There’s something special about winter travel, quieter streets, mist hanging low over the mountains, and that crisp alpine air that makes every view feel sharper. Our trip to Austria had that calm, cinematic feel from start to finish.
From London Stansted to Salzburg
We flew into Salzburg and hired a car directly at the airport, which made the whole trip far more flexible. Having our own transport meant we could move between villages easily, stop for photos, and not worry about train or bus times, especially useful in winter.
From the airport, we drove to our base in St Gilgen, a scenic journey of roughly 35 km, taking around 40 minutes through lakes and mountain scenery.
Our Stay in St Gilgen
We spent three nights at the Anna Partl Apartment, right beside Lake Wolfgang. The village itself was snow-free, but the mountains above were dusted white, creating a beautiful contrast between lake, village, and peaks.
That first evening, we drove back into Salzburg to visit the Christmas market. The drive from St Gilgen to Salzburg is around 30 km and takes roughly 35-40 minutes, making it an easy evening trip.
Seeing the Christmas market at night was something special, warm lights reflecting off historic buildings, steam rising from food stalls, and a festive buzz in the air. Dinner was simple and spot on: German sausage and chips, eaten while wandering through the market with cold hands and warm food.
Waking Up in the Clouds & Heading to Hallstatt
The next morning we woke to St Gilgen wrapped in cloud, with mist sitting low across the lake and village. Despite the winter chill, there was still no snow at village level, giving everything a moody, cinematic feel.
We then set off for Hallstatt, a drive of around 60 km that took roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. As we emerged from the tunnel into the village, everything changed. Hallstatt was frozen - rooftops, trees, and lakeside edges coated in ice, instantly turning it into a true winter postcard.
After warming up with chicken schnitzel, it was time to get the drone in the air. The frozen details, still water, and steep mountains made for some of the most memorable images of the trip.
Evening Back in St Gilgen
After Hallstatt, we drove back to St Gilgen and finished the day with a relaxed evening meal at a local restaurant. No rush, no crowds, just good food and a quiet end to a full day of exploring.
Cable Cars, Mountain Views & Spectacular Scenery
Our final full day was spent entirely in St Gilgen. We took the cable car up into the mountains, rising above the clouds and into proper winter conditions. While the village below remained clear, the higher elevations were white and bright.
At the top, we sat down for a meal with panoramic alpine views, lakes below, snow-covered peaks in the distance, and winter light spilling across the landscape. The views were genuinely spectacular and the perfect way to finish the trip.
Final Thoughts
Austria in winter doesn’t need deep snow everywhere to feel magical. From festive city streets and cloud-filled mornings to frozen Hallstatt and snowy mountain peaks, this trip was full of contrast, atmosphere, and unforgettable scenery.
Hiring a car made it easy to explore at our own pace, and the short driving distances meant nothing ever felt rushed, just time to enjoy the journey and capture it along the way.