Hallstatt – a beautiful small town, tucked between mountains and lakes, it impresses with its beautiful scenery, charming architecture, and kind and welcoming people. You would be surprised that after so many years living in Austria, this was my first time visiting this fairytale-like little place. I’ve seen it on postcards, in articles, and on social media, but it’s been like one of those things we all do when we live somewhere, we think we’ll visit them one day, and time flies. To be honest, there have been so many things I haven’t done because I didn’t want to consider myself a tourist but after some time of meeting travelers from all over the world through my job, I got inspired to do some of them, and Hallstatt was on the top of my list.

One of the reasons I never went to Hallstatt before was that I thought I needed to have a car. Well, finally I went by car, but I found out getting there is not that difficult, there are trains and buses, you could even make it on a day trip and return in the evening. Of course, a car is much more convenient because the whole area is stunning and there are so many places to discover and enjoy. If you have the time, I’d totally recommend taking a few days to explore the area. But for Hallstatt itself, I think 1-2 days are enough, after all, you can walk from one end to the other in less than an hour. And since the place is that small it is so easy to find the best photo spots, you just wouldn’t miss them.

Of course the night before the trip I googled “Best photo spots in Hallstatt” and I was diligent in making a list to make sure I don’t miss something, but it’s much easier than that, if you just walk along the lake you will find some super cute spots, just take your time and enjoy the beautiful views and scenery and don’t rush to open your camera, savor the moment, take a coffee, have lunch, sit by the lake and enjoy the sun, then when you’ve settled and found your way around you can take some beautiful photos.

And I did exactly that, since I was traveling with my partner I wanted to enjoy some romantic time together and not just look at my phone or camera, so I made sure we first discovered the place in a relaxed manner, talking, laughing, walking hand in hand, no rush … and then, of course, I asked him to take some photos of me.

And here are some of the photos we took while walking around Hallstatt. I think the town’s main square was one of my favorite spots, it was still the time right after Christmas so the Christmas decorations and Christmas tree were still up and the mood was really magical.

The other photo spot not to miss is the famous viewpoint that’s on all postcards, a little bit cliche, but when in Hallstatt it’s worth taking at least a selfie there. You can easily find the spot on the maps, it’s at the end of the street along the lake, and if in doubt, just follow the tourists, I think everyone has that place on their list.

It’s again that magical time of the year – the city is all dressed up in festive lights, the Christmas markets are open and the delicious aroma of Glühwein and Punsch is in the air. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, especially in Vienna, the city transforms into a fairytale-like dream place that inspires Christmas cheer and excitement for the holidays.

I love to capture that wonderful time of the year and I think a fun Christmas in Vienna photoshoot is a wonderful experience. I do have some favorite Christmassy spots around the city that I love so here they are, a little bit of inspiration for your Christmas photos in Vienna.

1.The Christmas bow by the Opera

One of the most iconic and beloved spots among Instagrammers, travelers, and locals is the giant Christmas bow by the Opera. The area is already so dreamy with the Opera house, Hotel Sacher, and Kärtner street that it makes it a must-spot even if you just want to walk around and get some Christmas spirit.

2. Stephansplatz

There are many Christmas markets around the city but you’ll definitely not miss the most central one right in the heart of Vienna with the beautiful Vienna Christmas tree, Stephansplatz transforms into a dreamy festive spot, surrounded by elegant shops, cafes, restaurants, inviting tourists from all over the world to take a cup of Punsch while enjoying the city’s festive lights. Of course, there are many people at the square so it’s not easy to catch a photo without crowds, but if you go earlier during the day and look for a less crowdy corner, you’ll surely find some spot.

3. The Christmas market am Hof

Walking from Stephansplatz you can make a tour through some of the prettiest and most central Christmas markets in the city. Within a 5 min walk, you can reach the cozy market at am Hof while enjoying the beautiful lights at Kärtner street and Graben. This market is often not so crowded during the day so it is a nice spot to catch some photos with a cup of Punsch which is a must during Christmas time.

4. The Christmas market at Freyung

Just a few minutes away is the next very nice Christmas market, where you can find nice and original gifts, delicious snacks and drinks, and a lot of Christmas mood and inspiration. Make sure to catch a photo by the entrance for some extra charm.

5. The Christmas tree by Cafe Landtmann

You can continue walking towards the biggest and most famous Christmas market by the Rathaus. It is another short walk away and on the way there you will see a big and beautiful Christmas tree by the iconic Cafe Landtmann that is so cute for photos.

6. The Chrismas market at Rathaus

Of course, you can’t miss the most famous Christmas market by the Rathaus. You will find a very cute carousel, plenty of Christmas lights and decorations, beautiful Christmas gifts, and delicious food, snacks, and drinks. My tip is to go earlier so you can get a nice photo with the carousel. For that extra cuteness, get cotton candy or candy canes for the photo, it looks wonderful.

Visiting these spots will get you plenty of Christmas photos and content. I really like this route and recommend you go a bit earlier to avoid crowds. Most Christmas markets open already at 10 am. Of course, you might want to visit them later in the afternoon as well to enjoy the lights when they turn them on.

Hope you enjoyed this little list of my favorite spots in Vienna for Christmas photos. Big thanks to my amazing models with whom we explored the spots and gathered some inspiration for the most wonderful season.

Enjoy Christmassy Vienna and hope you get plenty of nice photos and Christmas cheer.