The ABCD of Europe — A Seamless Winter Journey Through Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic and Germany
We like to think of this journey as the ABCD of Europe – a Central Europe winter trip that flowed effortlessly across four countries and four unforgettable cities.
A for Austria (Vienna), B for Budapest (Hungary), C for Czech Republic (Prague), and D for Dresden (Germany).
What began as a simple Christmas break turned into a magical Central Europe winter experience. From a white Christmas in Vienna to glowing Christmas markets in Prague, with festive day trips to Budapest and Dresden, this journey proved that travelling during the Christmas holidays can be smooth, rewarding, stress-free and deeply atmospheric.
Each city brought its own charm – historic streets illuminated with festive lights, different styles of Christmas markets, unique seasonal foods, and thoughtful handmade gifts. Trains connected everything seamlessly, cards were accepted everywhere, and winter only added to the magic rather than creating obstacles.
This combined guide brings together the full Central Europe winter trip itinerary, practical travel insights, and reflections and highlights from travelling across four European countries in winter – a journey where winter slowed the pace and made every moment count.
Central Europe Winter Trip Snapshot
- Duration: 9 days
- Countries: Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany
- Base cities: Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Dresden
- Travel period: Christmas holidays (22nd to 31th December)
- Travel style: Slow-paced, winter-focused, public transport friendly
How We Structured the Central Europe Winter Trip
- Flights:
We booked two separate one-way flight tickets — flying from Edinburgh to Vienna and returning from Prague to Edinburgh. This open-jaw routing maximised time on the ground and eliminated unnecessary backtracking. - Travel within Europe:
After entering the Schengen Area, all travel between countries was done entirely by train, making the journey seamless and relaxed.
City-by-City Breakdown of Central Europe Winter Trip
- Vienna (22–24 December | 3 days):
The trip began in Vienna, allowing time to settle into the festive atmosphere and experience a white Christmas in the city. - Budapest Day Trip (25 December | Christmas Day from Vienna):
A full-day visit to Budapest from Vienna using RegioJet. We travelled first class with onboard meals, which made the journey comfortable and enjoyable. The experience was excellent and highly recommended. - Vienna to Prague (26 December | Boxing Day):
Travelled by train in the afternoon, arriving in Prague in the evening. - Prague (26–30 December | 4 full days):
Prague became our main base, giving us four complete days to explore the city at a relaxed pace. - Dresden Day Trip (from Prague):
A full-day excursion to Dresden, similar in structure to the Budapest day trip, offering easy cross-border travel and a rewarding winter experience. - Departure Day (30 December):
With a late-night flight, we had almost the entire day in Prague. We left the city around 6:00 pm for the airport, maximising sightseeing time right until departure.
Vienna: A White Christmas and Timeless Elegance
Vienna was the perfect introduction to Central Europe in winter. Arriving from Edinburgh, we were welcomed by snow-covered streets, festive lights, and one of the most refined Christmas atmospheres in Europe. We were fortunate to experience a white Christmas, which elevated Vienna’s already elegant streets into something truly special.
Staying near Vienna Central Station, travel around the city was effortless, even during the holiday period.
Vienna Christmas Markets
Vienna’s Christmas markets are classic, spacious, and beautifully organised:
- Traditional wooden stalls
- Soft lighting and live music
- Local crafts and handmade gifts
- Seasonal food stalls offering warm comfort
Walking through these markets in falling snow felt calm rather than crowded, making the experience feel authentic and unhurried.
Food & Festive Treats
Vienna introduced us to winter flavours:
- Hot Glühwein and punch
- Roasted chestnuts
- Baked pastries
- Classic Viennese desserts enjoyed in historic cafés
Despite the Christmas holidays, transport ran smoothly, shops remained accessible, and the city felt welcoming rather than chaotic.
Budapest: Festive Energy by the Danube
Budapest was visited as a day trip from Vienna, and it offered a different festive character – more energetic and dramatic, especially along the Danube.
Budapest Christmas Atmosphere
- Christmas markets near St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Illuminated riverfront views
- A lively yet manageable crowd
A Danube river cruise provided a unique perspective of Budapest’s winter beauty, with Parliament glowing against the early evening sky.
Food & Market Finds
Budapest’s markets felt bold and flavourful:
- Hungarian street food
- Apple punch
- Locally crafted gifts and decorations
Even as a day trip, Budapest added depth and contrast to the journey.
