Alpen-Advent
Grossarltal – Berchtesgaden – Sterzing – Wolfgangsee
Alpen Advent is an association of four special Advent regions in Austria, Germany and South Tyrol, which have set themselves the common goal of preserving and maintaining quality, customs, high-quality craftsmanship, regional delicacies and local Christmas treats. Alpen Advent turns its back on the hustle and bustle and invites you to experience the Advent season as it was originally intended – as a peaceful, festive time of preparation for Christmas with great respect for tradition, nature and togetherness.
Each region brings its own unique culture, history and atmosphere to the table, yet they are all united by the desire to create authentic and down-to-earth Advent experiences.
In Grossarltal, Salzburg Mountain Advent is still celebrated as it was originally intended – quietly, authentically and with a deep connection to Alpine tradition. Around 30 lovingly decorated wooden huts in the centre of Grossarl form an atmospheric Advent village, nestled in the snow-covered mountain scenery. Regional handicrafts, local delicacies, handmade nativity scenes and atmospheric brass band music create a very special atmosphere.
Accompanied by Advent singing, horse-drawn carriage rides and Krampus customs, visitors can experience a genuine piece of the pre-Christmas season in Salzburg. There is also plenty for families to discover: a children's bakery, Christkindl workshop, fairy tale hours and much more.
Find out more about the Salzburg Mountain Advent in Grossarltal.
Between the royal castle, the collegiate church and the festively illuminated town houses, Berchtesgaden Advent invites you to a particularly atmospheric Christmas market. Around 50 lovingly decorated huts offer traditional handicrafts, regional specialities and unique Berchtesgaden Christmas tree decorations.
Old customs come to life here: Buttnmandl and Krampus parades, tower brass bands, lantern tours and the festive Christkindl shooting ceremony create a deep, authentic Advent atmosphere.
For families, there is a varied programme with a children's workshop, pony rides, a large Christmas tree maze and a nostalgic carousel – an Advent experience for all the senses, set against the impressive backdrop of the Berchtesgaden Alps.
Find out more about Berchtesgaden Advent.
The Christmas market in Sterzing, South Tyrol, enchants visitors with lovingly decorated wooden huts around the historic Zwölferturm tower, the town's landmark.
The centrepiece is the atmospheric carillon on the Zwölferturm tower: equipped with 25 bells and accompanied by specially composed Christmas melodies, which are played live on some Advent weekends or automatically.
Regional specialities, traditional handicrafts and Christmas tree decorations from the surrounding area give the market its characteristic Alpine charm. As a green event, the Sterzinger Glockenweihnacht deliberately focuses on sustainability: plastic-free stalls, local products and environmentally friendly management are the main focus.
Find out more about the Sterzinger Glockenweihnacht.
At Lake Wolfgang – in St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen and Strobl – the Advent season awakens in a special atmosphere: sparkling lights, festively decorated wooden huts, and the scent of punch, regional delicacies and handicrafts.
The landmark is the 16-metre-high Peace Light lantern, which floats on the water and, accompanied by festive music, invites you to pause and reflect – visible from the shore or on a lantern boat trip. The Wolfgangsee boat service takes you from place to place.
Visitors can enjoy highlights such as Perchten runs, Advent concerts, nativity scene exhibitions and Rorate devotions, all set against the romantic mountain backdrop of the Salzkammergut.
Find out more about the Wolfgangsee Advent.
