To be quite honest, when outside gets white, I consider getting under the covers with a good book, but for those who are less intimidated by the way it looks outside out windows today:
There are lots of sledding slopes in Vienna. The one I know best is in the Pötzleinsdorfer Schloßpark. When there is a good day with snow on the ground just watch the streets and trams near you to find out where to go. The 41 tram is often filled with children and sleds this time of year off to the final stop for snow fun.
Then there is skating:
If you skate you have probably found the main rinks already. After Christmas there will also be an open air rink in front of the Rathaus. It's fun, and gets bigger every year. All the rinks have skates to rent, and you can get your skates sharpened at the skate rental window. (Yes, at the Rathaus, too. Times and prices vary.)
But if you like skating on natural ice, and it gets cold enough, take your skates to the Alte Donau. Out our way there is also skating on some of the smaller side arms of the Danube. Please play it safe, and only go on the ice where there are lots of other skaters. The city has started discouraging using the Alte Donau, but it can be lots of fun, as long as you beware thinner ice under the bridges.
For a day trip outside of Vienna, we like going to Neusiedlersee with our skates. Check in the internet first to see which towns have approved the ice for skating. I'll try to post again if and when we get good ice. If they have, there will probably be stalls selling hot drinks and renting skates. Not great skates, but if you don't have your own it's something. I really much prefer being able to go long distances and chose my own direction to circling constantly with others. Conditions can be different in different areas.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Christmas Markets are Coming
Yes, it's that time of year again, and if you wonder if you can get up the right feeling for Christmas markets in November, and with the relatively warm temperatures, I would just like to remind you that you won't get near the stalls on weekends in December, so go now for the shopping, and in December for the atmosphere.
The classic one in front of the Rathaus is open from November 15 - December 24. You almost have to do this one. The tree is up already, and came from Schneeberg.
The Schönbrunn market is open from November 22 - December 26. This makes a nice outing on the day after Christmas if you haven't made it there earlier. Also keep an eye on their schedule of music. www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at They have really nice traditional craft ornaments here, and we also enjoy the snacks on offer.
I am particularly fond of the small one on Freyung. November 21- December 23
Spittelberg is another favorite, with some artistic flair. November 15 - December 23.
Note that this one doesn't open until 14:00 (2PM) during the week.
But there are lots more, and you can fiind out about ones near you on http://www.wien-vienna.at/freizeit.php?ID=418
It's also worth keeping an eye out in your neighborhood for small ones in a local parish or school. These can be fun, and they will have handmade items very different from those at the big markets. The Community Center out here in Essling has a very nice one. (December 15 - 18 is the last weekend for this one.) If you come, be sure and stop at the cart of the smoked trout seller. I have to find out this year where to buy his fish the rest of the year!
There are also a number of good ones that run for only one or two weekends outside of Vienna.
Grafenegger Advent is well known for both good shopping and for theatre and music. This year it's from December 5 - 8, so go to the website, get yourselves some concert tickets, and make a real day of it.
The same weekend is the market at Schlosshof. Steven and I went last year and really enjoyed doing his shopping.
And of course the UN Women's Guild Bazaar at the Austria Center on December 6 from 10-17. International gifts, food, and flair under one roof.
Luckily the 8th is a holiday, or we would have to miss some of these!
Do you have other favorites? Share them with me and other readers in a comment!
The classic one in front of the Rathaus is open from November 15 - December 24. You almost have to do this one. The tree is up already, and came from Schneeberg.
The Schönbrunn market is open from November 22 - December 26. This makes a nice outing on the day after Christmas if you haven't made it there earlier. Also keep an eye on their schedule of music. www.weihnachtsmarkt.co.at They have really nice traditional craft ornaments here, and we also enjoy the snacks on offer.
I am particularly fond of the small one on Freyung. November 21- December 23
Spittelberg is another favorite, with some artistic flair. November 15 - December 23.
Note that this one doesn't open until 14:00 (2PM) during the week.
But there are lots more, and you can fiind out about ones near you on http://www.wien-vienna.at/freizeit.php?ID=418
It's also worth keeping an eye out in your neighborhood for small ones in a local parish or school. These can be fun, and they will have handmade items very different from those at the big markets. The Community Center out here in Essling has a very nice one. (December 15 - 18 is the last weekend for this one.) If you come, be sure and stop at the cart of the smoked trout seller. I have to find out this year where to buy his fish the rest of the year!
There are also a number of good ones that run for only one or two weekends outside of Vienna.
Grafenegger Advent is well known for both good shopping and for theatre and music. This year it's from December 5 - 8, so go to the website, get yourselves some concert tickets, and make a real day of it.
The same weekend is the market at Schlosshof. Steven and I went last year and really enjoyed doing his shopping.
And of course the UN Women's Guild Bazaar at the Austria Center on December 6 from 10-17. International gifts, food, and flair under one roof.
Luckily the 8th is a holiday, or we would have to miss some of these!
Do you have other favorites? Share them with me and other readers in a comment!
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