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.

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.

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.

World Heritage Events

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!

Fri, Dec. 1, 2023 09:00 — 18:00 Dachsteinsport Janu, Seestraße 50 Hallstatt

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

"Mountain Christmas Market " 2023 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, Dec. 2, 2023 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!

Mon, Dec. 4, 2023 17:00 — 20:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Marktplatz Hallstatt

Krampus Run in Hallstatt 2023

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!

Tue, Dec. 5, 2023 18:00 — 23:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Marktplatz Hallstatt

© Kraft | Traditioneller Krampuslauf Hallstatt

Krampus Parade in Bad Goisern 2023

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

Thu, Dec. 7, 2023 19:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

Christmas Market in Hallstatt 2023

Idyllic World Heritage Advent at yout winter holiday around Lake Hallstatt. Only on 8th December 2023. Experience an incomparable Christmas trip to Hallstatt in Austria!

Fri, Dec. 8, 2023 10:00 — 18:30 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

Advent Market in the Hand.Werk.Haus 2023

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. 16, 2023 10:00 — 18:00 Salzkammergut Hand.Werk.Haus, Rudolf-von-Alt-Weg 6 Bad Goisern

Crib exhibition in Hallstatt

Visit the 200 year old crib in the Catholic parish church of Hallstatt. Daily from 24th of December 20120 to 2nd of February 2021.

Fri, Dec. 22, 2023 10:30 — 17:00 Catholic church Hallstatt, Kirchenweg 40 Hallstatt

© Krauß | Krippenausstellung in Hallstatt

Famous tunes in a romantic setting

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

Sun, Dec. 24, 2023 16:00 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

Traditional christmas concert in Bad Ischl - Lauffen

An unforgettable musical experience after Christmas. Because Christmas in Austria is the best thing you can imagine. We invite you to an unforgettable Christmas concert. Unforgettable, unique and legendary. So enjoy the time.

Fri, Dec. 29, 2023 16:00 Pilgrimage church "Maria im Schatten" Lauffen, Marktstraße 49 Bad Ischl

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.

Fri, Dec. 29, 2023 17:00 — 20:00 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

© Perstl | Neujahrsblasen der Ortsmusikkapelle Obertraun von Haus zu Haus

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.

Sun, Dec. 31, 2023 14:00 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”.

Tue, Jan. 2, 2024 13:30 Tourist office of Bad Ischl, Auböckplatz 5 - Trinkhalle Bad Ischl

Glöcklerlauf in Obertraun

The "Glöcklerlauf" is a time-honoured local tradition. This is hardly surprising, as it is believed that the illuminated head decorations and the ringing of the bells bring good luck into the community in the coming year, and that they protect us from unfortunate events.

Fri, Jan. 5, 2024 16:45 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

Glöcklerlauf “Glöckler Parade“ in Bad Ischl

Each year on 5th January, at around 6pm , Bad Ischl has “Glöcklerlauf”. The name "Glöckler" derives from the word “knock” and is rooted in an old Salzkammergut tradition.

Fri, Jan. 5, 2024 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.

Fri, Jan. 5, 2024 20:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Marktplatz Bad Goisern

"Liebstatt" Sunday 2024

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

Sun, Mar. 10, 2024 15:00 Festival hall Bad Goisern, Obere Marktstraße 11 Bad Goisern