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IN PICTURES: The best places to see snow in and around Vienna

If you are looking for snow in Austria, Vienna is definitely not the first place you should go, but when it snows, the capital can look absolutely beautiful. Here's where to go to get the best views.

Published: 24 January 2023 17:31 CET
Updated: 17 January 2024 09:50 CET
IN PICTURES: The best places to see snow in and around Vienna
The Schoenbrunn Palace is seen during snowfall in Vienna on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP)

Vienna is a surprising city when it comes to weather and snow.

You can spend a week in the city in December amid sub-zero temperatures but not see any snow at all  – something that often surprises foreigners from warmer countries who associate Austria with mountains and skiing.

But then when snow comes the sight of Vienna under a white blanket is a sight to behold – even if the locals (not us) don’t seem to appreciate it.

A tram drives by a snowy Vienna (Photo by Saikat Bhuiyan on Unsplash)

Austrians themselves love to hate the Viennese snow, joking that it is actually just “mud”. The truth is, it really doesn’t snow that often in the Austrian capital (the Hohe Warte measurement centre in Vienna recorded ten snow days in 2022, compared to 52 in Klagenfurt, 27 in Salzburg and 26 in Innsbruck). 

READ ALSO: Austria set for more snow as winter weather continues

It also doesn’t snow that much: the winter of 2021/22 saw only 31 centimetres of fresh snow, something that could fall in a day in a ski resort in the Austrian Alps. 

However, when there is enough new snow to turn (parts of) the city white, certain areas are certainly better to explore than others.

Classic touristic spots

If you want to see the Stephansdom or the Vienna Opera covered in snow, it would have to be a tremendous snowstorm, subzero temperatures and even better if the snow was still falling. This is because the city centre is heavily urbanised and the asphalt and streets are treated so that snow melts faster. 

The number of people walking by makes it harder to see that picture-perfect white snow. 

READ ALSO: Why Vienna is a haven for wild animals – and where you can find them

However, some classic tourist attractions are greener and, therefore, can become whiter more easily.

For example, the palaces and parks of Vienna look beautiful when it snows. Schönbrunn, with its hundreds of square meters of gardens (plus a fantastic panoramic view up from the Gloriette), is always a popular spot when the snow falls, just as Belvedere, Stadtpark, the park in front of Rathaus and Prater.

Best places to play around

If your dream is to slide down a snow hill or build a snowman, Vienna’s many parks are the best places to go. Some beautiful examples in or around the city centre include Augarten, Prater, Schwarzenbergpark, Türkenschanzpark and Stadtpark. 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by GRÄTZLeben Hietzing (@graetzleben)

By the outskirts, places like Roter Berg (you can check the video above) are very popular with kids, but even your small neighbourhood park might have great sledging spots, so don’t be shy to ask your neighbours. 

READ ALSO: Six things to expect when you move to the Austrian mountains

Spots in the outskirts of Vienna

Other popular spots are in the Viennese surroundings or just a short drive away from the capital. 

For example, the official trails of the City of Vienna lead you to several nature spots with panoramic views and guaranteed beautiful snow.

The Stadtwanderweg 8 is one of the best, with an observation deck and awesome spots to slide down from. The Stadtwanderweg 4 and 4a lead you up to Gallitzinberg, almost an Alpine peak (ok, not so much, but still beautiful).

READ ALSO: The best spots to recharge on the weekend in Vienna

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sonia Marska (@prosiacek)

Pictured is the view from Kahlenberg.

The mountains surrounding the city are also very popular, including Anninger, where you can walk through snowy forest paths and roads, and the very popular Schneeberg. Or, accessible via the city transport, the Kahlenberg.

Finally, a short trip leads you to spots such as Semmering (where the Viennese go for a quick ski trip) and the Rax, which you can go up via cable car. 

Above, pictures posted on Twitter of a trip to Semmering on a snowy day.

READ ALSO: Discover Austria: Five beautiful hikes and destinations south of Vienna

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8 exciting events taking place in Vienna in July 2024

July is a lively month in Vienna, and you can enjoy a great variety of different events. From Vienna's film festival at Rathausplatz to international music and a climate festival, here's what you can visit this month.

