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Hallstatt, Austria
The small town of Hallstatt, nestled in the Alps, is a popular destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and tranquil Christmas. Nestled against the Dachstein mountain range and overlooking Lake Hallstättersee, Hallstatt, with its idyllic beauty, is also known as the "pearl of Austria" or the "fairytale land" of ancient times.
Indeed, the town of Hallstatt is like a fairytale village straight out of an Andersen story, with its tranquil nature, charming little houses with snow-capped roofs, flickering fires here and there, pine trees and poinsettias decorating every street and corner, and the faint sound of hymns echoing in the distance. Furthermore, when visiting Hallstatt, you can explore this small town by climbing mountains, hiking, boating, discovering rock caves, salt mines, and the wild beauty of many surrounding areas.
Getting there: The town of Hallstatt is a 4-hour train ride from Vienna. Please note that buses and trains depart regularly and very punctually.
Accommodation: You can choose hotels along the lake to stay overnight in Hallstatt; however, room rates are quite high and you need to book early, otherwise rooms will be fully booked during the festival season.
Tour: You can book tours to explore Europe during the festive season with many travel agencies such as SaigonTourist, Vietravel… to experience a special Christmas season in the ancient village of Hallstatt.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn embodies the image of a classic European town with its ancient walls, time-worn small houses, cobblestone streets, and the relaxed lifestyle of its people. Tallinn has long been famous for its wonderful Christmas atmosphere. It is also known as the first city to erect a Christmas tree in a public place, and the birthplace of marzipan – a very popular treat during the European holiday season.
However, Christmas in Estonia's tranquil capital is more than just Christmas trees and sweet marzipan; Tallinn is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year-end, bakers from across the country gather, pouring their heart and soul into creating traditional Christmas cakes at the dazzling market set up in the town hall square.
The nostalgic atmosphere of the Christmas festival, blended with the traditional beauty, architecture, and classic charm of the city, makes it one of the most enchanting destinations for a Christmas holiday in Europe.
Getting there: To reach Estonia, travelers will choose to arrive at Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, as it is the largest airport in the country. From Vietnam, you can fly to Tallinn, Estonia from Tan Son Nhat Airport via two transit points: Qatar and Sweden.
Cuisine: Rye bread served with potatoes, pork, and dairy products, beer, or vodka.
Tour: You can contact VYC Travel to experience a unique Christmas in the fairytale town of Tallinn.
Nuremberg, Germany
Every Christmas season, the traditional market in Nuremberg, Germany, attracts over 2 million visitors who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
With their skillful craftsmanship and years of experience, shop owners always strive to decorate their stalls in a splendid and eye-catching way, while still maintaining the most festive Christmas atmosphere. Also at this traditional market, only traditional toys, colorful candy canes, and decorations that are handcrafted and finished by hand are sold. This truly will be a world of holiday toys for children.
While wandering through the town's streets, visitors can catch the intoxicating aroma of warm red wine infused with notes of orange, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Why not take some time to savor this traditional wine and enjoy the town's signature Christmas treats such as gingerbread, grilled sausages, and sweet candied almonds?
As Christmas approaches, Nuremberg is adorned with an extra layer of festive decorations, making it impossible for anyone to forget the dazzling beauty of this ancient town.
Getting there: From Vietnam to Germany, travelers can fly from Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports. Currently, Vietnam Airlines has direct flights from Vietnam to Frankfurt, Germany.
Cuisine: German food is rich and diverse, but mostly consists of marinated meats with various spices and vegetables. German sausages and German beer are popular choices in Germany.
Tour: Experience the festive atmosphere of Germany and explore the town of Nuremberg in 6 days and 5 nights with domestic travel companies such as Vietravel or Viet Travel.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi in Lapland (Finland) could be considered the most wonderful place on earth to celebrate Christmas. Here, snow blankets the rooftops, towering pine trees sway in the wind, children giggle with joy as they bake their own Christmas cookies… and the “real” Santa Claus lives just 8 km from the town.
Legend has it that the first Santa Claus lived on a mountain in eastern Lapland, in the Korvatunturi mountain range, in the 1920s, with his friendly elf assistants. He could hear all the wishes of children around the world and spent most of the year with the elves preparing gifts, toys, and other things for little ones.
In addition, the town of Rovaniemi offers many other impressive outdoor activities such as skiing and riding sleds pulled by Huskies or reindeer.
So, come to Rovaniemi for Christmas, enjoy the fairytale atmosphere, and try out some exciting new activities. What more could you ask for?
Getting there: From Vietnam, there are many airlines that fly to Finland. You will need a European visa or a Finnish visa to enter the country.
Tip: If you're in Finland, be sure to try the aurora borealis viewing and a sauna experience.
Tour: Visit Santa Claus in the village of Rovaniemi in Lapland this Christmas season with an 8-day, 7-night tour from Vietravel, Fiditour, or Lienbangtravel.
