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.

More World Heritage

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

Part of their journey! Discover Hallstatt with local guides - Daily Guided Tour "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. Guided tours are offered in the following languages: English, German, Italian and French.

Mon, May. 12, 2025 Valley station of the Salzberg cable car, Hallstatt

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

Guided tour through Hallstatt 2025

History and stories from Hallstatt. Every Monday afternoon.

Mon, May. 19, 2025 15:30 Tourist office of Hallstatt, Seestraße 114 Hallstatt

© Tourismusverband Dachstein Salzkammergut

Open air concerts on the historic market place

Each year, the promenade of Lake Hallstatt and the picturesque backdrop of the historic market place become the scene of musical treats.

Sat, May. 31, 2025 20:00 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

Tent festival on Lake Hallstatt in Bad Goisern

Three days of regional music and a good beer tent atmosphere in Untersee during your holiday in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstättersee

Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 18:00 Schützenheim Untersee, Bad Goisern

Concert for the maypole auction of the Ortsmusikkapelle Obertraun

On the community square in Obertraun: Concert on the occasion of the auction of the Obertraun maypole. Enjoy a varied evening with the local music band Obertraun in Obertraun.

Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 18:30 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

Maypole auction in Obertraun

As every year, the maypole will be auctioned off at Obertraun's town square. The proceeds will benefit the Obertraun Mountain Rescue Service.

Fri, Jun. 6, 2025 18:30 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

Franz Kirchner Big-Band live in concert

Jazz concert by the Kirchner Big Band in the courtyard of Neuwildenstein Castle

Mon, Jun. 9, 2025 18:00 — 21:00 Schloss Neuwildenstein , Rudolf-von-Alt-Weg 6 Bad Goisern

Open house at the "Anzenau" mill in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt

The open-air museum invites you: A very special day at the mill. From 10:00 to 17:00 hrs. With delicious dishes, live music and interesting guided tours through the open-air museum. Be there! And experience authentic traditional customs.

Sat, Jun. 14, 2025 10:00 — 17:00 Museum Anzenaumill (Anzenaumühle), Anzenau 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

Solstice bonfire on Mount "Feuerkogel" - the summer experience on the mountain

An atmospheric start to summer is celebrated with a traditional solstice fire, regional live music and a great supporting programme for the whole family.

Sat, Jun. 21, 2025 16:00 — 23:00 Feuerkogel, Ebensee

Marschkonzert der Ortsmusikkapelle Obertraun

Marching concert of the Obertraun local band at the Federal Sports and Leisure Centre

Sat, Jun. 21, 2025 19:30 Festgelände Traunau, Obertraun

“Yodeller” brass music in the Gosau Valley

The small Kalvarienberg (Mount Calvary) Church in Gosau provides a stunning background to this musical event - a melodious holiday occasion with exceptional panorama views. Every Wednesday in July and August 2025.

Wed, Jul. 2, 2025 20:00 Kalvarienberg, Gosau

Sun downer in Gosau

Dämmerschoppen with the „GiZiKoKla“ from Hallstatt, the Gosinger Geignmusi and the Men's Choir Gosau at the Kirchenwirt.

Sat, Jul. 5, 2025 19:30 Kirchenwirt Gosau, Gosau 2 Gosau

Hike with musical entertainment in Gosau

If you would like to experience typical Austrian customs and traditions during your holiday at Lake Hallstatt or the Gosau Valley this summer, this event is the right place for you. In addition, there is plenty of folk music and culinary delicacies. Take a look!

Sun, Jul. 6, 2025 11:00 — 19:00 Zwieselalm, Gosau

Open Air: Music in the restaurant at the "Steegwirt" in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt

A cosy summer evening on Lake Hallstatt garnished with first-class dishes and "house music" from the Salzkammergut. This time presented by: Musikkapelle Untersee. Double the pleasure! Musical holiday memories from Austria. We recommend reserving a table in good time!

Wed, Jul. 9, 2025 18:00 Steegwirt, Au 12 Bad Goisern

Tradtional Evening with the "Gosauer Schuhplattlern"

Best entertainment to round off an eventful day of vacation in the Gosau Valley. Tradition and customs at its best! Don't miss it.

