When the scent of freshly baked biscuits and mulled wine fills the air and the streets are adorned with festive decorations, you know that Christmas is just around the corner! The Advent season in Salzburg and the Salzkammergut region offers a unique experience for all the family. Salzburg's historic old town sparkles with lights, and traditional Advent markets get both young and old in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year.
Here's an insider tip for Hohensalzburg Fortress: a romantic Advent market is held in the castle courtyard every weekend during Advent. There are lots of local crafts, original gift ideas and Christmas delicacies waiting to be discovered by visitors of all ages.
Experience winter magic with minimal effort: the FestungsBahn offers a comfortable ride to the Advent market in the castle courtyard every 10 minutes. During opening hours only.
During the Christmas season, as well as every other day of the year, the Mönchsberg lift takes guests up to Salzburg's panoramic mountain in no time at all. Taking a stroll through the wintry Mönchsberg is one of the most contemplative Advent activities the city has to offer.
Experience the festive season in a unique way by taking the beautifully decorated Schafbergbahn railway through snowy landscapes to the picturesque Schafbergalm, located at an altitude of 1,364 metres. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the wintry Lake Wolfgang – an unforgettable experience for all the family.
Every Sunday during Advent, children up to the age of 14 accompanied by an adult travel free on the SchafbergBahn cog railway and WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries.
With the ‘Mountain & Boat’ Advent combination ticket, you can take a trip on the SchafbergBahn cog railway and the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries on two different dates independently of each other.
*The combination tickets are only available at the stationary ticket offices of the Schafberg cog railway and WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries.
While WolfgangseeSchifffahrt connects the popular Advent markets in Strobl, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen by water, a trip on the SchafbergBahn railway to the wintery Schafbergalm delights young and old alike. A very special surprise awaits you there – enjoy a cosy stop at the Schafberg-Alpe restaurant!
Along its picturesque winter route, the SchafbergBahn takes guests from 20 November to 20 December and again from 26 December to 3 January to the SchafbergAlm station at an altitude of 1,364 metres. A festively decorated train and countless lights transform the entire railway into a unique Advent attraction.
Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the winter landscape surrounding Lake Wolfgangsee and relax with traditional Austrian hospitality at the SchafbergAlm Inn.
On selected Advent weekends, a varied entertainment programme creates a festive atmosphere both at the ErlebnisQuartier at the valley station and on the SchafbergAlm. Musical performances are complemented by special visits from St. Nicholas, Krampus, and the Christ Child. Please note that programme activities may take place either at the ErlebnisQuartier, on the SchafbergAlm, or at both locations, depending on the date.
For the second year running, you can enjoy a small but delightful Advent market with charming stalls run by regional exhibitors at the SchafbergBahn valley station. There will be a children's workshop, atmospheric live music, and delicacies from Café & Restaurant EQ to tempt you to stay a while.
The Wolfgangsee Advent market is one of the most atmospheric in Austria, and the Schafbergbahn Advent trip makes it an unforgettable experience for all the family. After strolling through the festively decorated villages around the lake, you can take the lovingly decorated cog railway up to the romantic Schafbergalm, which is sure to be a magical experience for all ages.
From 20 November to 20 December and from 26 December to 3 January, the ships shuttle between St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and Strobl. This is a contemplative experience that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Every Sunday during Advent, children up to the age of 14 accompanied by an adult travel free on the SchafbergBahn cog railway and WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries.
Wonderful lantern boat trips will be offered again in 2026. These trips include a boat ride offering views of the 16-metre-high Peace Light lantern on Lake Wolfgang. There will be a music group playing on board, and a narrator will read poems and stories related to the Christmas season.
In 2026, wonderful lantern boat trips will once again be offered on Lake Wolfgangsee. A music group plays on board and a storyteller reads poems and stories about the Christmas season.
Departure is every Wednesday at 4:15 PM and 5:15 PM from the St. Wolfgang Markt pier and at 4:20 PM and 5:20 PM from the Schafbergbahn pier (duration: 45 minutes).
Departure times:
Dates 2026:
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The best gifts are the ones that create unforgettable experiences and moments spent together. That's why this year, you can choose from a range of gift vouchers guaranteed to bring joy. Whether it's a voucher for a summit climb with the SchafbergBahn, a romantic boat trip on Lake Wolfgang or an unforgettable night on the Schafberg, your loved ones are sure to enjoy the experience.
From snow-capped mountain panoramas to festively adorned towns, Salzburg AG Tourism's five treasures offer unforgettable experiences for all the family during the Christmas season. A particular highlight is the SchafbergBahn ride, which takes you through a dreamlike winter landscape and rewards you with breathtaking views of Lake Wolfgang and the snow-covered Salzkammergut from the Schafbergalm summit. It's ideal for anyone looking to spend time with their loved ones, offering an experience full of magic, discovery and enjoyment.
Experience the enchanting winter landscape of the Salzkammergut on an unforgettable journey aboard the Schafbergbahn railway! From 26 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, this historic cog railway will transport you to the Schafbergalm daily. Take in the breathtaking views and fresh mountain air on this leisurely journey through snow-covered forests and over picturesque hills. It's a perfect winter adventure for all the family!
Enjoy the festive season with a picturesque trip on Lake Wolfgang! From 26 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, the Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt company is offering daily trips to St Wolfgang, Strobl and St Gilgen. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the snow-covered landscape as you experience the winter beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It's a wonderful experience for all ages that captures the magic of winter!
