In Austria, the Christkind – and not Father Christmas or Santa Claus – brings the gifts. This is why the Christmas markets there are also called Christkindl markets. 🙂 If you are in Salzburg during the Advent season, you simply must visit the Christkindl market. We show you two markets to make the best of the advent in Salzburg.
Old Town Christkindl market
The main Christkindl market is at the centre of Old Town. It goes from Mozart Square and on to Cathedral Square via Residenz Square. The atmosphere and the mood are both very special. There are many culinary delights to try out and handicrafts to marvel at. The people of Salzburg also love strolling around the Christkindl market and looking for Christmas gifts. In the evening, it’s fun to meet friends and colleagues there for a hot punch or mulled wine and snack on Christmas goodies. There is something for everyone there – from sweet to savoury.
Our MEININGER tip: First, stroll through the market to get an overview. Of course it’s even more interesting with a bag of roasted chestnuts in one hand. Among the booths with handicrafts, one artisan distillery offers samples of the house schnapps. The pear schnapps there is extremely delicious. Act like a local and start talking to strangers. The food and beverage booths are the easiest place to do this. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, try a pasty-like “Krapfen” with sauerkraut or a “Bosna” – sausage in grilled bread. If you feel like something sweeter, there are potato noodles with poppy seed or Palatschinken – filled crepes. Add some mulled wine or “Jagatee” and your visit to the Christkindl market in Salzburg will be perfect.
Opening hours
Daily from Thursday 20/11/2014 – Friday 26/12/2014
Monday – Thursday : 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday and holiday: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
24 December: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
25 + 26 December: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hellbrunn Christkindl market
If you want even more romance and tradition, hop on bus 25 (departs every 20/25 minutes from Mirabell Square or Central Station) and take a ride outside the city to Hellbrunn Palace. On the way to the palace, you will pass by various booths with souvenirs and traditional Salzburg handicrafts for marvelling at and purchasing. When you arrive at the palace, you will be pampered with Austrian culinary delights and see a ‘land of milk and honey’ decorated for Christmas.
Opening hours
Daily from Thursday, 20/11/2014 – Wednesday, 24/12/2014
Monday + Tuesday 1: 8 p.m.
Wednesday + Friday 1: 8 p.m.
Saturday + Sunday + holiday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
24/12/2014: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Perchtenlauf procession
During the Advent season, the Perchtenlauf procession is an extraordinary event to watch. “Perchten” are figures that are supposed to drive winter away with their ugliness, the loud ringing of bells, lots of noise and rods. This ancient custom is still followed in Salzburg in the form of a procession. If you are interested in witnessing this procession, keep the following dates in mind:
But beware: They really use the rod and the Perchten don’t like it if you act like you’re not afraid of them!
Dates
28 November, 6 p.m. – Linzer Gasse
30 November, 3 p.m. – Burg Hohenfestung
1 December, 5:30 p.m. – Residenz Square, Old Market, Getreidegasse, Karajan Square, Festspielhaus
3 December, 5:30 p.m – Old Market, Waag Square, Getreidegasse
5 Dezember, 5 p.m. – Linzer Gasse
5 December, 5:30 p.m. – Getreidegasse, Old Market, Festspielhaus
5 December, 7 p.m. – Cathedral Square
21 December, 5:30 p.m. – Cathedral Square
