Christmas in Austria's Lake District

Accommodation

3 Star Hotel Attergauhof, St. Georgen Attergau

On our Christmas in Austria’s Lake District holiday we stay in the family-owned Hotel Attergauhof in St Georgen in Attergau. This 3 star hotel has been in the Sollinger family for two generations and a warm welcome and comfortable stay is assured. The buffet continental breakfasts and three course evening meals are served in the hotel’s dining room. On Christmas Eve we have a traditional four-course Austrian dinner and on Christmas Day a roast turkey dinner. There is a bar where you can relax with new found friends and also a coffee shop. Accommodation is in Austrian twin bedrooms with flat-screen TV, a safe and en-suite bathrooms, which have recently been refurbished. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The Attergauhof is in the centre of St. Georgen with cafes, shops and bars all on the doorstep.

Excursions & Itinerary

Hotel Attergauhof - Excursion programme

Day 1 - Fly to Austria

Your holiday begins with the flight to Salzburg from your chosen UK airport. You will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel where we stay for seven nights on a half board basis.

Days 2 to 7

During our festive holiday we have included four fabulous excursions to Bad Ischl, Salzburg, St Wolfgang and a Winter Wonderland excursion to picturesque Hallstatt.

Lake Wolfgang’s Three Christmas Markets & Lake Cruise

Each year, Christmas markets in the lakeside villages of St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang add holiday magic to Lake Wolfgang. St. Wolfgang’s market is lit by candles and torches, with rustic stalls leading to the lake, and the famous “White Horse Inn” built in 1474. Strobl’s colourful displays make the village special at Christmas, while St. Gilgen has a baroque backdrop for its Advent scene. We’ll also enjoy a boat cruise past the ‘Floating Lantern.’

Gmunden

We visit the charming town of Gmunden, beautifully set on the shores of Lake Traunsee and framed by snow-capped mountains. Known for its historic villas, lakeside promenade, and quaint streets. Take time to explore the town centre, where you’ll find inviting cafés and boutique shops. Stroll along the waterfront and soak up the peaceful lakeside atmosphere in this idyllic Austrian town.

Salzburg – The “Sound of Music” City

On our full day excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and home of the Von Trapp family, a local guide will take us on a walking tour through the Old Town, a maze of narrow streets, squares, and historic landmarks. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse the Christmas market, window shop on Getreidegasse, or visit Mozart’s home. Many scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed here, with landmarks like the Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress offering iconic views.

Christmas Eve

Today is at leisure. Relax at the hotel or wander through St. Georgen, perhaps stopping for coffee and cake or some last-minute shopping. Later, enjoy homemade cookies and mulled wine at the hotel before a traditional Austrian Christmas dinner. End the day with Midnight Mass, accompanied by tower trumpets and choir, creating a magical atmosphere.

Christmas Day - Winter Wonderland tour to Hallstatt

After breakfast and gift-opening, we travel through Alpine valleys and snow-covered mountains into the Salzkammergut region. We’ll visit Hallstatt, a picturesque village with 16th-century Alpine houses and charming alleyways. Returning to St. Georgen, This evening, enjoy a festive Christmas dinner with roast turkey.

Boxing Day - Bad Ischl, the Kaiser Villa & a horse-drawn Carriage

Bad Ischl is magical during the Christmas holidays, having risen to fame in the late 1800s when Emperor Franz Joseph I made it his summer residence. We’ll visit the Kaiservilla, preserved as it was in Franz Joseph’s time and beautifully decorated for Christmas. Explore its elegant rooms and learn about imperial traditions. Afterwards, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the picturesque town, passing festive decorations and snow-dusted landscapes. The mix of history, tradition, and holiday spirit makes Bad Ischl an unforgettable Christmas destination.

Day 8 - Fly home

Today we leave St. Georgen at the appropriate time for the transfer to Salzburg airport and the return flight to the UK. N.B The days of the excursions may be subject to change.