Winter in Munich (München) & Austria (Österreich)

Winter in Munich & Austria

Winter in Munich (München) & Austria (Österreich) is where we will be this December. My family and I are finally taking a trip I have dreamed about for years.

We are flying into Munich (München). First we will be spending a few days soaking in the Christmas markets. I can’t wait to watch my kids simply experience the magic of Germany (Deutschland) during the holidays.

Second, we’ll head into Austria for several days of skiing in Rauris, before continuing to Salzburg and Vienna (Wien), then eventually returning to Munich for our flight home.

Christmas markets and skiing are the two main reasons we’re planning this adventure. Everything else we discover along the way is simply a bonus.

I’m hoping this trip becomes more than just a vacation. I’d love for it to become an opportunity to meet incredible people, support local businesses, and experience these places the way locals do.

Munich & Austrian Female Business Owners

One of my favorite parts of traveling is meeting people who are building something. Are you a founder, entrepreneur, small business owner, or a creative?

I own a personal branding photography and web design studio in North Florida, United States. I always leave inspired after hearing other entrepreneurs’ stories. No sales pitch. Just coffee, conversation, and hopefully a new friendship.

If you know someone that would be a good fit, I’d appreciate an introduction.

Photography Collaboration

I’m also looking to collaborate with businesses during our trip.

I specialize in high-end personal branding photography, hospitality photography, and commercial content creation. If you’re a:

• Boutique hotel
• Airbnb host
• Bookstore
• Coffee shop
• Bakery
• Restaurant
• Food industry
• Tourism business
• Local artisan or maker

I’d love to talk.

Some collaborations will be paid commercial sessions, while others may be bartered if it’s a great fit.

I’m also setting aside time to gift photography to a few small businesses that may not currently have the budget for professional branding images. I know how much quality photography can impact a business, and if I can help someone while I’m there, I’d genuinely love to.

If you know a hidden gem that deserves better photos, send them my way.

Munich Food Recommendations

We’re huge foodies! When we travel, we don’t want to eat where every tourist goes. We want the places locals recommend. What are the restaurants that make you say, “You have to eat here?” We’re open to everything.

Traditional Bavarian food.

Family-owned restaurants.

Hidden cafés.

Amazing bakeries.

Street food.

Desserts.

The best schnitzel.

Most authentic pretzel.

The richest hot chocolate.

The bakery worth waiting in line for.

If it’s memorable, I’d love to hear about it.

Places to Visit

Is there anything besides the Christmas markets, FC Bayern Munich (FC Bayern München), and plane spotting around Munich Airport (Flughafen München/MUC), what should we absolutely not miss?

We’re especially interested in:

• Scenic viewpoints
• Small villages
• Local traditions
• Family-friendly experiences
• Beautiful bookstores
• Christmas experiences
• Photography locations
• Places locals love that tourists often miss

Austria Road Trip

After leaving Munich (München), we’ll be driving into Austria (Österreich) and spending several days skiing in Rauris. We’re planning to rent a Sprinter van and make the drive ourselves, and I’d love your recommendations. Are there stops between Munich (München), Rauris, Salzburg, and Vienna (Wien) that are absolutely worth making?

Maybe it’s a village.

A mountain road.

A bakery.

A lake.

A castle.

A restaurant.

Or simply somewhere beautiful that most visitors drive right past.

Those are often the places that become the best memories.

Hotel Recommendations in Vienna

Vienna is the only place we have not booked accommodations yet. I’d appreciate any recommendation for a clean, safe, and family-friendly place to stay. We normally choose Airbnbs because they are always the easiest with a family of 7, but we’re open to any place that offers a wonderful experience.

Let’s Connect

I’d genuinely love to connect if you live in Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, or anywhere along our route. It can be over coffee, a drink, or simply exchanging travel tips, I’d love the opportunity to meet locals and fellow entrepreneurs. Every recommendation is appreciated.

You can reach me through my website at River Eight & Co or send me a message on Instagram, or leave a comment below.

It’s about the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the memories you create together. Your children only know the world you show them, and one of my deepest hopes is that they will have an open mind, and open heart.

I’m looking forward to experiencing Winter in Munich (München) & Austria (Österreich) through the eyes of the people who call these places home. I hope we will be welcomed there.