Christmas Excursion Tips in Salzburg City and Salzburger Land

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From romantic Advent markets to a visit by Saint Nick to the salt mine: These Salzburg excursion destinations have come up with very special ideas for the Christmas season.

"ADVENTROAS" AT THE SALZBURG OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

Experience Christmas the way it used to be. Pay a visit to the “Adventroas” at the Salzburg Open-Air Museum. On three different dates, the biggest museum in Salzburg province invites you to attend a wintry festival of music, song, Christmas arts & crafts as well as stories revolving around Advent. A genuine journey back in time and an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Adventroas 2022 takes place on 27.11., 4.12. and 5.12. Tickets should be purchased online in advance. Only left-over tickets are actually sold at the gate.

Info

Salzburger Freilichtmuseum
Hasenweg 1, A-5084 Großgmain
www.freilichtmuseum.com

Salzburg Freilichtmuseum - Fireplace Adventroas with farmer's market and children's program
Salzburg Freilichtmuseum - Fireplace Adventroas with farmer's market and children's program

HOT PUNCH WITH A VIEW AND “GENTLE KRAMPUSSES” – ADVENT AT THE SALZBURG FORTRESS

A visit to Hohensalzburg Fortress is a magical experience during the run-up to Christmas. Even as you walk up there, more than a hundred traditional Herrnhuter stars conjure up a romantic, magical aura along the length of the Festungsgasse. Stepping inside the main courtyard, you encounter the idyllic Christmas Market with a broad selection of regional arts & crafts, creative gift ideas and mouthwatering Salzburg delicacies. Many residents of Salzburg come to the Fortress at least once a year so as to enjoy a mug of mulled wine accompanied by a beautiful view of the festively decked-out historic district far below. The market also hosts side events that are really popular with families. Every day whenever the market is open, Atelier Hödlmoser offers a children’s program including music, cookie baking, a reading corner and Christmas crafting. On Sunday the 4th of December, the Stefani Perchten will pay a visit to the fortress. A little spooky though never mean-spirited, they are probably the most family-friendly Krampusses in all of Salzburg.

Advent at the fortress in Salzburg is open every Friday through Sunday from 25 November until 18 December as well as on 8 December 2022, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Info

Festung Hohensalzburg
Mönchsberg 34, A-5020 Salzburg
www.salzburg-burgen.at/de/hohensalzburg

Fortress Hohensalzburg - Christmas market at the fortress at dusk
Fortress Hohensalzburg - Christmas market at the fortress at dusk

CHRISTMASTIME IN HELLBRUNN

For many years now, Hellbrunner Adventzauber has been one of the most beloved Christmas markets in Salzburg province. No wonder since, surrounded by the Mannerist ambience of the palace, the romance knows no bounds. The market is especially popular with families, not least because the youngsters are greeted by a Christmas train, a Christmas post office, an outdoor fire and much more, in an enchanted Christmas world of their very own. The side program is likewise a seasonal treat to behold, including live music every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. On the 2nd of December, the Krampusses from Grossgmain will be paying a visit, and on the 11th of December – Krampus Day – visitors will be able to personally try on the masks normally sported by the Anif Krampusses. Incidentally, the palace grounds remain open all winter long. Between fishponds, sculptures and trees, you will be able to take a stroll and discover the peace & quiet you seek, constantly watched over by the eight-meters-tall Hellbrunn Christmas Angel.

Hellbrunner Adventzauber is open from Wednesday to Sunday as well as on public holidays.

Info

Schloss Hellbrunn
Fürstenweg 37, A-5020 Salzburg
www.hellbrunn.at

Hellbrunn Palace & Water Games - View of the Advent Market at Christmas Time
Hellbrunn Palace & Water Games - View of the Advent Market at Christmas Time

CHRISTMAS SEASON IN THE DOMQUARTIER

At DomQuartier Salzburg, they have also come up with an array of very special highlights. In particularly high demand: the aptly-named guided tour “Advent in the DomQuartier”. After a visit to the Christmas exhibition, you will make your way out onto the terrace above the cathedral arches, where the market stands of the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt literally lie at your feet. Enjoying mulled wine and a few bites to eat, you will be able to listen to gentle festive melodies performed from the surrounding towers and gaze upon the bustling activity around the Cathedral. For children and teens, the Creative Kids Club offers all kinds of exciting activities during Advent, be that searching for Nativity figures, crafting Christmas ornaments or printing your own Christmas cards.

