Bernie Van Der Linde- Bernie Van Der Linde
- Christmas Markets in Salzburg
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We recently returned from an unforgettable four-day trip exploring the best Christmas Markets in Salzburg, Austria, and Munich, Germany. According to my German (well-travelled) Travel Buddy, these are the best locations to experience the Christmas markets. While we missed the snow by a week, the charm and festive spirit of Salzburg made up for it in spades. The Baroque architecture, enchanting fairy lights, and the aroma of spices created an atmosphere that can only be described as magical.
This was only my second visit to German Christmas Markets. Long before I met Petra, I remember visiting Munich’s Christmas Market on Marien Platz (of which Petra, in her article Munich Christmas Markets, will tell you more). If you have ever wondered if the hype surrounding Christmas Markets can be justified, let us assure you – it is definitely worth visiting.
Nothing can prepare you for the magical atmosphere at European Christmas Markets. The aroma in the air is difficult to pinpoint, but imagine a mix of aromas from gingerbread, to cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, orange and apple-scented oils and freshly baked crepes. And to top it all off, imagine Christmas music is playing softly in the background, and friends laughing and Children playing. Although there are too many to mention Christmas Markets in Salzburg, this article describe our favourite ones.
Why Salzburg Christmas Markets is worth visiting
Salzburg is often mistaken for a German city, although it lies on the border of Germany and Austria. This charming UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Baroque architecture and deep cultural ties to Mozart, looks like your typical Christmas postcard destination.
The snow-capped Alps in the backdrop and festive ambiance make Salzburg a picturesque winter wonderland. Salzburg is super easy to get around. We comfortably walked to most of the markets, and they were much less crowded than the Munich Christmas Market.
The History of Salzburg’s Christmas Markets
Salzburg’s Christmas Markets are among the oldest in Europe, steeped in traditions dating back to the 15th century. These markets are more than just a place to look for Christmas decorations and hand-made ornaments; they’re a celebration of Austrian culture, imposing castles, festive music, and unprecedented holiday (read holy) spirit. This year (2024) is particularly special as the Christkindlmarkt celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Exploring the Best Christmas Markets in Salzburg
Our four-day trip to uncover the most picturesque Christmas Markets started in Salzburg at the panoramic Hohensalzburg Fortress Market. We set aside two days (one night) to experience the best of Salzburg, which we found adequate to cover the best Christmas Markets.
Here is a list of our top three markets and one BONUS Christmas market nearby:
1. Festung Hohensalzburg Fortress
This imposing 11th-century castle complex is located on a hilltop overlooking Salzburg. This small and authentic market is nestled in the castle’s courtyard. It is a rather steep 15-minute walk to the top, but your efforts will be richly awarded with panoramic views of Salzburg blanketed in festive lights. This fortress is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles.
The Experience: As you step into the fortress courtyard, the chill of the crisp winter air mingles with the comforting warmth of mulled wine. The limited number of stalls adds to its authenticity, offering treasures like handcrafted Christmas ornaments, local delicacies (we bought amazing jams and mustard), and one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts (I loved the unique jewellery).
- Where: Festung Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Dates: 22.11.2024 to 22.12.2024
- When: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Operating Times: 11 am to 7 pm
- Best features of the market: Exceptional city views and limited stalls, but each stall offers something truly unique, such as homemade delicacies, local handicrafts and unique gifts (nothing you would typically find at other more commercialised markets).
- Need to know before you go: If you don’t want to walk to the top, there is a funicular. For €18 per adult and €6.80 per child, the ticket includes a round trip with the funicular, a panorama tour, and access to all museums, including the princely chambers and magical theatre.
- Pro Tip: Instead of taking the funicular, walk up to the castle. You will be rewarded with 360-degree birds’-eye views of Salzburg.
2. Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz
After descending from Festung Hohensalzburg, we explored the Christkindlmarkt, which is located at the foot of the castle, directly in the city centre of Salzburg. This Christmas market is probably the largest and most famous market in Salzburg, located at Cathedral and Residenz Square. According to several sources, it is one of the oldest Christmas Markets in the world. This was my favourite market on our Christmas market-hopping tour.
The experience: I will never forget the sights, sounds, and smells of this market. The combined fragrances of roasted chestnuts, cinnamon, ginger, and orange hang low in the air. The soft sounds of Christmas carols drift through the air as we strolled past stalls brimming with intricate wooden (hand-made) ornaments, intricate and dainty hand-painted glass baubles and Christmas ornaments, and some of the best regional delicacies. We enjoyed listening to choir performances and the magical Salzburg tower blowers playing from surrounding rooftops. I bought most of my Christmas decorations from this market.
- Where: Cathedral and Residenz Square, in the heart of the historical centre in Salzburg.
- Dates: 21.11.2024 to 01.01.2025
- When: Monday to Sunday
- Operating times: Mon to Thu 10 am – 8.30 pm; Fri 10 am – 9 pm; Sat 9 am – 9 pm; Sun and public holidays 9 am – 8.30 pm. Restaurants are open until 1 am.
- Best features of the market: A special feature of the Salzburg Christmas market is the traditional Salzburg tower blowing when the Salzburg tower blowers play Christmas carols every Thursday and Advent Saturday at 6.30 p.m. from three towers around the Residenzplatz. Look out for Mozart’s statue in the centre of the square, right next to the open-air ice-skating rink.
- Not worth the hype: Although we enjoyed learning about Mozart’s life at the Mozart Museum, we found the experience disappointing. The audio application took forever to download. Moreover, the exhibit is rather disappointing and could be regarded as a tourist trap. The horse-drawn carriages are super expensive, starting at around €60.
