Lake Wolfgangsee Advent
Held across the town centers of St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang, the event features decorated market stalls, handmade crafts, and regional music. Guests can view Baroque-inspired painted figures and giant candles in St. Gilgen, explore a Nativity village in Strobl, and discover over 70 life-size nativity figures and a floating peace lantern in St. Wolfgang. Ferries transport passengers directly between the three lakeside markets.
What to Expect
Lakeside Christmas markets across three villages connected by ferry rides.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Wolfgangsee Tourismus Gesellschaft mbH
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and traditional christmas-market visitors
Vibe
Atmospheric and traditional
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission.
- Hours: December 7 and 8: 10 a.m.–7.30 p.m. Wednesday: St. Gilgen, 1:00 p.m.–7.30 p.m.; St. Wolfgang and Strobl, 1 p.m.–7.30 p.m. Thursday and Friday: all listed villages, 11 a.m.–7.30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: all listed villages, 10 a.m.–7.30 p.m.
- Parking: Plenty of parking is available in all three locations.
Tips & Advice
- Take the Wolfgangsee boats between St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang, because the ferries link all three lakeside markets.
- If you stay overnight in the region, ride bus lines 150 and 546 for free; they cover St. Gilgen, Strobl and the connection to St. Wolfgang.
- Plan your visit for Wednesday to Sunday, because the markets are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for the extra openings on December 7 and 8.
- Visit St. Gilgen from Thursday to Sunday, because on Wednesdays there's only a small selection of stalls on the lake promenade.
- Save time for the Advent Train from Thursday to Sunday, which climbs through wintry mountain forest to the Schafbergalm.
Special Events & Promotions
- 20th anniversary of the Lake Wolfgangsee Advent
- Extra opening days on December 7 and 8
- Advent Train up the Schafberg, Thursday to Sunday
- Bookable Advent packages, including "Advent dream" and "Wonn's dumpa wird"
- Free rides on the listed bus routes for overnight guests in Salzburg state and the Wolfgangsee region
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get between the three markets?
Wolfgangsee boats link St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang. By bus, line 150 stops in St. Gilgen and Strobl, and line 546 runs from Strobl bus station to St. Wolfgang.
What is there to see in St. Gilgen?
An 11-metre candle on the lakeshore and more than 50 large candles light up the village. Painted Baroque-style figures by artist Raja Schwahn-Reichmann tell the St. Nicholas story on the church square. There's regional folk music, and you can combine the market with St. Gilgen's museums.
What are the highlights in St. Wolfgang and Strobl?
St. Wolfgang has the 16-metre floating Peace Lantern, a nativity scene with more than 70 life-size figures around the village, and a handicraft exhibition by makers from all over Austria. Strobl turns into a nativity village, with a shepherd's path leading to the market entrance.
Can I get up into the mountains?
Yes. From Thursday to Sunday, the Advent Train climbs the Schafberg to the Schafbergalm at 1364 m. The Zwölferhorn cable car takes 11 minutes to reach the summit.
Who is it for?
Everyone, young and old. It suits families and couples, and tour groups are welcome too, with separate information on bus parking and coach-friendly businesses.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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