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 ....

A very unusual holiday memory: Carnival 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

Mixture of romantic atmosphere and traditional authenticity: Wolfgangsee Advent 2025

Experience authentic handicrafts and taste regional specialties at the various market stalls. Lake Wolfgang is very scenic and is framed by mountains such as the Schafberg.

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 Postplatz (im Zentrum St.Wolfgang), Markt 166 St. Wolfgang

Get Your Guide: 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.

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 Valley station of the Salzberg cable car, Hallstatt

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

For romantics: Lantern boat trip on Lake Wolfgang

The lantern boat trip on Lake Wolfgang is a romantic trip with the Wolfgange Schifffahrt in Advent, where you take the boat around the floating peace light lantern. On board there will be a contemplative supporting programme with music and stories.

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 St. Wolfgang Market boat landing, Markt 151 St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, Österreic

© Beate Werner | Wolfgangsee Advent im Salzkammergut

Crib exhibition in a historic cellar

Visiting a nativity scene exhibition in Hallstatt is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of nativity scene building in the Salzkammergut, which has existed there for over 200 years.

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 09:00 — 18:00 Dachsteinsport Janu, Seestraße 50 Hallstatt

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

Tour & Guided Tour: Nativity scene exhibition in the Bad Ischl district of "Lauffen"

The atmospheric tour combines regional history, living customs and impressive nativity scene art to create a special experience in the idyllic Ischl district of "Lauffen".

Fri, Dec. 19, 2025 14:00 — 15:30 Nativity Museum Lauffen (Bad Ischl), Lauffener Marktstraße 21 Bad Ischl

Crib exhibition in Hallstatt

Visit the 200-year-old nativity scene in the Catholic parish church of Hallstatt. A very special piece of tradition!

Sat, Dec. 20, 2025 10:30 — 17:00 Catholic church Hallstatt, Kirchenweg 40 Hallstatt

© Krauß | Krippenausstellung in Hallstatt

Enjoy the picturesque scenery: tower bubbles on the market square in Hallstatt - famous tunes in a romantic setting

Experience a traditional event: The tower blowing is a cultural performance that creates a special atmosphere. Enjoy the picturesque scenery.

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

On the 2nd Christmas holiday: St. Stephen's concert of the Trachtenkapelle Ramsau in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt

Enjoy a christmas evening with the Trachtenkapelle Ramsau in Bad Goisern. A musical bouquet for all music lovers and those who want to become one!

Fri, Dec. 26, 2025 19:00 Festival hall Bad Goisern Bad Goisern, Obere Marktstraße 11 Bad Goisern

Old Year Shooting of the “Prangerschützen” in Bad Ischl

Traditional customary event for the year's finale. The Traun metropolis shoots itself out of the old year and you should be there.

Wed, Dec. 31, 2025 13:45 Cafe Zauner- Esplanade, 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”.

Fri, Jan. 2, 2026 13:30 Tourist office of Bad Ischl, Auböckplatz 5 - Trinkhalle Bad Ischl

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

Back to the origins: Ebensee Glöcklerlauf 2025 - the original

Ebensee on Lake "Traunsee" is the centre and origin of this custom, which takes place every year on 5 January, the eve of Epiphany and the last Rauhnnacht. Look forward to an unforgettable traditional event in the heart of the Salzkammergut at the beginning of the new year.

Mon, Jan. 5, 2026 18:00 — 19:00 Marktgemeinde Ebensee am Traunsee, Hauptstraße 34 Ebensee

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

The carnival event in the Salzkammergut: Sock ball in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt

The "sock compulsion" makes the ball a special and fun event, where entering the hall is only allowed in socks or slippers. The most beautiful and original masks are awarded, which provides additional excitement.

Sat, Jan. 24, 2026 20:00 Bundessport- u. Freizeitzentrum, Winkl 49 Obertraun

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

Traditional shooting of the Corpus Christi shooters in Hallstatt 2026

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. 4, 2026 06:00 — 09:00 Hallstatt, Hallstatt

Corpus Christi procession Hallstatt 2026

The Corpus Christi procession in Hallstatt is unique because it takes place on the lake. The traditional boats, the "Fuhren", are decorated with flowers, and the procession offers a beautiful view of the salt mountain and the surrounding area. The procession provides an insight into the local culture and traditions.

Thu, Jun. 4, 2026 09:00 Hallstatt, Hallstatt

Atmospheric holiday experience: Yodelling at the Kalvarienberg in Gosau

The "Yodelling Blowing in Gosau" is an atmospheric holiday experience that you can experience at the "Kalvarienberg". The musicians of the "Gosauer Weisenbläser" play their traditional tunes and yodels against the backdrop of the small Calvary Church, while you can enjoy a unique panoramic view.

Wed, Jul. 1, 2026 20:00 Kalvarienberg, Gosau

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