Thu, Jul. 10, 2025 19:30 Kirchenwirt Gosau, Gosau 2 Gosau

This year for the last time: The 65th Ecumenical Church Music Study Weeks in Gosau

This year for the last time: The 65th Ecumenical Church Music Study Weeks in Gosau will take place this year from 14 to 28 July 2025.

Mon, Jul. 14, 2025 Gosau, Gosau

"Obertraun Mountain Moments 2025" Traditional evening in Obertraun

Traditional folklore evening on the floating stage at the beach area in Obertraun

Thu, Jul. 17, 2025 19:00 Lido Obertraun, Obertraun

Concert of the Obertraun local band

Concert of the Obertraun local band at the Obertraun community square

Fri, Jul. 18, 2025 20:00 Lido Obertraun, Obertraun

Concert with the Brass Band Gosau

Traditional concert of the local brass band in Gosau at Dachstein

Sun, Jul. 20, 2025 11:00 Gasthof Gosauschmied, Gosau 57 Gosau

"Montain Moments Obertraun 2025 ": Traditional evening in Obertraun

The traditional costume club will serve you a taste of the diverse customs in the Salzkammergut: hearty music, wood choppers and Schuhplattler.

Thu, Jul. 24, 2025 19:00 — 21:00 Kurt`s Mammut Express, Bahnhofstraße 88 Obertraun

Tradtional Evening with the "Gosauer Schuhplattlern"

Best entertainment to round off an eventful day of vacation in the Gosau Valley. Tradition and customs at its best! Don't miss it.

Thu, Jul. 24, 2025 19:30 Moosalm, Mittertal 384 Gosau

Deliciously musical: "Around Lake Gosau"

A musical-culinary summer day at the picturesque Lake Gosau. A delight for all the senses and the whole family. International guests are also welcome. Enjoy the real Austrian way of life!

Sat, Jul. 26, 2025 11:00 Lake Gosau (Gosausee), Gosau

Lake concert with Jodler and Weisenblasen on Lake Hallstättersee

Enjoy a varied evening with the Untersee music band in Bad Goisern. A musical bouquet of flowers for all music lovers and those who want to become one!

Sat, Jul. 26, 2025 19:00 Lido Untersee, Bad Goisern

Open Air: Music in the restaurant at the "Steegwirt" in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt

A cosy summer evening on Lake Hallstatt garnished with first-class dishes and "house music" from the Salzkammergut. This time presented by: Trachtenkapelle Ramsau. Double the pleasure! Musical holiday memories from Austria. We recommend reserving a table in good time!

Wed, Jul. 30, 2025 18:00 Steegwirt, Au 12 Bad Goisern

Concert of the OMK Obertraun at the beach festival

Concert of the Obertraun local band at the Obertraun lido for the beach festival

Sat, Aug. 2, 2025 18:00 Lido Obertraun, Obertraun

Forest festival in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt

The big party for the whole family. With a lot of tradition and customs. With sporting and culinary highlights. This is how your hosts are celebrating this summer. And with free entry! The big festival for guests and localsCelebrate with us?

Sat, Aug. 9, 2025 12:00 Festgelände Traunau, Obertraun

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

Mountain service in Gosau

Traditionally, on August 15 (public holiday in Austria), a mountain service takes place in the "Seekarkirche" (name of the church) in memory of the ancestors and their secret services, followed by a festival at the "Onare-Hütte".

Fri, Aug. 15, 2025 11:00 Seekarkirche, Gosau

Musical alpine day at the Zwieselalm in Gosau

Real handmade folk music. Lively and musical entertainment at the Zwieselalmhütte. An unforgettable day on the alpine pasture. At the Zwieselalm in the Dachstein Wanderwelt in Gosau.

Fri, Aug. 15, 2025 11:00 Zwieselalm, Gosau

Delicacies festival at the Schleifsteinbrüchen (grindstone quarries) in Gosau

One could list a number of culinary delights that have almost been forgotten. But it is certainly better to visit the festival and try everything out for yourself!

Sat, Aug. 16, 2025 11:00 Places of happyness, Gosau 547 Gosau

Concert at the Moosalm with the Brass Band Gosau

Enjoy the sounds of the brass band and rejoice in the beautiful view.

