Freyung Christmas Market Vienna
Vienna's oldest Christmas market, offering a cozy, vintage vibe with unique crafts and traditional treats in a historic square.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, more festive
Freyung Christmas Market Vienna
Best Time
Less crowded, more festive

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vienna's oldest Christmas market, offering a cozy, vintage vibe with unique crafts and traditional treats in a historic square.
"A small and beautiful Christmas market! You can find interesting crafts, traditional Christmas food and drinks."
🎯 Oldest Punch Recipe
Don't miss trying the Viennese punch, claimed to be the oldest recipe! :wine_glass:
🛍️ Souvenir Haven
Freyung is great for unique souvenirs and crafts. :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Charm
Freyung Square
Experience Vienna's oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1772, with a cozy, vintage vibe and unique souvenirs.

Artisanal Crafts
Freyung Square
Discover a wide array of handcrafted items, from intricate decorations to unique gifts, perfect for finding a special memento.

Traditional Delicacies
Freyung Square
Savor the flavors of Vienna with traditional Christmas food and drinks, including the claimed oldest Viennese punch recipe.

Easter Egg Wonderland
Freyung Square
In spring, marvel at hundreds of beautifully decorated eggs, from chicken to ostrich, at the Altwiener Ostermarkt.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Christmas Cheer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Oldest Punch Recipe
Don't miss trying the Viennese punch, claimed to be the oldest recipe! :wine_glass:
🛍️ Souvenir Haven
Freyung is great for unique souvenirs and crafts. :gift:
🥚 Easter Egg Extravaganza
Visit in April for the stunning Easter market with decorated eggs. :egg:
🚶♀️ Relaxed Atmosphere
Enjoy a less crowded, relaxed market experience. :relaxed:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Oldest Punch Recipe
Don't miss trying the Viennese punch, claimed to be the oldest recipe! :wine_glass:
🛍️ Souvenir Haven
Freyung is great for unique souvenirs and crafts. :gift:
🥚 Easter Egg Extravaganza
Visit in April for the stunning Easter market with decorated eggs. :egg:
🚶♀️ Relaxed Atmosphere
Enjoy a less crowded, relaxed market experience. :relaxed:
✨ Day or Night?
Both day and night offer unique charm. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Freyung Christmas Market for its beautiful, historic atmosphere and unique, artisanal crafts. It's noted as a less crowded and more relaxed option compared to larger markets, offering traditional food and drinks, including a special punch. The Easter market is also highly regarded for its decorated eggs and local products.
"A small and beautiful Christmas market!
You can find interesting crafts, traditional Christmas food and drinks. It's not too crowded and you can enjoy the Christmas market in a relaxed way.
Highly recommended!"
HoàngAnh Cao
"This beautiful old town square hosts Christmas markets with a unique atmosphere during Advent. It has to be experienced. Enjoy."
Peter Seno
"The Freyung Platz is a triangular public square in Vienna, located in the Innere Stadt first district of the city. Once a year, in April, the Altwiener Ostermarkt takes place, showing hundreds of stylish decorated eggs. The sheer variety of decorated eggs makes a visit worth while. From chicken to ostrich eggs you will find a mesmerizing variety of beautiful hand painted and decorated eastern eggs. A visit to this market is definitely worth your time!"
Philippe Jacques Kradolfer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Freyung is located in Vienna's first district (Innere Stadt). You can easily reach it by public transport. Take tram lines 1, 2, D, or 31 to the 'Jordangasse' stop, or subway lines U1 or U3 to 'Stephansplatz' and enjoy a short walk. :subway:
Driving into Vienna's first district can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. It's highly recommended to use public transport for a smoother experience. :bus:
Freyung is centrally located, making it easy to walk to other markets like Am Hof or even Rathausplatz. Consider a walking tour or using Vienna's efficient public transport system to hop between them. :walking:
While there are parking garages in the vicinity, they can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Public transport is generally the most convenient option. :car:
Yes, Freyung is a pleasant walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), taking about 5-10 minutes through charming city streets. :church:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Freyung Christmas Market is free. You can wander through the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere without any admission cost. :ticket:
The market typically runs from mid-November until December 23rd. Opening hours are usually daily from around 10 AM to 7:30 PM, but it's always best to check the specific dates and times for the current year. :clock:
The Altwiener Ostermarkt at Freyung usually takes place in April, often from late March to mid-April. Check specific dates for the year you plan to visit. :calendar:
No advance booking is necessary as entry is free. You can visit spontaneously. :thumbsup:
While not always advertised extensively, smaller markets like Freyung sometimes have local musicians or carolers. Keep an ear out for festive sounds! :musical_note:
