Looking to book a getaway a month or so ago we wanted only to go somewhere cold and have an extreme change to our daily lives. Several countries are on the bucket list for cold weather but given we were going in December we decided to go extra festive and visit Austria.
Christmas markets, Gluhwein (mulled wine) and cold weather, it was a perfect destination to get this grinch in the Christmas spirit!
Taking an over night flight from Abu Dhabi we arrived in Vienna at 7am and were greeted by -2 celsius, we wanted cold and we got it!
After layering up and silently thanking god I had bought a thermal from Marks & Spencers before leaving Abu Dhabi we made our way through the park to Schonbrunn.
The weather was misty, cloudy and cold, it felt like the sun hadn't risen at all. However, it was incredibly busy with people walking, running and strolling, all making their way to the Schoenbrunn Christmas Market.
In front of a well lit Schoenbrunn Palace, a huge Christmas tree awaited us and we had the welcome to Vienna we had been hoping for.
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Smelling it before we could see it we made a beeline for the first Gluhwein shack we could find. I was certain it was the only thing that could warm me up and I was right!
After our second mug of Gluhwein, what little daylight there was had disappeared and our overnight flight started to catch up with us. Deciding it was time for bed we realised it was only 4.30pm, such is the deceiving lack of light, but never the less we called it a day ready to see what Vienna offered us the next day.
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Waking up bright and early the next day we were greeted with the most glorious day, and lucky for us a few degrees warmer too!
Vienna is jam packed with history, the city is beautiful and every building seems to be a former palace or summer house. I found it quite mind boggling trying to decide what to do but you can't go far without finding something that takes your fancy.
I decided that Belvedere Palace would be the palace to see, so we made our way over only to find it full to the brim with other tourists. Deciding to forgo the tour we instead settled on enjoying another Christmas market in front of the palace and taking in the views.
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Indulging in yet more Gluhwein and the yummiest of hot dogs we perused the stalls before heading out on foot to explore more of the city.
Vienna is one of those great European cities which you can walk endlessly for hours, forever finding something to look at.
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When our feet had decided we couldn't walk anymore we happened to pass by The Ritz Carlton hotel and went on in to rest our weary legs. Taking refuge in their lounge bar we ordered a glass of champagne waiting for the clock to strike 4pm at which time their rooftop bar would open.
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Making our way upstairs we were greeted by the smell of more Gluhwein and warm welcoming lights. I think this would be Vienna's smallest Christmas Market but perhaps the most charming.
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As we toasted to the city below us we couldn't have wished for a better start to a winter getaway!
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