Prague: Festive Fairy tale and Winter Calm
Prague became the heart of the trip. Arriving by train from Vienna, we stayed in Prague 1, allowing us to experience the city largely on foot. Winter suited Prague perfectly – misty mornings, softly lit evenings, and a festive atmosphere that felt straight out of a storybook.
Prague Christmas Markets
Prague’s markets were among the most magical:
- Old Town Square glowing under Christmas lights
- Smaller neighbourhood markets with local charm
- Choirs, decorations, and warm food stalls
The markets felt festive without being overwhelming, even during peak holiday days.
Exploring Prague in Central Europe Winter Trip
Over several days, we explored:
- Old Town and Charles Bridge
- Lesser Town and Prague Castle
- Jewish Quarter and historic synagogues
- Castle gardens revisited in winter light
- The world’s narrowest lane
- A peaceful Vltava river cruise
Food, Gifts & Chocolates
Prague stood out for variety:
- Traditional Czech meals
- Fish fry
- Funnel cake
- Café culture perfect for winter afternoons
- Chocolate shops and Czech brands ideal for gifts
- Christmas ornaments and handmade souvenirs
The blend of history, festivity, and calm made Prague an unforgettable base.
Dresden: A Quiet and Elegant Christmas Day Trip
From Prague, we took a day trip to Dresden, which felt refined and understated compared to larger cities. Dresden’s Christmas markets were elegant rather than flashy, perfectly matching the city’s Baroque architecture.
Dresden’s Festive Charm during Central Europe Winter Trip
- Historic market squares
- Traditional German Christmas stalls
- Calm streets and scenic river walks
Landmarks like Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, and Semper Opera House felt especially striking in winter light.
Central Europe Winter Trip: Christmas Travel Logistics: Easier Than Expected
One of the biggest surprises of this trip was how smooth travel was during the Christmas holidays.
- Trains ran on time
- Airports were organised
- Cities were well-prepared for visitors
- Attractions and markets operated reliably
Visa Requirements and Border Checks of Central Europe Winter Trip
As British nationals, we did not require a visa to enter Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, or Germany.
For travellers who do require a visa, only one Schengen visa is needed to visit all four countries. Once you enter the Schengen Area through any one country, travel between the others is generally seamless, without routine border controls.
However, it is strongly recommended to carry your passport at all times when travelling between countries. While border checks are uncommon, ad-hoc immigration checks can occur.
During our return journey from Dresden to Prague, immigration checks were carried out on the train, and passengers were asked to show their passport and valid visa (if applicable) to the police. Having documents easily accessible made the process quick and stress-free.
Money & Payments during Central Europe Winter Trip
Cash turned out to be almost unnecessary.
- We carried GBP 50 from the UK and converted small amounts into:
- EUR
- HUF
- CZK
- In practice, cards were accepted everywhere, even for small purchases
Cards used:
We have to choose a card that does not have any foreign transaction fee, the below cards went extremely well for us –
- Barclays Rewards Credit Card (We have only used this one, excellent exchange rate)
- Chase Debit Card (backup)
- Monzo Debit Card (backup)
Card payments were seamless across all four countries.
Why Winter Is a Wonderful Time to Visit Central Europe
Travelling during the Christmas holidays often raises concerns about crowds or disruptions, but our experience was the opposite. Transport was reliable, cities were well-prepared, and winter added beauty rather than difficulty.
Each city offered:
- Different styles of Christmas markets
- Unique seasonal food
- Distinct handmade gifts
- A calmer pace compared to summer
The festive atmosphere connected the journey, while each destination retained its own identity.
Why This Central Europe Winter Trip Works So Well
- Two base cities reduce hotel changes
- Day trips add variety without stress
- Christmas markets create natural evening plans
- Winter crowds are manageable
- Transport is reliable and well-connected
This journey balanced festive energy with quiet moments, making it ideal for winter travel.
Where to Park at Edinburgh Airport – Why Driving Made Sense for This Trip
For an early 7:20 am departure and a late-night return close to 11:00 pm, driving and parking at Edinburgh Airport proved to be the most practical option. Public transport at these hours is limited, and coordinating taxis or early trains can add unnecessary stress — especially in winter.
Choosing early outbound and late return flights can effectively add almost two extra days to your itinerary, but only if airport access is simple and reliable. To maximise this advantage, we drove to the airport and parked on-site.
We used FastPark at Edinburgh Airport, and the experience was exceptionally smooth. The car was dropped inside the airport parking facility, followed by a one-minute walk to the check-in counters. No shuttle buses, no waiting time, and no exposure to winter weather.
