The yuletide season transforms Vienna’s beautiful squares into delightful Christmas markets. Festive lights illuminate the Old Town. The Schönbrunn market, set in front of the baroque Hapsburg summer palace, and Freyung market, nestled in the city center, are the perfect destinations for unique handmade decorations. Seasonal music and choral singing provide a merry ambience to holiday festivities in Am Hof Square, while the market at Belvedere Square mixes excellent shopping opportunities with views of the stately palace and adjacent lake to create a fairytale atmosphere.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Panoramic Vienna & Christmas Market
Discover the magnificent architectural highlights of Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital, during a festive tour.
Vienna’s Sights Up Close
Travel like a local as you journey by subway and on foot to view the city’s main sights.
Festive Schönbrunn Palace
Visit the magnificent home of the Habsburg Dynasty and immerse yourself in its grand traditional festivities.
Behind the Scenes at the Lipizzaner Stallions
Step backstage at the elegant Spanish Riding School, home to the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions.
Mozart & Strauss Concert
The classical music never stops in Vienna, as you will hear firsthand during this special concert.
Heurigen Dinner
Participate in a high-spirited Heurigen dinner and toast this year’s wine at a local vineyard.
Videos
Meet the Vienna Residence Orchestra
Go behind the scenes of the Vienna Residence Orchestra and hear from its talented musicians during a special program hosted by the orchestra’s cofounder, Sylvia Moser. Performing the music of Mozart and Strauss in historic buildings and opulent palaces throughout Vienna, the orchestra allows guests to experience live classical music in an authentic setting. Explore the history of this engaging ensemble and listen to short musical pieces you can experience in person when you join us on a river voyage to Vienna.
Alma Deutscher Performs in Vienna
Once the home of Strauss and Mozart, Vienna is renowned as the music capital of Europe. Now, guests who join us in this elegant city have the chance to enjoy an exclusive performance featuring Alma Deutscher, a young musical prodigy who will conduct classic pieces from great composers—including a few, destined-to-become-classics, of her own. View sailing dates for Viking river cruises during which you may attend Alma Deutscher’s performances in Vienna by visiting almadeutscher.com/viking-dates.
Thanksgiving in Europe
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Viking on November sailings. There is no better way to complement your succulent turkey dinner than with a stroll through one of Europe’s cultural capitals.
Austria’s Hotel Sacher and Torte
Join Karine (and her beloved dog Finse) and step into the spirit of old Europe at Vienna’s iconic Hotel Sacher to learn the story behind the Sachertorte, its legendary handmade cake.
Learn the Iconic Viennese Waltz
Learn the iconic Viennese waltz at Vienna’s oldest and most famous dance school, Tanzschule Elmayer. Watch Professor Elmayer teach Karine the basic steps in just a few minutes.
Vienna Coffeehouses
Relax and enjoy a cup of Viennese coffee with an exquisite pastry at Café Demel, one of Vienna’s oldest coffeehouses. Established in 1786, it has satisfied the cravings of Austrians for more than 220 years.
Vienna Boys’ Choir
Go behind the scenes with the world-renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir. Join Karine as she meets some of these talented youngsters and sits in as they prepare for an evening performance.
Lipizzaner Stallions
Go behind the scenes at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School to meet the “dancing horses,” the world-famous Lipizzaner stallions. Seeing these magnificent white horses perform is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Shopping in Vienna
Christmastime or anytime, Karine knows one gift that visitors to Vienna cannot return home without. You can even purchase this little cake in the very hotel where it was invented.
Master Chef & Author Toni Mörwald
Watch the world-famous master chef and author Toni Mörwald and Karine prepare the traditional wiener schnitzel dish. In Austria, you might visit Chef Mörwald’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Bon appétit!