- Pro Tip: Join the special two-hour City Tours offered every Thursday from 5 pm (German) or 5.30 pm (English). The tour costs €19 per adult and €5 per child above 5. Reservation essential.
3. Hellbrunner Adventzauber
If a Christmas Market could ever transport you to a magical Christmas Wonderland, it is the Hellbrunn Adventzauber. This was one of the most picturesque markets on our entire trip. Its location and ambience are like something out of a fairytale, probably because it is in the courtyard of a castle. The hand-made fairy tale forest is lined with more than 700 conifers (Christmas trees), each decorated with fairy lights and bright red baubles (approximately 13,000 baubles). An interesting feature of the market is the palace façade, with 24 windows serving as a giant Advent calendar. There is an entrance fee of €7 per adult, which is well worth it, considering it includes a cup of mulled wine (Glühwein). Children under six do not pay an admission fee.
The Experience: This family-friendly market delights visitors of all ages. While children enjoy their extensive children’s programme at the Müllner Scout Camp and drop off their letters to Santa, parents can enjoy mulled wine in festive surroundings. Check out the website for what to expect from the Christmas Children’s World.
You can access the Hellbrunn Christmas Market program and map here.
- Where: Hellbrunn Palace courtyard
- Dates:11.2024 to 24.12.2024
- Operating times: The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
- Best features of the market: The Christmas atmosphere is by far the best one we experienced. This family-friendly market offers a well-organised programme for children.
- Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Christmas Children’s World for little ones and a stroll through the nearby palace waterpark.
If you have a little more time to explore Christmas Market, we highly recommend venturing out of the city to Bad Reichenhall.
A bonus Christmas Market: Bad Reichenhall
As travel bloggers, we form connections and friendships with people around the world. It just so happened that one of the pages we support on Instagram, called ‘Heidanis_world’ noticed one of our Instagram stories about our upcoming visit to Salzburg. The power couple, Dani and Heidi, invited us to visit them at Bad Reichenhall’s Christmas Market, a short 30-minute drive from Salzburg. Because Dani and Heidi are so fond of South Africa, particularly Cape Town, they started a pop-up store called Umlingo_genussreise. Here they sell a variety of imported gins and wines, Rooibos Tea beverages, chocolate, and souvenirs from South Africa, such as Savanah, Amarula and Van Loveren Wines. We can honestly say we have never tasted a better Rooibos Punch with gin anywhere in the world. We highly recommend you pop in to say ‘Hi’ and try their punch (with gin) for only 4.50€.
The experience: The market is framed by imposing snow-capped mountains and historical architecture. We loved that the market is supported by locals which gave it an authentic and warm vibe.
- Where: Rathausplatz, Bad Reichenhall (town square).
- Dates:11.2024 to 24.12.2024
- Operating times: The market is open from Friday to Tuesday.
- Best features of the market: The Christmas atmosphere is contagious, and we guarantee you will leave with the fondest memories of a local Christmas Market.
- Pro Tip: At one of the stalls, try the baked potato with quark (similar to yoghurt or crème fraîche).
What to Eat and Drink at an Austrian Christmas Market
Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Krapfen (doughnuts), and mulled wine (Glühwein). Also, try Austrian specialities like Kasnocken (cheese dumplings) and Maronen (roasted chestnuts).
Insider Tips for Visiting Salzburg’s Christmas Markets
- Consider getting a Salzburg Card, which gives you free access to tourist attractions and museums, free use of public transport, and even additional discounts. The card is available in 24- (28€ for an adult and 14€ for children 6 to 15 years old), 48-(36€ for an adult and 18€ for children), or 72-hour packages (41€ for an adult and 20.50€ for children). Read more about their different packages. You can purchase this card online and use it instantly with your smartphone.
- Try visiting Christmas markets in Germany and Austria in late November as they start opening. We cannot even imagine how crowded these markets will be closer to Christmas as they were already super busy during our visit, the last week of November and the beginning of December.
- Best time to visit (early evening for the lights but before the crowds descend upon the Christmas Market).
- Remember to return your Glühwein cups to receive your deposits of around 2€ to 3€back. Some markets, like the one at Munich airport, gave us 5€ back for our empty cup.
- Consult each town’s website before you go to view the list of times for free choir performances.
- The German word Platz means Square in English
Typical Winter Activities in Salzburg
- Enjoy open-air ice skating at one of the many rinks in or near the markets.
- Stroll along the Salzach River, which runs through the centre of the town, with postcard views of the Alps in the backdrop.
- Pop into Hotel Sacher to sample their world-renowned Sacher-Torte.
- Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old Town.
- Visit the Mozart Museum.
Where to eat in Salzburg
If you are looking for an unforgettable (luxury) and historical (dating back to 1876) experience, you must consider having a coffee and cake or light lunch at the legendary Hotel Sacher (with five restaurants to choose from). This Leading Hotel of the World is regularly visited by royalty and dignitaries. It is also the birthplace of the famous Sacher-Torte, a crowning symbol of Vienna.
Where to stay in Salzburg
Conclusion: Why Salzburg left us spellbound
Salzburg’s Christmas markets are postcard perfect. We experienced an authentic Christmas atmosphere everywhere we walked and found the Christmas trinkets and decorations more beautiful than at many of the larger Christmas Markets, particularly in Munich. In addition, we found the Salzburg markets to be more traditional and welcoming. Most of the decorations at the markets we visited are handmade and unique, not the typical glass and ceramic baubles you see around every corner. We strongly encourage you to add Salzburg to your holiday travel bucket list for the best Christmas Market Experience.
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Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra