Vienna Beats Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Bregenz, St. Pölten, Krems & Eisenstadt: The Ultimate Instagrammable Christmas Viewpoints You Can’t Miss in Austria This Year

Published on December 15, 2025

Vienna beats Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Bregenz, St. Pölten, Krems, and Eisenstadt when it comes to breathtaking Christmas viewpoints that will make your Instagram feed shine in 2025. These cities each offer stunning views that capture the magic of the season, but Vienna stands out with its imperial elegance and vibrant holiday charm. From the majestic Gloriette to the dizzying heights of the Danube Tower, Vienna’s scenic spots take Christmas photography to the next level. However, don’t overlook Graz, Linz, and Salzburg—each city offers unique panoramas of snow-dusted rooftops, festive markets, and twinkling lights that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re looking for panoramic views, cozy holiday vibes, or the perfect backdrop for your Christmas photos, Austria’s top viewpoints have it all. Don’t miss out on capturing the essence of Christmas in these Instagrammable destinations this year!

Vienna: Views from Imperial Heights

Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace Park

Vienna’s Gloriette, perched atop a hill in the Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, offers one of the most iconic viewpoints in the city. Built in 1804, the Gloriette is a classical temple that overlooks the vineyards and the vast Burgenland plain. On a clear day, the panoramic view stretches all the way to Lake Neusiedl and the Leitha Mountains. Visitors can capture stunning photographs of symmetrical colonnades, manicured lawns, and the expansive view of the city below.

Christmas Tradition: During the Christmas season, the Gloriette serves as the final stop on many winter walks through the palace grounds. Locals enjoy traditional pastries at the Die Alm restaurant inside the building, and from late November to December, choirs perform Advent music on the terrace. The elevated position allows for breathtaking photos of Schönbrunn’s Christmas tree and the twinkling lights of the nearby market below.

Danube Tower (Donauturm)

Standing at 252 meters, Vienna’s Danube Tower is the tallest structure in the city. Visitors can reach the 155-meter-high viewing platform in just 35 seconds via a fast lift. From this height, a 360-degree view of Vienna unfolds, providing sweeping views of the city’s landmarks, the Danube River, and the surrounding landscape. For a unique experience, visitors can enjoy a meal at the rotating tower restaurant or café, where the view changes with every turn.

Christmas Tradition: During Advent, the tower hosts a special Christmas brunch featuring Viennese pastries and live classical music. The tower is particularly popular on New Year’s Eve, when visitors come to enjoy a front-row view of the city’s spectacular fireworks display. In 2024, the tower introduced a thrilling 165-meter slide, offering an adrenaline-filled descent while still providing an excellent vantage point of the city’s holiday lights.

Other Viewpoints in Vienna: St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Giant Ferris Wheel

Vienna’s skyline is also defined by the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the historic Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater amusement park. Though not as high as the Danube Tower, these spots still offer captivating views of the city, especially during the Advent season. The south tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral rises 72 meters above the city, providing a panoramic view of Vienna’s gothic and baroque architecture. Similarly, the Giant Ferris Wheel offers a nostalgic perspective of the city, with its historic cars providing a unique experience.

Graz: Schlossberg and the “Friendly Alien”

Schlossberg (Clock Tower)

Graz’s Schlossberg is a 473-meter hill rising from the heart of the city’s old town. The hill can be accessed by funicular, a glass lift inside the mountain, or 260 steps. At the summit stands the iconic clock tower, which provides a 360-degree view of Graz, with its red-tiled roofs, the Mur River, and the distant hills of Styria. The clock tower is an iconic feature of Graz’s skyline, and its bells ring out across the city.

Christmas Tradition: During Advent, the Schlossberg clock tower bells play carols throughout the city. Families climb the hill to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree in the main square and listen to traditional trumpet ensembles. The Kasematten stage occasionally hosts open-air Advent concerts, making it a vibrant spot to celebrate the holiday season.

Kunsthaus Graz (“Friendly Alien”)

Graz is also home to the Kunsthaus, a modern art museum nicknamed the “Friendly Alien” due to its unique, futuristic design. The museum’s trunk-like openings offer striking views of the clock tower and the old town. The contrast between the modern architecture of the Kunsthaus and the medieval skyline of Graz makes for a fascinating photo opportunity, especially during December when light installations illuminate the building’s biomorphic facade.

Linz: Pöstlingberg and Pfenningberg

Pöstlingberg

The Pöstlingberg railway takes visitors from Linz’s main square up to the Pöstlingberg hill, where a pilgrimage church stands. From the hilltop, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the city and the surrounding region. The train ride itself, part of Linz’s historic mountain railway, is a favorite among families.

Christmas Tradition: During Advent, locals visit the basilica’s nativity scene and light candles, while children ride the Grottenbahn, a grotto railway that winds through fairy-tale scenes inside the hill. From the hilltop terraces, photographers can capture stunning shots of the Danube Valley and the illuminated city center below.