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a variety of handcrafted items, including traditional Christmas decorations, wooden toys, ceramics, candles, and unique souvenirs. It's a great place for authentic gifts. :art:
Absolutely! Look for stalls selling local delicacies like honey, jams, schnapps, and regional cheeses, alongside handcrafted items. :honey_pot:
Yes, its focus on artisanal crafts and unique items makes it an excellent spot for finding special Christmas gifts that stand out. :gift:
Sellers at Freyung claim to offer the oldest Viennese punch recipe. It's a traditional mulled wine, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. :champagne_glass:
Yes, many stalls feature handmade jewelry, often incorporating traditional Austrian designs or materials. :ring:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Drink
Expect classic Austrian Christmas market fare like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread (Lebkuchen), sausages, potato pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer), and various sweet treats. :pretzel:
Besides the famous Viennese punch, you can find mulled wine (Glühwein), hot chocolate, and other warm beverages to combat the cold. :coffee:
While many traditional options are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian choices like potato pancakes, sweet pastries, and roasted nuts. Vegan options might be more limited, but look for fruit-based drinks and some baked goods. :apple:
Prices are typical for Viennese Christmas markets. While not cheap, they offer good value for the experience. Expect to spend around €4-€7 for a drink and €5-€10 for a snack or small meal. :euro:
Gluten-free options can be challenging at Christmas markets. It's best to inquire directly at stalls about ingredients, especially for baked goods and sausages. :wheat:
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour just before sunset offers beautiful warm light. At night, the market lights create a magical ambiance, perfect for capturing festive scenes. :camerawithflash:
The square itself, with its historic buildings and market stalls, provides a picturesque backdrop. Look for charming details on the crafts and the glowing lights. :cityscape:
Weekdays and earlier hours are less crowded, making photography easier. If visiting during peak times, be patient and look for moments between visitors. :peopleholdinghands:
For low light, use a wider aperture (lower f-number) and a higher ISO. A tripod can be helpful for sharper night shots, but be mindful of space. :tripod:
It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products. Most are happy to oblige if you're respectful. :handshake:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the festive atmosphere itself is entertainment enough. Consider visiting during daylight hours for younger children, or in the early evening before it gets too crowded. The proximity to other central attractions also makes it easy to combine with a family-friendly itinerary.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the day to avoid the evening rush and potentially find better deals on crafts. Bringing your own reusable cup for mulled wine can sometimes offer a small discount. Exploring Freyung also allows you to appreciate Vienna's beauty without spending a fortune on admission fees to other attractions.
💖 Couples
Consider visiting in the early evening to witness the market light up, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The smaller scale allows for a more relaxed and personal experience, perfect for enjoying each other's company amidst the festive cheer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Significance of Freyung
During Advent, Freyung transforms into a charming hub of festive activity. Unlike the grander scale of markets like Rathausplatz, Freyung offers a more intimate and cozy experience. This is often highlighted by visitors who appreciate its relaxed ambiance and the opportunity to browse artisanal crafts without feeling overwhelmed. The market's vintage vibe is a key draw, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a more traditional and less commercialized Christmas market experience.
Beyond the Christmas season, Freyung hosts another significant event: the Altwiener Ostermarkt (Old Viennese Easter Market). This spring celebration is renowned for its spectacular display of intricately decorated Easter eggs, showcasing a vast array of styles and sizes. This dual-purpose square ensures that Freyung offers a unique cultural experience regardless of the season, making it a year-round point of interest in Vienna.
Navigating Vienna's Christmas Markets
When planning your market hopping, consider the proximity of the markets. Freyung is conveniently located near Am Hof and the Graben, allowing for easy transitions between them. Utilizing Vienna's excellent public transportation system (trams, buses, and U-Bahn) is key to efficiently visiting multiple markets without the hassle of driving and parking. Remember that while entry to most markets is free, the cost of food, drinks, and souvenirs can add up, so budgeting is advisable.
For the best experience, try to visit markets on weekdays, especially in the evenings when they are beautifully illuminated. However, be prepared for crowds, as Vienna's Christmas markets are incredibly popular. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, consider visiting earlier in the season or during weekday mornings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit