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.

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

Hike with musical entertainment in Gosau

Five alpine huts with culinary delights and live music - that's the unique Alm-Musi-Roas in Gosau: Handmade down-to-earth music and culinary delicacies - the perfect combination for a relaxing day on the Zwieselalm high above the Gosau Valley. The mountain hut hosts look forward to your visit.

Zwieselalm, Gosau

Daily Guided Tour of Hallstatt 2023 "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.

Sat, Apr. 1, 2023 Valley station of the Salzberg cable car, Hallstatt

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

Village Tour "Hallstatt by Land, Hallstatt by Water" 2023

Daily Offer! Middle of September to October 2022. Discover entirely new sides to Hallstatt during a tour by both land and water. This hour-long tour includes a trip aboard the historical salt ship, Navia. Reservations available. Only during nice weather. Only by prior reservation.

Mon, May. 1, 2023 Salzshop Hallstatt (Bus terminal), Seestraße Hallstatt

© Kraft | Wöchentliche Führungen durch Hallstatt

Guided tour of Hallstatt 2023 "World Heritage Tour"

A historical art robbery, a missing corpse and female "pack donkeys" are the ingredients for an historical tour through Hallstatt followed by a schnapps tasting - as a highlight. Cheers!

Mon, May. 1, 2023 16:30 — 17:30 Tourist office of Hallstatt, Seestraße 114 Hallstatt

Dämmerschoppen presented by the Ortsmusikkapelle Obertraun Brass Band

Sat, May. 27, 2023 19:00 Feriendorf-Resort, Obertraun

Concert for the maypole auction of the Ortsmusikkapelle Obertraun

Fri, Jun. 2, 2023 19:00 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun 180 Obertraun

Salzkammergut Alpine Singing 2023

Tradition and customs. Real alpine lifestyle. Music that comes from the heart. This is how the music of your host country sounds. Immerse yourself and look forward to "music in traditional costume".

Sat, Jun. 3, 2023 20:00 Trinkhalle Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

© Stadler | Im Bild: Almabtrieb Rettenbachalm

The Narzissenfest 2023: City parade in Bad Aussee

Visitors have the opportunity to view the narcissus figures from 09.00 am accompanied by traditional music, and displays of local handicrafts and customs.

Sun, Jun. 4, 2023 Bad Aussee, Bad Aussee

Corpus Christi procession Hallstatt 2023

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

Thu, Jun. 8, 2023 09:00 Hallstatt, Hallstatt

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.

Fri, Jun. 23, 2023 20:00 Market Square Hallstatt (Marktplatz Hallstatt), Marktplatz Hallstatt

Concert with the Brass Band Gosau

Traditional concert of the local brass band in Gosau at Dachstein

Sun, Jun. 25, 2023 11:00 Gasthof Gosauschmied, Gosau 57 Gosau

“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 2023.

Wed, Jul. 5, 2023 20:00 Kalvarienberg, Gosau

Summer festival from the traditional brass band Gosau

Traditional concert of the local brass band in Gosau at Dachstein

Sat, Jul. 8, 2023 19:00 Stockhalle, Gosau

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. 13, 2023 19:30 Kirchenwirt Gosau, Gosau 2 Gosau

"Obertraun Mountain Moments 2023" Traditional evening in Obertraun

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

Thu, Jul. 13, 2023 19:30 Lido Obertraun, Obertraun

Concert with the Brass Band Gosau and the Gosau male choir

Enjoy the Concert with the Brass Band Gosau

Sat, Jul. 22, 2023 19:30 Kirchenwirt Gosau, Gosau 2 Gosau

Chamois Hunting Days 2023

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. 25, 2023 Bad Goisern, Bad Goisern

Concert at the Moosalm with the Brass Band Gosau

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

Sat, Aug. 26, 2023 19:30 Moosalm, Mittertal 384 Gosau

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. 30, 2023 09:00 Alpine Iglmoos (Iglmoosalm), Gosau

Gosauer Berg-Weihnacht 2023

Romantic magic of Advent in the traditional open-air museum of Gosau. An experience for all the senses! A magic of variety in the heart of the World Heritage. The distinctive charm of the Alpine Christmas market will delight you!

Sat, Dec. 2, 2023 13:00 — 19:00 Homeland museum Gosau, Gosau

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

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

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

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

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