Sat, Aug. 23, 2025 19:00 Moosalm, Mittertal 384 Gosau

Cute Girls & knackige Boys: The great traditional festival "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

Concert with the Brass Band Gosau

Traditional concert of the local brass band in Gosau at Dachstein

Sun, Sep. 7, 2025 11:00 Kirchenwirt Gosau, Gosau 2 Gosau

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

Alpine cattles drive in Gosau

Get to know typical Austrian customs. And enjoy an unforgettable day on the alpine pasture. These will be pictures. Holiday memories at their best.

Sat, Sep. 20, 2025 13:00 Moosalm, Mittertal 384 Gosau

Mountain Mass and Alpine Festival with the Bad Goisern Mountain Music

Enjoy a varied day with the Bad Goisern mountain music in Bad Goisern. A musical bouquet of flowers for all music lovers and those who want to become one!

Sun, Sep. 21, 2025 11:00 Rossmoosalm, Bad Goisern

53th St. Agatha Beer Tent - the gesture of good humour

Once again it is time to say “Ozapft is” (the keg is tapped) on the laste weekend of September in the traditional beer tent in the St. Agatha district of Bad Goisern.

Sat, Sep. 27, 2025 Festgelände Edt, St. Agatha Bad Goisern

Counting sheep in Gosau

Experience an unforgettable day on the Iglmoosalm in Gosau! Drive up on the slow train, experience sheep mustering, delicious Alm delicacies and a musical program on the last Saturday in September.

Sat, Sep. 27, 2025 09:00 Alpine Iglmoos (Iglmoosalm), Gosau

Gosau Sheep Day in the Mittertal of Gosau

The sheep, which graze on the "Schattseit'n" all summer long, are herded together in the "Mittertal" (a district of Gosau) for a "count". A great destination! And a unique holiday memory for your smartphone.

Sat, Oct. 4, 2025 13:00 Gosau, Gosau

© Kraft | Veranstaltungen im Herbst im Gosautal: Schaftag in Gosau bei einem Urlaub in der UNESCO Welterberegion Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut in Österreich.

Church konzert with the Brass Band Gosau

Traditional concert of the local brass band in Gosau at Dachstein

Sat, Nov. 22, 2025 19:30 Protestant church Gosau, Gosau 179 Gosau

The most romantic place in the world: "Mountain Christmas Market " 2025 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. 29, 2025 13:00 — 19:00 Homeland museum Gosau, Gosau

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!

Thu, Dec. 4, 2025 17:00 — 20:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Marktplatz Hallstatt

Krampus Parade in Bad Goisern 2025

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

Sun, Dec. 7, 2025 19:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

Hallstatt Christmas Market 2025

Idyllic World Heritage Advent at your winter holiday around Lake Hallstatt. Only on 8th December 2025. Experience an incomparable Christmas trip to Hallstatt in Austria!

Mon, Dec. 8, 2025 10:00 — 18:30 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

Famous tunes in a romantic setting

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

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 16:00 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

The age-old customs around winter nights: "Glöcker parade" (Glöcklerlauf) in Obertraun

The age-old customs around winter nights with their secret magic have been a staple in the winter months for decades. One of the most beautiful customs is the Glöcklerlauf in Obertraun on 5 January, the eve of the Epiphany Festival.

Mon, Jan. 5, 2026 16:45 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

With ancient custom into the new year: Glöcklerlauf “Glöckler Parade“ in Bad Ischl 2026

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!

Mon, Jan. 5, 2026 17:00 — 19:00 Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

© Kulturplattform Bad Ischl | Glöcklerlauf im Zentrum von Bad Ischl

The first highlight in the new year: Glöcklerlauf (parade) in Bad Goisern 2026

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.

Mon, Jan. 5, 2026 20:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

A matter of the heart: Liebstatt Sunday on the Grünberg in Gmunden

A small surprise awaits you at the Grünberg ticket office. The first 100 guests will receive a Liebstatt heart as a gift from us. So be quick and drive to the Grünberg first thing in the morning!

Sun, Mar. 15, 2026 08:00 — 17:00 Grünberg Cable car Gmunden (Grünberg Seilbahn), Karl-Josef-von-Frey-Gasse 4 Gmunden

"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. 15, 2026 15:00 Festival hall Bad Goisern Bad Goisern, Obere Marktstraße 11 Bad Goisern

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