On return, the process was equally efficient. After baggage collection, we scanned the QR code provided at drop-off, which directed us to collect the car key and showed the exact parking location. Within minutes, we were in the car and on our way home.
For trips with early departures or late arrivals, especially during winter travel, on-site airport parking offers reliability, speed, and peace of mind.
COST COMPARISON: PARKING VS PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Airport Parking (What We Chose)
Pros
- Door-to-door convenience
- No dependency on train or bus schedules
- Faster transfers at odd hours
- Ideal for luggage and winter travel
Cost Consideration
- The cost of parking is sometimes cheaper than Taxi or bus tickets for the family
- No surge pricing or night-time premiums
Public Transport + Taxi (Alternative)
Cons
- Limited early morning and late-night services
- Possible overnight taxis on return
- Higher stress with luggage
- Less flexibility if delays occur
Typical Scenario
- Train to Edinburgh + taxi to airport (outbound)
- Taxi or night bus on return – Often adds up to similar or higher cost, with more complexity
Verdict:
For early and late flights, airport parking offers better value and significantly less stress.
Useful Tips for a Smooth Central Europe Winter Trip
A few practical preparations made this multi-country winter journey far easier than expected. These small details helped everything run smoothly across Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Germany.
Essential Apps to Install Before You Travel
Having the right apps saved time and reduced stress throughout the trip:
- Uber – widely available in all cities for reliable city travel
- Bolt – useful alternative in some cities, often with competitive pricing
- ÖBB – Austrian Railways app, helpful for Vienna and regional train schedules
- PID – Public transport app in Prague (Very useful)
- Omio – excellent for comparing and booking trains across countries (used this site to book our train tickets across countries).
- Google Maps – indispensable for walking routes, public transport, and real-time navigation
Downloading these in advance ensures you are not reliant on airport or hotel Wi-Fi.
Card and Payment Safety
While card payments are accepted almost everywhere, it’s best to plan sensibly:
- Carry one primary card in your wallet for daily use
- Keep backup debit or credit cards safely stored at the hotel
- This provides peace of mind in case of loss, damage, or technical issues
Passport and Cross-Country Travel
Even though travel within the Schengen Area is usually seamless:
- Always carry your passport when crossing borders
- Ad-hoc immigration checks can happen, especially on international trains
- During our Dresden–Prague journey, passports and visas were checked on the train
Having documents easily accessible avoids unnecessary delays.
Additional Practical Tips
- Dress in layers rather than heavy outerwear — cities are well-heated indoors
- Keep mobile data or roaming enabled, especially for navigation and train updates
- Save hotel addresses offline in case of connectivity issues
- Allow a little extra time in winter for walking between attractions
- Always check the actual train website (like České dráhy or ÖBB) before booking the train ticket.
- Ensure that you have purchased the seat while booking the train ticket, if seat number is not mentioned, you can buy only seats using the above websites.
Final Thoughts on Central Europe Winter Trip
This Central Europe winter trip delivered far more than expected—snowy streets, glowing markets, rich seasonal food, meaningful gifts, and cities that felt welcoming even during the busiest time of year.
Experiencing a white Christmas in Vienna, festive evenings in Prague, and elegant day trips to Budapest and Dresden made this journey feel complete and deeply memorable. It proved that winter travel, when planned thoughtfully, can be both magical and effortless.
The ABCD of Europe turned out to be more than a clever route — it became a story of how winter, when embraced fully, can reveal the most magical side of a destination. Reliable trains, welcoming cities, festive food, glowing markets, and smooth travel made this four-country journey feel effortless and deeply memorable.
Winter travel often gets overlooked, but this Central Europe winter trip proved why it deserves attention. Snow-dusted streets, glowing Christmas markets, and quieter cities created space to slow down and truly experience each place. From a white Christmas in Vienna to festive evenings in Prague, and elegant day trips to Budapest and Dresden, every stop felt distinct yet seamlessly connected.
What stood out most was how effortless the journey felt—reliable trains, welcoming cities, and the comfort of knowing that even during the Christmas holidays, travel worked smoothly. The warmth of seasonal food, the joy of browsing handmade gifts, and the simple pleasure of walking through illuminated squares made this trip feel deeply personal rather than rushed.
Sometimes, the best trips are not about covering distance, but about letting the season shape the experience – and Central Europe in winter did exactly that.