Customs and traditions

Down to Earth – like its inhabitants

Why do you suddenly give gingerbread hearts with sweet sayings in spring? Why do people with colourful caps run through the dark nights after New Year? And what is the lake procession in Hallstatt all about? Questions upon questions.

In addition to its scenic beauty, the Salzkammergut is also known for its ancient customs and traditions, which exist only in this form here. Reason enough to take a closer look at the most important customs, from the “Glöcklerläufen” and “Liabstattsonntag” through to the magnificent Corpus Christi procession on Lake Hallstatt.

History with a touch of Imperial and Royal, tradition inwrought with contemporary art, culture with a distinctive touch of customs.

Below you will find more about typical customs from the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut and the surrounding holiday regions. We also introduce you to the Salzkammergut's most beautiful traditional events. We look forward to welcoming you to a rendezvous of tradition and modernity in the Salzkammergut.

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From miners and caps"

On the 5th January, the last of the "Twelve Nights" and the eve of the Epiphany, the custom in the Alpine area is very distinct and varied. The so-called "Anklöckler” are still widespread, as they always have been.

© Kraft | Gelebtes Brauchtum in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut: : Glöcklerläufe

The Corpus Christi Procession on Lake Hallstatt

The traditional Corpus Christi Procession on the Hallstättersee (Lake Hallstatt) will take place once again in the Spring time. The procession is an example of the many traditions unique to the Salzkammergut. Join the people of Hallstatt and share a part of their unique culture.

Tour from Nativity Scene to Nativity Scene

Around Christmas commences the time of the “Kripperlroas”. You can visit the most beautiful nativity scenes of the Salzkammregut by horse-drawn carriage, foot or boat.

Fiery memories - The "Krambamperlbrennen"

Traditional, down-to-earth and high-proof custom in numerous inns on the 2nd day of Christmas. A sugar-sweet social experience with consequences ....

Carneval season in the Salzkammergut

Carneval or ”Fasching” who it´s called in the Salzkammergut – in no other part of the country is the Fasching season so exuberantly and zealously packed with time-honoured traditions and fancy dress parades than here in the Salzkammergut.

Solstice bonfire in the Salzkammergut

Whether on the mountain or at the lake, the solstice bonfires in the Salzkammergut are a unique get-together of guests and hosts in connection with ancient customs. Unforgettable holiday memories that will last!

© Hoermandinger < Sonnwendfeuer im Salzkammergut

World Heritage Events

Music festival in Bad Ischl: 100 years of the Mitterweißenbach music band

This is the current program. The organizers are looking forward to your coming! Now all that's missing is you. See you at the big festival of the local music band Mitterweißenbach in July 2025 in Bad Ischl.

Kurpark Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

Daily Guided Tour of Hallstatt 2024 "Individual”

Experience the World Heritage Site in a very special way: On a flexible guided tour through the historic centre. Simply register now and experience history up close. You can't get more live than that.

Tue, Oct. 15, 2024 Valley station of the Salzberg cable car, Hallstatt

©Krauß/www.hallstatt.net | Wöchentliche Führungen durch Hallstatt

Traditional Christmas in Bad Ischl - This is how Austria celebrates the festival of love!

The best traditional folk music groups from the entire Alpine region and especially from the Salzkammergut will get you in the mood for a cosy Advent season.

Sat, Nov. 23, 2024 16:00 Congress and Theater House Bad Ischl, Kurhausstraße 8 Bad Ischl

"Mountain Christmas Market " 2024 in Gosau

Probably the most beautiful Christmas market in Austria. Stroll, enjoy, taste and just take a deep breath and let your mind unwind. The most beautiful place to wait for Santa Claus. With great and uniquely beautiful gift ideas. You have to check this out!

Sat, Nov. 30, 2024 13:00 — 19:00 Homeland museum Gosau, Gosau

Crib exhibition in a historic cellar

They have to look at that: Grandisoe's nativity scene exhibition. An exhibition with free admission in the historic Celtic cellar. Right in the center of the famous lake resort. An insider tip for selfie friends!

Sun, Dec. 1, 2024 09:00 — 18:00 Dachsteinsport Janu, Seestraße 50 Hallstatt

© Krauß/Kraft | Veranstaltungen im Salzkammergut: Krippenausstellung in Hallstatt

Children's Krampus run on Hallstatt’s Market Square

Scarily beautiful mask spectacle for big and small friends of Krampus right in the historic centre of the world-famous salt mining village. Goose bumps guaranteed!

Wed, Dec. 4, 2024 17:00 — 20:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Marktplatz Hallstatt

Krampus Run in Hallstatt 2024

Colourful fire show with hot drinks, St. Nicholas, and lots of devilishly good masks. A hell of a good spectacle that shouldn’t be missed!

Thu, Dec. 5, 2024 18:00 — 23:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Marktplatz Hallstatt

© Kraft | Traditioneller Krampuslauf Hallstatt

Krampus Parade in Bad Goisern 2024

700 "Krampusses" and demons, St Nicholasses and good angels will assemble once again in the market square in Bad Goisern for this annual event.

