Christmas in the mountains
Advent magic
When winter grows quieter.
And the mountains are bathed in warm light.
Then the special time of year begins.
Advent in Salzburg – and Christmas in the Gastein mountains.
The scent of fir branches.
Lights twinkling in the darkness.
And the quiet magic of snow-covered landscapes.
Between traditional Christmas markets in Salzburger Land and living customs, a world unfolds that touches the soul.
When Krampus and Perchten parade through the streets of Gastein.
Powerful. Original. And deeply rooted in the region.
And while the Salzburg Christmas markets open their gates in the city, the Christmas season in the mountains reveals its most tranquil side.
Authentic. Reduced. And full of atmosphere.
Christmas in the Austrian mountains.
Quiet. Special. And unforgettable.
The most beautiful Advent markets around Gastein
- Advent Market in Bad Hofgastein
When the town becomes a stage.
For light. For sound. And for living tradition.Advent in Bad Hofgastein transforms the historic town center into an atmospheric winter wonderland.
The festively lit pedestrian zone, traditional stalls, and the scent of Christmas pastries create a special atmosphere.Accompanied by folk music, tower brass bands, and nativity plays, an Advent deeply rooted in the region emerges.
A special highlight are the impressive Krampus runs in Gastein – powerful, authentic, and unique.Even beyond the market, special moments await:
On a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Bad Hofgastein or a torchlight hike in the snow-covered spa park.A place for encounters.
And for quiet moments during mountain Christmas. - Advent in Bad Gastein
Art. Light. And special encounters.
Advent in Bad Gastein shows its creative side.
With the ARTvent calendar, a new, artfully designed window is unveiled every day – spread throughout the town.A quiet ritual.
And at the same time, a lively meeting point.
With punch. With cookies. And in shared exchange.On selected weekends, the Merangarten transforms into an atmospheric Advent market in Bad Gastein.
At the ARTvent market, art and crafts meet regional specialties and creative cuisine.Music. Atmosphere. And special details.
An Advent that inspires. And surprises. - Advent Market in Dorfgastein
Small. Refined. And particularly atmospheric.
Advent in Dorfgastein delights with a lovingly designed Advent market in the community park – nestled in the winter mountain landscape of the Gastein Valley.
Craftsmanship. Regional specialties. And the scent of Christmas.
From bacon and meat pastries to fine schnapps – here, the culinary diversity of the region is showcased.The market is accompanied by traditional program items such as the primary school’s nativity play and atmospheric choir concerts.
An Advent that touches – and makes community tangible.Special moments also arise around the market:
On a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Dorfgastein, calmly and leisurely through the wintery village.Advent Market in Gastein.
Traditional. Authentic. And full of mountain Christmas magic. - Advent Market in Großarl (approx. 45 minutes from Gastein)
A valley bathed in light.
And an Advent that enchants.The Salzburger Bergadvent in Großarl is one of the most atmospheric Advent markets in Salzburger Land.
Nestled in the snow-covered mountains, an atmosphere that combines tranquility and tradition is created here.Lovingly decorated stalls. Regional delicacies. And authentic craftsmanship from the region.
From the scent of freshly baked specialties to artful Christmas decorations.A special experience is the diverse Advent program – with music, customs, and many moments that remain unforgettable, especially for families.
Advent in Großarl takes place on the Advent weekends and invites you to consciously enjoy the pre-Christmas season.
A place of encounter.
And a piece of living mountain Christmas in Salzburger Land.
Krampus & Perchten in Gastein
When Krampus and Perchten parade through the streets in Gastein, living traditions become tangible.
A spectacle that fascinates – and gets under your skin.
The Krampus run in the Gastein Valley around 5. and December 6th is one of the most original traditions in Salzburger Land.
With intricately carved masks and impressive costumes, the groups parade through the valley.
Powerful. Mystical. And unique.
Perchten.Cult in Gastein
Deeply rooted. And full of symbolism.
The Perchten cult in Gastein is one of the oldest traditions in Salzburger Land. The Perchten parade in the Gastein Valley has been documented since the 14th century.
This tradition comes alive every four years. Between New Year’s Day and Epiphany, the elaborately designed Perchten parade through the village – powerful and impressive.
A procession of special grandeur.
And unique in this form.
Part of the intangible UNESCO cultural heritage since 2011.