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Austria in November is a fascinating place to explore. The country is known for its music and expressive culture, offering the most exciting touristic opportunities in Central Europe. The weather is likely to be cold, damp, and dark, but there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. Vienna, the capital, is a great place to start, with its magical Christmas markets, delicious street food, local festivals, and events. Vienna's ball season also kicks off in November, with almost 450 different balls taking place, celebrating the Waltz. For classical music lovers, there are dozens of concerts all over the city, including performances by Mozart and Strauss at Schönbrunn Palace.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | Cold, damp, and dark |
| Season | End of fall |
| Average High | 48°F (9°C) |
| Average Low | 20-30°C |
| Snow | Likely in the mountains and occasionally in the cities |
| Daylight Hours | Short |
| Events | Christmas markets, Vienna Art Week, Vienna Comic-Con, Buch Wien (literary festival), Vienna ball season, Mozart concerts, Vienna Art & Antique Fair, Super Bier Fest, Vienna International Film Festival |
| Activities | Sightseeing, hiking at Salzburg, horse carriage rides, spa treatments, ice skating, shopping, visiting museums |
| Food & Drink | Glühwein (hot spiced wine), crescent cookies, apple strudel, Raclette bread, stuffed potatoes, Langos, roasted chestnuts, pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil |
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What You'll Learn
Visit a Mozart concert and ball in Vienna
November is the end of autumn in Austria, and the weather is likely to be cold and damp. The country doesn't see many visitors at this time of year, but that makes it a great time to visit Vienna or Salzburg on a budget. Vienna's ball season also kicks off in November, so it's a great opportunity to experience a traditional ball without the crowds that come later in the season.
Mozart composed many of his best-known symphonies, concerts, and operas while living in Vienna, so it is fitting that the city offers many concerts dedicated to the great composer. The Vienna Mozart Orchestra plays in the city's largest and most famous concert halls, including the State Opera, Musikverein Golden Hall, and Konzerthaus. The concerts are performed in the style of 18th-century "Musical Academies", with the audience enjoying single movements from symphonies and solo concertos, as well as arias and duets from his most famous operas. The performers wear magnificent historical costumes and wigs, creating a special atmosphere.
You can also book a Mozart concert as part of a dinner package, which includes a gourmet three- or four-course meal, a Fiaker drive from the restaurant to the concert hall, and a glass of sparkling wine or soft drink during the interval. Tickets for the concert and dinner packages can be purchased online in advance, and formal dress is essential for the ball.
November is also a great time to visit Vienna's Christmas markets, which set up in the city's towns and cities from mid-November. You can find traditional Austrian crafts, warming food and drinks, as well as entertainment and pretty lights.
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Explore Salzburg's ice caves and carriage rides
November is the end of fall in Austria, and the weather is likely to be cold, damp, and a bit dark. However, there are plenty of things to do in the country during this time, such as exploring Salzburg's ice caves and going on a carriage ride.
Exploring Salzburg's Ice Caves
The Werfen Ice Caves, located about 38 kilometres from Salzburg, are the largest ice caves in the world. They are a popular sightseeing attraction, featuring fascinating ice sculptures and impressive ice formations. The caves are a mysterious world of ice, with huge chambers, narrow passages, and glittering crystal worlds. The temperatures in the cave are constantly around freezing point, so be sure to wear warm clothes and good shoes during your visit.
To get to the Werfen Ice Caves from Salzburg, you can take a train from the Salzburg train station to Werfen. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to the visitor's centre, where you can buy your ticket for the caves and the cable car. The cable car ride up to the cave takes only 3 minutes, and the entire visit, including the rides up and down the mountain, takes about 3 hours. The guided tour through the cave system covers a distance of about one kilometre and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Carriage Rides in Salzburg
If you've always dreamed of going on a horse-drawn carriage ride in the snow, Salzburg is the perfect place to make that dream come true. Cuddle up under blankets in the carriage and admire the beautiful snow-covered landscapes. The average cost of a carriage ride in Salzburg is 55 Euros.
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Enjoy Christmas markets and festive food
Austria is a magical place to visit in November, with its Christmas markets, festive food, and snow-covered landscapes. The country's Christmas markets open in mid-November, and they are a wonderful way to experience the festive season without the crowds of December.
The markets offer a range of traditional Austrian crafts, warming food and drinks, entertainment, and pretty lights. You can find these markets in both cities and rural areas, each with its own unique charm. In the cities, the markets twinkle with lights, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted almonds fills the decorated streets. Against the backdrop of grand palaces, such as Schönbrunn or Grafenegg, you can browse handcrafted gifts and decorations, as well as sample regional delicacies.
