The Christmas Market on Wilhelminenberg

It’s that time of year again – the Christmas markets in Vienna are open.

Debora Vasiljevic im Hotel Stefanie

My name is Debora Vasiljevic and since September of 2016 I’ve been working towards my hotel management certification at the Hotel Stefanie. Last year, my friends and I decided to go on a little tour of the Christmas markets. We were at the Rathaus (City Hall), Schönbrunn Palace and many other Christmas markets. One of our stops was also the Weihnachtszauber am Wilhelminenberg, which I’d like to tell you about today.

Wilhelminenberg Castle

Wilhelminenberg Castle, which was a hunting lodge in former times, is located in Vienna’s 16th District, on the Gallitzinberg, and makes for a lovely location for an Advent market in the pre-Christmas season. The castle itself is used as a hotel nowadays.

Personally, I especially like the Weihnachtszauber am Wilhelminenberg compared to the other markets in Vienna. It’s not a large market, but it’s something special thanks to the location. As soon as we arrived I could feel the magic. It’s a feeling of family atmosphere combined with good music. There wasn’t much going on and I was able to get away from the stress surrounding Christmas very well for a couple of hours.

Castle Wilhelminenberg

A view of Vienna

What fascinated me most of all was the gorgeous view. I was able to see the Donauturm (Danube Tower), St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the Riesenrad (giant Ferris wheel) and more. It was really impressive.

For little visitors, there’s much to do in terms of handicraft, playing and a children’s railroad. Adults can then calmly enjoy their punch or hot mulled wine.

This year’s highlights are a children’s railroad and an ice skating rink. The opening festival already took place on 11/24, but a St. Nicholas festival will also be celebrated on 12/6 starting at 5:30 PM, and on 12/21 there will be a bonfire starting at 6:00 PM. Again, there’s music to set the mood, and you can get in the Christmas spirit.

Little delicacies

You also won’t miss out in terms of cuisine. There’s Lángos (Hungarian deep-fried dough), goulash and small sausages. The scent of cookies very much reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen, and the punch was very good. Like last year, there’s a wide range of punch and food on offer.

Entrance to the christmas market

Handicraft

In addition to the culinary delicacies, there’s lovely handicraft, jewelry and quite a bit more. On the Wilhelminenberg, you can also get plenty of inspiration for gifts.

Getting there

From the Hotel Stefanie, you can take the underground line U1 to Stephansdom (St. Stephan’s Cathedral). From there, transfer to the underground line U3 and get off at the station Ottakring. At Ottakring, take bus 146B or bus 46B. You’ll then arrive at Schloss Wilheminenberg after just a few minutes’ walk.

Opening hours:

Mon.–Thurs.: 4:00–9:00 PM
Fri.: 3:00–9:00 PM
Sat., Sun., holidays: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Address

Schloss Wilhelminenberg
Savoyenstrasse 2A
1160 Vienna

I wish you a lovely time at the Schick Hotels and lots of fun discovering a gorgeous location.