Christmas market

Tradition and custom We like spending time together as a family, especially at Christmas! Become part of this cherished tradition and visit us during the most wonderful time of the year. The typical Christmas markets of the Lake Wolfgang Advent enchant with their hushed beauty and romantic atmosphere. The charm and traditional fare of this place make an Advent trip to the Salzkammergut an unforgettable experience for families, children and all visitors who are looking for something truly special. Explore the most beautiful shops and buy many a souvenir or Christmas gift. You'll feel right at home

Treat yourself to a few days of rest in the hectic pre-Christmas period. At the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl on Lake Wolfgang, you can leave everyday cares behind and enjoy calm days full of romance. The hotel is known far and wide, while and the Christmas market in St. Wolfgang is one of the prettiest in Salzburg province. In Austria, we call it the "Christkindlmarkt", and it is a tradition that has endured for centuries. During this time, the whole place turns into an inviting stage. This year, the Christmas market will be open from Wednesday to Sunday. So secure your box seat for the start of the week, escape the daily grind and experience the romance of Advent and Christmas in St. Wolfgang. A boat trip on Lake Wolfgang is an experience to remember. Circle the famous lantern in the lake, enjoy unique views from the water and warm up with a mulled wine at the Christmas market. A unique spectacle, especially at night! 

The romantic Hotel Im Weissen Rössl makes the perfect Christmas retreat during the week. The Rössl SPA is comfy and warm, especially when it's cold outside. Topped off with a perfect dinner, perhaps during one of our truffle weeks, you can immerse yourself in the spirit of Advent and recharge for a busy Christmas period. We have a little time until then, so make the most of it. Relax and unwind in the run-up to Christmas with us.

The Lantern of Peace at Lake Wolfgang

The 29 metre-high lantern floating in the lake off St. Wolfgang is visible from afar and a symbol of Advent that invites all observers to pause and reflect. On a raft in front of the Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl, the light dances on the water and makes the wintry Lake Wolfgang shimmer. Every day, the flame of the Lantern of Peace is lit anew to send its message to the opposite shore of the lake and far beyond, across the snow-covered mountains, to the whole world. Taking a twilight dip and enjoying the light cast over the lake by the lantern before the darkness falls is a truly special experience.

Game enclosure at the Nativity Village by Lake Wolfgang

The game enclosure in Strobl is an attraction for all Advent visitors to Lake Wolfgang. Children's eyes in particular light up at the sight of the live animals. A Nativity scene is an essential part of Christmas in the Salzkammergut, and animals are a must. At the life-size Nativity scene in Strobl by Lake Wolfgang, you can marvel at deer, roe deer, goats and sheep. You can also get special on site to give the animals a nice treat. Hand-feeding the animals is an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Advent on the mountain – Christmas market on the Zwölferhorn

Experience a wild, romantic mountain Advent on the Zwölferhorn. At 1,476 metres, the highest point of the Lake Wolfgang Advent festivities. The cable car operates daily until 4 pm and takes you to a winter wonderland with a fantastic view over the Salzkammergut and large parts of the Alpine foothills. The panoramic circular path to Pillstein, which is always cleared, invites you to enjoy a leisurely walk in the fresh winter air – a treat for all the senses.

Schafberg railway – take a steam train through the snow

Austria's steepest steam cogwheel railway has been making the journey from St. Wolfgang up the Schafberg for over 120 years. During Advent, it makes its way through the winter forest up the mountain to the Dorneralpe from Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays. Punch and mulled wine are served in a festively decorated carriage.

In winter, the Schafberg railway takes you to the Schafbergalm station during the following operating periods:

• Advent: 17 November–23 December 2023 (Wednesday–Sunday)
• Public holidays & New Year's Eve: 25 December 2023–1 January 2024

Exact departure times can be requested directly from the Schafberg railway