Salzburg is known for The Sound of Music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Mohr and his famous “Silent Night, Holy Night”, AND for the Advent markets at Christmas time.
I was there twice and want to share with you the best Christmas markets in Salzburg. Among them are the most romantic, the largest and oldest Christmas market, a hidden gem with a spectacular view and the most beautiful Christmas tree in town.
1. The most romantic Christmas market at Castle Hellbrunn: Hellbrunner Adventzauber
More than 700 Christmas trees with 130000 Christmas baubles are awaiting you at the Castle Hellbrunn. You can enjoy local specialties and handicraft, mulled wine and romantic walks under the (full) moon as well as a petting zoo and a children´s winter wonderland.
The entry to the Hellbrunner Adventzauber is free during the week from 1 pm until 6 pm. After 6 pm the entry is € 3.
2. The largest and oldest Advent market: The Salzburger Christkindlmarkt
Situated in the Old Town of Salzburg at the Dom- and Residenzplatz is the oldest and largest Christmas market in the UNESCO World Heritage city.
There are more than 90 booths with gifts and Christmas decoration to buy. If you are interested in Joseph Mohr and his song “Silent Night, Holy Night” you should walk into the Dom (Cathedral). You can see the font where he was baptized. At Christmas Eve you can listen to his song in the Dom of Salzburg.
Next to the Christkindlmarkt you find an ice skating rink and the Christmas museum which is open the whole year round (and especially fun and weird to visit in summer).
3. Hidden Gem with a spectacular view: The Salzburger Festungsadvent at the Fortress Hohensalzburg
A small but beautiful Advent market at the Fortress Hohensalzburg. I took the funicular up to the fortress and enjoyed my time listening to a steel drum band while eating cookies. When it´s getting dark you can enjoy a magnificent view over Salzburg.
The Advent market at the fortress opens only at the weekend. The entry is free if you walk up the steep path. You´ll have to pay the funicular except you have the Salzburg Card.
4. The most beautiful Christmas tree in Salzburg
When I had lunch at the famous St. Peter – Stiftskeller in Salzburg close to the Christkindlmarkt and the funicular I found the most beautiful Christmas tree in the city.
Tip: If you don´t want to have lunch or dinner at the restaurant you should at least have a drink at the decorated Winter Wonderland in the inner courtyard.
zuletzt aktualisiert am March 7, 2023
Die Kugeln sind vor zwei Jahren auch schon wunderweise entschwunden. Aber den schönsten Christbaum in Salzburg kannte ich noch nicht! Danke für Deinen Bericht!
Gerne, Gudrun.
Ich liebe Weihnachtsmärkte und besonders die nostalgisch-traditionellen, ohne Klimbim & Co. Und Glühwein gehört für mich dazu : )
Dann würden dir die Weihnachtsmärkte in Salzburg sicher gut gefallen. Es wird darauf geachtet, dass Produkte aus der Region verwendet und ausgestellt werden und es gibt verschiedene Stände. Nicht 10 Mal das Gleiche.
I didn’t know that before, that Salzburg is famous for the Advent markets at Christmas time. In my mind, that’s some German cities (but even there, I can’t say any specific one) that are doing more about that.
Austria and Germany are both known for the Advent markets. The ones in Salzburg are special because of their location and their mottos plus the city alone is beautiful.
Ahh, I love Christmas! And I’d love to see the Advent markets! I had no idea they were such a big thing in Salzburg! Enjoy your upcoming Christmas season!
Have a wonderful Christmas season too, Casey.
Don’t you just love this time of year?! I would love to see these markets!
I really DO love this time of year, Kristen. I´m sure you would enjoy the markets a lot. We would love to see the Christmas decoration in New York (that´s where you´re from, right?). 😉
Gosh, so many people posting about Christmas Markets across Europe lately, and it’s giving me a strong pining feeling. How I wish I was in Europe to see and feel all of this for myself this year!
Maybe next year? 😉
I love Christmas Markets I’ve been to 4 around UK already…. I love the atmosphere the gluhwein and bratwurst yum yum…. Austria and Germany I want to see them this time of the year 🙂
4 already? That´s a lot. Salzburg would be the perfect place for you because there are even more than the Christmas markets we introduced to you.
Die kleinen Holzfiguren sind ja niedlich!
Salzburg gehört definitiv auf meine Liste!
Die Nussknacker? Ja, die sind wirklich niedlich. 😉
Hi there! Thanks for sharing. Despite travelling to Austria many times for work, I have never been to one of their iconic Christmas markets. Your tips are very good, and I will consider using them in a future festive period!