All dates and times can be found on the DomQuartier website.

Info

DomQuartier Salzburg
Residenzplatz 1/Domplatz 1a, A-5020 Salzburg
www.domquartier.at

DomQuartier Salzburg - Christmas with Salzburg Christmas Market
DomQuartier Salzburg - Christmas with Salzburg Christmas Market

ADVENT MARKET AT BURG HOHENWERFEN

At Burg Hohenwerfen, the medieval castle keep serves as the backdrop for atmospheric afternoons in a family-friendly atmosphere. Authentic Pongau traditions, Salzburg arts & crafts, local delicacies, Nativity plays and folk music heighten everyone’s anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holidays. For smaller visitors, there is an organized children’s program including crafts, cookie baking and a fairytale teller. Yet another highlight is a special exhibition in the Kasematten-Gewölbe, where you can admire a collection of Perchten costumes created by Helmut Brandecker.

The Advent Market at Burg Hohenwerfen is open on Saturday, 26.11. and Sunday, 27.11. as well as Saturday 3.12. and Sunday 4.12. and 8.12.2022. Admission is free. Visitors are welcome to ride the lift up to the castle for an additional fee.

Info

Erlebnisburg Hohenwerfen
Burgstraße 2, A-5450 Werfen
www.salzburg-burgen.at/de/werfen

Hohenwerfen Adventure Castle - Christmas market at the castle at night
Hohenwerfen Adventure Castle - Christmas market at the castle at night

ADVENT IN THE SALT MINE

In December, there is also a Christmassy flavor to Salzburg’s most popular salt mine. On 4 and 5 December, Saint Nick and his helpers will pay a visit to the Dürrnberg and hand out small gifts. They are always delighted to hear the kids perform songs and poems of their own. On 8 December at 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m., the Anglöckler from Kuchl will come to Salzwelten, inviting guests to join them on a musical tour of the mine tunnels. Along the way, you will learn lots of interesting facts about this tradition, which once gave the poorest of the poor a small source of income during the harsh winter months. Finally, on 24 December, you can also pass the time with a visit to the salt mine while the final busy preparations for the arrival of Christkind are underway back at home. The last day of the year, meanwhile, will be time for the New Year’s Eve Special: “Guten Rutsch”.

All Salzwelten events during Advent can be found here.

Info

Salzwelten Salzburg
Ramsaustraße 3, A-5422 Bad Dürrnberg
www.salzwelten.at

Salzwelten Salzburg - Advent im Bergwerk
Salzwelten Salzburg - Advent im Bergwerk

ADVENT MARKET AT BURG MAUTERNDORF

The Christmas season is also given a joyous welcome in the southernmost region of Salzburg. Visitors to the Advent market at Mauterndorf castle can look forward to a wide variety of arts & crafts manufactured locally, including handmade pottery next to extraordinary designer jewelry and much, much more. For foodies, the Advent market promises a variety of regional delicacies and warm beverages: including hearty open-face bacon sandwiches, Lungau-style bratwurst, farmhouse-style doughnuts, exquisite Christmas bakery items, along with hot punch and mulled wine. Meanwhile, the fabulously festive atmosphere is further enhanced by live musical performances courtesy of local wind groups, musical ensembles and singers as well as the children from the elementary school and kindergarten in Mauterndorf. And last but not least, there is also a special program for children that includes highlights such as crafts, a reading corner and cookie baking in the Felsenkeller!

The Advent market at Burg Mauterndorf is open on Saturday, 3.12. and Sunday, 4.12, on Thursday 8.12, Saturday, 10.12. and Sunday, 11.12. 2022, in each case from 1 to 7 p.m.

Info

Burg Mauterndorf
Markt 27, A-5570 Mauterndorf
www.salzburg-burgen.at/de/mauterndorf/

Mauterndorf Castle - Christmas market in the castle courtyard
Mauterndorf Castle - Christmas market in the castle courtyard