Sat, Dec. 7, 2024 19:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

Christmas Market in Hallstatt 2024

Idyllic World Heritage Advent at yout winter holiday around Lake Hallstatt. Only on 8th December 2024. Experience an incomparable Christmas trip to Hallstatt in Austria!

Sun, Dec. 8, 2024 10:00 — 18:30 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

Pre-Christmas church concert in Bad Ischl

Atmospheric Advent concert on the holiday in the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024.

Sun, Dec. 8, 2024 16:00 Protestant church Bad Aussee, Bad Aussee

Advent Market in the Hand.Werk.Haus 2024

On Saturday and Sunday (on the third advent weekend) craftsmen and women from the Salzkammergut will be hosting a festive Christmas Market. Over 20 of our most talented artists proudly present their products both inside and in the courtyard at the Neuwildenstein stately home.

Sat, Dec. 14, 2024 10:00 — 18:00 Salzkammergut Hand.Werk.Haus, Rudolf-von-Alt-Weg 6 Bad Goisern

Famous tunes in a romantic setting

Famous tunes in a romantic setting in the heart of Hallstatt on Christmas Eve,

Tue, Dec. 24, 2024 16:00 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

New Year’s Music in Obertraun

On the south-eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt, the old year is bid a traditional farewell and the New Year is welcomed in a very colourful way.

Sun, Dec. 29, 2024 17:00 — 20:00 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

© Perstl | Neujahrsblasen der Ortsmusikkapelle Obertraun von Haus zu Haus

Traditional Christmas in the Bad Ischl district of Lauffen

Christmas like back then. Experience the diverse customs of one of the most beautiful places in Austria. There, where the "stade" time is not quite so quiet!

Mon, Dec. 30, 2024 16:00 Pilgrimage church "Maria im Schatten" Lauffen, Marktstraße 49 Bad Ischl

Nativity trip with horse-drawn carriage in Bad Ischl

A particularly beautiful tradition in Bad Ischl is the craft of making nativity scenes. There are now a large number of these masterpieces, some of which you can admire on the Nativity trip with horse-drawn carriage “Kripperlroas”.

Thu, Jan. 2, 2025 13:30 Tourist office of Bad Ischl, Auböckplatz 5 - Trinkhalle Bad Ischl

Glöcklerlauf in Obertraun

Only in the Salzkammergut: Ancient customs with their secret magic around the winter nights have a firm place in the tradition of the World Heritage town of Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt. This is the Glöcklerlauf at the foot of "Mount Dachstein". Too good to miss!

Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 16:45 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

Glöcklerlauf “Glöckler Parade“ in Bad Ischl

A parade of light and a unique atmosphere: "Glöcklerlauf" (parade) and Ride of the "Three Kings" in the centre of the spa and imperial town of Bad Ischl. An ancient custom with a firm place in the tradition of the Salzkammergut. A highlight for all those who are on holiday around Bad Ischl at this time!

Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 17:00 — 19:00 Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

© Kulturplattform Bad Ischl | Glöcklerlauf im Zentrum von Bad Ischl

Glöcklerlauf in Bad Goisern

Processions take place on the evening of 5th January. Eager spectators gather to watch the parades of figures dressed all in white. The men carry large bells attached to their belts and wear elaborate head decorations. These are illuminated on the inside by large candles.

Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 20:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

"Liebstatt" Sunday 2025

The big traditional festival for love in the Salzkammergut. On the fourth Sunday of Lent. The big traditional event in spring.

Sun, Mar. 30, 2025 15:00 Festival hall Bad Goisern, Obere Marktstraße 11 Bad Goisern

Traditional shooting of the Corpus Christi shooters in Hallstatt 2025

On Corpus Christi Day, you should not be frightened in the early morning: because on this holiday, the Corpus Christi shooters take a "Fuhr", the traditional gondola-like boat, to Lake Hallstatt and greet Corpus Christi Day with fierce shots. A piece of living tradition and genuine customs during your holiday in the Salzkammergut.

Thu, Jun. 19, 2025 06:00 — 09:00 Hallstatt, Hallstatt

Corpus Christi procession Hallstatt 2025

Colourful Corpus Christi procession in the Catholic parish church, the romantic marketplace and the unique Lake Hallstatt. A truly "heavenly" experience!

Thu, Jun. 19, 2025 09:00 Hallstatt, Hallstatt

Nepomuk festival in Hallstatt

Traditional, annual event which takes place on 15th August. Th e event takes place in the "Badergraben" in Hallstatt. Lots of entertainment, food and drink available.

Fri, Aug. 15, 2025 10:00 — 19:00 Badergraben, Badergraben Hallstatt

Chamois Hunting Days 2025

The big folk festival with a variety of events and culinary specialties. Look forward to pure tradition. And get in touch with the country and its people. Lederhosen and dirndls as far as the eye can see. Cool guys and sweet girls. The holiday experience!

Fri, Aug. 29, 2025 18:00 — 22:00 Bad Goisern, Bad Goisern

Violin festival in Bad Goisern 2025

Feel the musicians' love for music, their enthusiasm and fun at the violin festival in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt in Austria.

Sun, Sep. 7, 2025 12:00 — 19:00 Kirchengasse, Kirchengasse Bad Goisern

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