Published: 26 June 2024 13:20 CEST
8 exciting events taking place in Vienna in July 2024

July is one of Vienna’s liveliest months, with different events taking place all over the city.

Here, we list eight interesting happenings you should not miss out on.

Filmfestival Rathausplatz

This film and cultural festival will be held at Vienna’s town hall (Rathausplatz) from June 29th to September 1st.

Here, you can enjoy outdoor screenings that offer something for everyone. The program includes classic movies, recent blockbusters, documentaries, and opera and ballet performances.

In addition to the screenings, the festival also offers live bands, performances, DJs, and food and drink stalls.

The festival is free of charge, and you can check out the program here. 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Film Festival auf dem Wiener Rathausplatz (@filmfestivalrathausplatz)

Vienna Popfest

This annual four-day-long pop music festival takes place at Karlsplatz, this year from July 25th to 28th.

The event celebrates contemporary pop music with performances by upcoming and established artists from Austria and beyond. 

You can enjoy a diverse range of musical styles, including indie pop, electronic, and experimental music. 

The festival is free of charge, and you can find out more about it here.

ImPulsTanz – Vienna International Dance Festival

ImPulsTanz is one of the largest contemporary dance festivals in the world. It takes place in Vienna every year, and this summer, you can enjoy it from July 11th to August 11th.

One of the highlights of ImPulsTanz is its extensive workshop program, which gives dancers of all levels the opportunity to train and learn from world-class instructors.

In addition to the workshops, the festival also offers dance performances, lectures, exhibitions, and discussion panels with famous dancers and choreographers.

Secure your ticket and read more on their website.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by ImPulsTanz Festival (@impulstanz_festival)

Brazilian music with Djavan

On July 16th, Djavan, a Brazilian four-time Latin Grammy winner, singer-songwriter, and composer, will perform at Vienna Konzerthaus.

Djavan’s performances are inspired by Brazilian music traditions, and he mixes elements of Samba, Bossa Nova, and MPB (popular Brazilian Music).

Djavan is known as an icon in the Brazilian music scene. He is famous for his distinctive voice, unique style, and energetic live performances.

You can buy your tickets here. 

READ MORE: Train travel in Austria: The best day trips from Vienna

Theater im Park

From June 25th until September 20th, you can enjoy the cultural festival Theater im Park.

You can experience various cultural performances, including cabarets, theatre plays, music performances, and concerts.

The festival takes place in the Belvedere Gardens in Vienna, where you can enjoy the historical Belvedere Castle and its large, beautiful gardens.

You can check out the different performances and buy your tickets here.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Theater im Park (@theater.im.park.am.belvedere)

Exhibition: Proud to be pride

The exhibition ‘Proud to be Pride’ highlights LGBTQIA+ rights and takes place at the Museum of Applied Arts until September 1st.

Here, you can experience a wide collection of LGBTQIA+ posters with bold designs that support diverse expressions of identity.

The exhibition aims to send a visible signal of acceptance, tolerance, and openness. 

Find out more and buy your tickets here.

Kultur Sommer Wien

This is an open-air cultural festival with free admission in Vienna.

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra opens the festival on June 27th and 28th in Prater, and the events take place until August 11th.

During the festival, nine pop-up stages across the city will host various performances, including cabaret, literature, music, dance, theatre, and contemporary circus.

Find out more here.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Kultursommer Wien (@kultursommerwien)

Klima Biennale Wien

Enjoy the last weeks of this climate festival which goes on until July 14th at various locations all over Vienna.

The festival explores how art, design, architecture, and science can contribute to creating a sustainable and liveable future while also considering the impacts of climate change.

The festival offers a wide range of performances, exhibitions, talks, concerts, and workshops.

If you want to participate, you can buy a festival pass at various locations, for which you pay as much as you like. You can, for example, buy it at the Museum Hundertwasser.

READ ALSO: 8 Austrian festivals you need to go to this summer

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