Advent – a magical time

A magical time of year, full of tradition, inviting aromas and twinkling lights

The trees have long since lost their colourful leaves and from the mountains the cold wind blows snow into the valley. As the days become shorter and daylight turns into darkness, a very special atmosphere descends on SalzburgerLand along with that magical time of year - Advent. When the first snowflakes drift down from the skies and land on the frozen ground creating a blanket of white, there is a thrill of anticipation – winter has arrived. All across the land, living rooms will be cosy and warm and in the ovens Christmas biscuits made with vanilla, cinnamon and spices will be baked. The traditional Advent wreath will be decorated with four candles, one of which is lit on each Sunday in Advent.

A Tranquil Period full of Tradition

On the one hand, Advent is a tranquil and idyllic time, ideal for long rambling walks in the first fresh snow of winter, whilst taking in the gentle tones of Christmas carols or brass melodies played by the Weisenbläser and gazing at the traditional nativity scene. On the other hand, Advent in SalzburgerLand can be a little less subdued with its traditional Krampus run, where locals adorn costumes and masks and go from farm to farm accompanied by Saint Nicholas, who by tradition offers presents to the children.

“Silent Night” – more than a Christmas song

Whenever this carol is played in the world, you know that Christmas is not too far away. “Silent Night” has been translated into more than 300 languages and dialects and epitomises the musical spirit of Christmas. In 1816 Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics to “Silent Night” in Mariapfarr in Lungau. In 1818 Franz Xaver Gruber composed the music in Lamprechtshausen. On Christmas Eve in the same year “Silent Night” was first performed in public at St. Nikolaus Church in Oberdorf, near Salzburg and went on to become one of the most well-known Christmas carols around the world.

Christmas Shopping

Advent in Salzburg is full of colour and cheer, with extensive shopping tours enticing visitors to explore the festively decorated arcades and passages. It’s perfect to combine a visit of the Christmas markets in and around Salzburg with your Advent shopping excursions. Admire the lovingly decorated stands where you will be spoilt for choice with ideas for that perfect present, whether it be a handcrafted Christmas tree ornament, a knitted item or culinary delights such as smoked ham, traditional gingerbread or local schnapps.

Here´s a list of all the Christmas markets taking place in SalzburgerLand.

Christmas Walks and Hikes

Join one of the numerous Advent hikes in SalzburgerLand, where the glow of torches in the darkness is accompanied by the gentle fall of snowflakes. Warm yourself up with a glass of punch or cup of tea and let yourself be enthralled by the Christmas spirit.

Top 5 Advent Hikes

Pre-Christmas Chapel Hikes in Neukirchen
Take a torch-lit walk along this chapel route tour. There are small memorials and explanations as to their historical origins along the way.

Nativity Path Radstadt
In Radstadt, you can take a walk on a path alongside the historic city wall where you will pass ten illuminated cribs/nativity scenes that have been skillfully handmade by crib makers from Radstadt and the surrounding area.

Torch-Lit Walks in Großarltal
Atmospheric music accompanies walkers on a torch-lit walk from the Advent market in the centre up to the parish church. Lanterns and torches illuminate the way up to the nativity scene and meadow where the alpine horn players perform festive melodies.

Romantic Advent Trail on Katschberg
During a winter walk along the Advent circular hiking trail, visitors from near and far can gather contemplative pre-Christmas moments. The top priority for the planning team was to make the Advent Trail as original as possible. Instead of the obligatory sales booths, you will find lovingly designed theme worlds and stories about Christmas in Austria along the Advent Trail.

Silent Night Paths in Hintersee and Wagrain
Joseph Mohr spent almost ten years of his life in the tranquil town of Hintersee in the Fuschlsee region. During romantic torchlight hikes, visitors can follow in Mohr’s footsteps to the Joseph Mohr Memorial Chapel. In Wagrain, Mohr has done a lot for the education of the local children. During a cultural walk through the town, you will learn interesting and curious facts about his work.