Pfenningberg (Panoramablick Pfenningberg)

Pfenningberg, located near Steyregg, offers a quieter alternative to the bustling city viewpoints. The hill is a favorite among hikers, who can enjoy a rest at the lookout point while taking in a beautiful view of Linz and the surrounding area. The Panoramablick Pfenningberg viewpoint is especially peaceful during the winter months, providing a serene escape from the busy city.

Christmas Tradition: Locals enjoy twilight walks in Advent, carrying lanterns to light their way. Visitors stop at the summit hut to warm up with mulled punch while enjoying views of the sparkling city below.

Salzburg: Mountains Over the Baroque City

Mönchsberg and Hohensalzburg Fortress

Salzburg’s Mönchsberg offers one of the most magical views of the city, with a modern lift transporting visitors 60 meters up to a scenic terrace. From this vantage point, visitors can look out over the old town, including the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress. The fortress itself, perched high above the city, provides a panoramic view of Salzburg’s baroque spires, including the cathedral and bell towers.

Christmas Tradition: During Advent, visitors can attend concerts held in the fortress courtyard. At noon, the fortress bells, along with the Glockenspiel in the old town, ring out carols. Visitors can savor traditional Vanillekipferl biscuits while watching the city lights below.

Kapuzinerberg and Gaisberg

Kapuzinerberg and Gaisberg provide additional opportunities for scenic views of Salzburg. Kapuzinerberg, accessible by steep paths, offers a peaceful lookout over the old town, while Gaisberg provides a high-altitude panorama of Salzburg and the surrounding Alps. Snowshoers often make their way up Gaisberg early in the morning to capture the city bathed in soft morning light.

Innsbruck: From Medieval Roofs to Alpine Peaks

Nordkette and Hafelekar (Top of Innsbruck)

Innsbruck is famous for its alpine landscape, and the Nordkette is the city’s favorite mountain. The Nordkettenbahn funicular transports visitors from the old town to the Hafelekar summit at an elevation of 2,300 meters. From here, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view of the city and the Karwendel mountains.

Christmas Tradition: On clear Advent evenings, locals ride the Nordkettenbahn to admire the city lights from above. Mountain huts serve Glühwein (mulled wine) and Kärntner Kasnudeln (cheese dumplings), while brass bands play festive carols.

City Tower (Stadtturm)

The City Tower in Innsbruck’s old town offers another iconic viewpoint. The tower, once home to the city watchman, is a popular spot for tourists and offers views over the roofs of the old town. Visitors climb 133 steps to reach the viewing platform, where they can take in the sights of the Golden Roof and surrounding squares.

Christmas Tradition: During Advent, the tower is decorated with lights, and visitors can climb the narrow staircase to watch the Golden Roof sparkle. Choirs occasionally perform from the balcony, reviving the tradition of watchmen sounding their horn to warn the city.

Klagenfurt: From Wooden Towers to Church Steeples

Pyramidenkogel

The Pyramidenkogel is the world’s tallest wooden observation tower, standing at 100 meters tall. Visitors can reach the 71-meter-high viewing platform via a panoramic lift or 441 steps. From the top, visitors are treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of Carinthia’s lakes and mountains.

Christmas Tradition: In late November and December, the tower hosts Advent Above the Clouds, offering a small market with local crafts, honey, mead, and mulled cider. A cappella music accompanies the festive atmosphere, and families enjoy a shuttle bus that connects Velden, Maria Wörth, and Pyramidenkogel.

Stadtpfarrturm (Parish Church Tower)

Klagenfurt’s Stadtpfarrturm is a 50-meter-high tower offering a fantastic view of the old town, Lake Wörthersee, the Karawanken mountains, and the Koralpe. Visitors climb 225 steps to reach the platform.

Christmas Tradition: The tower is open during Advent (weather permitting), where visitors can photograph the city’s lights and the lake shimmering with holiday decorations. Local legends tell of the tower watchman who rang the bells on Christmas Eve to signal midnight mass.

Conclusion: Austria’s Christmas Magic in Picturesque Viewpoints

Austria’s Christmas season is more than just festive markets. It offers unique viewpoints where visitors can experience both breathtaking winter landscapes and traditional celebrations. From Vienna’s Gloriette and Danube Tower to Graz’s Schlossberg and the Pöstlingberg in Linz, each city presents a distinctive way to celebrate the holiday season. Salzburg’s Mönchsberg and Innsbruck’s Nordkette offer mountain vistas, while Klagenfurt’s Pyramidenkogel and Bregenz’s Pfänder provide stunning lake views. Each destination is imbued with history, culture, and tradition, making it the perfect time to capture the beauty of Austria’s winter wonderland.