and 18).

If you have been to any of the above, any advice/recommendations please?

Salzburg - but if you have time take a day out to a snowy resort like Zell am See (by train or bus) if the weather forecast is sunny and go up the mountain, even if you don't ski - or split the time between Salzburg and Munich.

Re. the new 2G regulations. You don't need a Green Pass or any app. as long as you can show proof of double vaccination or recovery. The NHS app is OK as proof, but do take paper copies in case your phone dies in the cold or you can't access the info. I understand that there may be a problem for the child that is "recovered" - the NHS does not seem to be providing any certificates for 14 year olds. Without the certificate (or other proof) your family won't be able to check in to hotels or holiday accommodation or eat in restaurants or cafes. But assuming that you can access the correct certificates, you're correct that there is no requirement for quarantine.

I echo others saying all 3 lovely…

I’ve been to Vienna in December for Christmas markets and it was gorgeous. Plenty for both teens and DH to do I would say.

Munich and Salzburg I’ve only been to in summer, but I also hear good things about them in winter.

Sorry, spectacularly unhelpful!!

Munich I imagine is the same as most German cities.

Well it isn't! It is the capital of Bavaria and has a very distinct character of its own - blending both the traditions of southern Germany with the sophistication of a city, and is in close proximity to the Alps.

Vienna and Salzburg are both amazing at that time so you can’t go wrong with either.

For 4 days before Christmas I’d probably do Salzburg - it’s smaller and more manageable.

I wonder which is more expensive though? In terms of good/ drink/ accommodation?

I've been to all three and I'd recommend all.

If you want a lot of stuff to do in the city, then Vienna.

If you want a slightly lower key but visually beautiful city break, Salzburg.

If you want to also get into nature a bit, Munich (which is totally underrated).

You won't go wrong with any of them, but I'd personally choose Salzburg in your position.

Munich I imagine is the same as most German cities.

Munich is the capital of Freistaat Bayern - the Free State of Bavaria - and takes great pride in being very different from other German cities. Culturally, economically and in terms of food and drink, Munich is not at all like Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne or Frankfurt and other cities north of the Weißwurstäquator

Munich is not at all like Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne or Frankfurt and other cities north of the Weißwurstäquator

Absolutely agree, it has a totally different feel. Much more relaxed and fun than other German cities I've been to

We went to Vienna in December pre covid for a markets trip and loved it. We did a day in Salzburg by train (but it's free for us to travel, I don't know what the cost would be). It was 15 degrees in Salzburg! I'd have loved it to be colder.

Both were beautiful and we had a great time. I think if it's only Salzburg you'd want to get out of the town and visit some surrounding areas too. I've not been to Munich so can't comment there.

All three are fab but Salzburg does feel maybe a little provincial compared to Vienna which feels like a proper big city. The markets in Vienna were the best too although the one in Munich is huge.

Has anyone mentioned the Sound of Music for Salzburg yet?

That’s the charm isn’t it. It’s a quaint old town rather than a big city.

It depends what vibe they want.

I would do all 3 over consecutive years given the choice.

Munich is amazing… go for Kaffee und Kuchen in the Rathauskeller (town hall)

Kaffee und Kuchen in Cafe Tomaselli in Salzburg is also a great experience!

Well, OP, I really hope you haven't booked yet (Austria going into lockdown and all Christmas Markets in Bavaria now cancelled)?!

So annoying about the vac thing - my teen is certainly recovered to the point of having had diagnosed long covid, but because it was so long ago - before pcr tests could be obtained - it doesn’t count

Vienna for this museum - www.visitingvienna.com/sights/hundertwasserhaus/

Wouldn't bother coming to Munich at all. Light lockdown here.

More lockdowns.

I hope you can reschedule everything op

[quote ComeOnNow21]Vienna for this museum - www.visitingvienna.com/sights/hundertwasserhaus/[/quote]
Austria is now in lockdown

Hope you can cancel and refund OP

We're booked for Poland over Christmas. DP thinks we should cancel it. I'm swithering, but feel like I'm just putting off the inevitable. ☹️

Salzburg is absolutely beautiful (I lived there for a time) and the Christmas market is lovely. There is (or was when I last visited) a lovely Christmas shop on Judengasse in the old town which sells gorgeous decorations. Not sure there will be enough to fill your time with though - Munich is not far at all by train so you could have a day trip over there. Vienna is a very underrated capital city imho and well worth a visit. Not sure if you would be able to visit now due to covid but if you go have a wonderful time!

They'll all be locked down, probably not the best time to go.

Munich I imagine is the same as most German cities.

Nope. L German cities are different and have their own vibe.

But as I'm guessing everyone else is saying:none of those places. All the Christmas markets in Bavaria have been canceled and Austria is going into lockdown.

Do not go to any of those two countries. Covid is high and they will probably go in the red list soon.