In Vienna, the Christmas markets exude imperial flair, with the beautiful backdrop of the City Hall or the former general hospital. The Culture and Christmas Market at Schönbrunn Palace is particularly enchanting, with traditional handicrafts, nostalgic toys, and charming decorative items. The Christmas Village Belvedere Palace is another highlight, set against the glorious baroque backdrop of the world-famous residence. Here, you can explore over 40 festively decorated market stalls offering traditional handcrafted goods, Christmas decorations, and special culinary delights.
The Christmas Village Campus University of Vienna is located in the narrow alleyways of the revitalized heritage district of Spittelberg. Here, you can find unique gifts such as objets d'art, ceramics, jewellery, and warm jumpers. The Weihnachtszauber market, hosted by the Ottakringer brewery, includes bonus weekend markets in the adjoining event hall, where you can sample Austrian and Italian specialties.
Outside of the cities, the Christmas markets in rural areas offer a more intimate experience. Here, you can savour authentic specialties and feel the warmth of the local people. The Advent market in St. Wolfgang is a charming example, where you can experience regional traditions and authentic handicrafts, with the floating red Advent candle on Lake Wolfgang in view. The Salzburg Mountain Advent in the Großarl Valley offers a rustic charm, with handcrafted nativity scenes displayed by torchlight and candlelight.
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Relax in thermal spas and baths
Austria is known for its thermal spas and baths, which are perfect for a relaxing break in November. The country has around 40 thermal spas and baths, which are fed by natural springs and groundwater with a temperature of over 20°C. The thermal waters are believed to have healing properties, such as strengthening the immune system and promoting relaxation.
There are several options for spa experiences in Austria, from luxurious spa hotels to family-friendly thermal bath complexes. If you're looking for a quiet retreat, consider the 'Silent Spa', which offers a peaceful environment for adults only. For a unique architectural experience, visit the thermal spa in Burgenland designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, featuring colourful lines and playful facades.
If you're travelling with children, there are plenty of family-friendly options available. The H20 Therme in Bad Waltersdorf, for example, offers a range of entertainment programmes and special pools for children, as well as local childcare facilities. The St. Martins Thermal Bath & Lodge in Burgenland also caters to families, with indoor and outdoor pools, a children's area, and a 90-metre-long slide.
For a romantic getaway, consider spending the night in a Therme hotel, where you can enjoy the thermal baths and sauna facilities at your leisure. The Aqua Dome Therme Hotel and the St. Martin’s Therme Hotel are highly recommended.
In addition to the thermal spas, Austria also offers wellness experiences in its beautiful natural landscapes. The Salzburger Land, for instance, is known for its impressive hiking and cycling trails, as well as top thermal spas like the Alpentherme Gastein in Bad Hofgastein.
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Attend Vienna's Art Week and other fairs
Vienna Art Week is a celebration of the city's vibrant art scene. The festival, which has free admission, includes exhibitions, discussions, live performances, films, and lectures. It is a collaboration between around 70 programme partners, including Vienna's leading art institutions, galleries, independent art spaces, and artists. The festival offers a unique insight into the city's art world, with studio insights and exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
In 2024, Vienna Art Week will take place from the 7th to the 14th of November. The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna will present a new series of works by renowned Austrian jewellery artist Sabine B. Vogel in the Kunstkammer. The exhibition "The End Is Where We Start From" by Korean-born, Berlin-based artist Ines Doujak will also be on display. Doujak's work explores female solidarity, classism, and queerness, among other themes.
As part of Vienna Art Week, there will be a site-specific performance at the Natural History Museum Vienna, combining dance and digital art to explore the connection between art and science. The Open Studio Days will also provide a unique opportunity to visit artists' studios and engage with the creators themselves.
In addition to Vienna Art Week, there are other fairs and festivals worth considering in November. The Festival Wien Modern is a music festival that usually runs through November, sometimes starting in late October. It focuses on modern chamber and solo instrumental music.
If you're looking for a more social experience, Vienna's ball season kicks off in November. While the most famous balls are held in January and February, visiting in November is a great opportunity to experience a traditional ball without the crowds. Just remember that tickets must be purchased a few months in advance, and formal dress is essential.
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Frequently asked questions
November in Austria is cold and damp, with temperatures of around 48°F (9°C) during the day and 30°F (-1°C) at night. There is also a chance of snow, especially in the mountains and later in the month.
November is a great time to experience Austrian culture without the crowds. There are Christmas markets, local festivals, and events that only happen during this month. Vienna's ball season also kicks off in November, with almost 450 different balls taking place in the city. There are also various fairs and festivals, including the Wien Modern Festival, Vienna Art Week, and the Art&Antique fair at the Hofburg Palace.
November is a great time to try traditional Austrian street food, such as roasted chestnuts, Raclette bread (molten cheese), stuffed potatoes, and Langos (fried bread). You can also try pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil, or indulge in the local drinks.
Salzburg is a great place to visit in November, as it is the low season for tourism, so you're likely to find accommodation discounts. You can go hiking in the Werfen Ice Caves, the largest ice caves in the world, or take a romantic horse carriage ride through the snow.
