The family experience at Christmas time: St. Nicholas comes across Lake Hallstatt
Guests from all over the world
are cordially invited: You have to see it!
It has already become a cherished tradition in the Dachstein community of Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt. Every year during the Advent season, St. Nicholas does not come across the lake by horse or carriage, but with the traditional boat on Lake Hallstatt, the so-called "Fuhr". The traditional and rustic wooden boats of the people on Lake Hallstatt have also been "Intangible Cultural Heritage" of UNESCO in the Salzkammergut for some time.
Ship ahoy for St. Nicholas & Co.
On Sunday, November 29, 2026, Saint Nicholas will arrive on land, greeted by shining children's eyes, and distribute many gifts to them. He will be assisted by his trusty companion Knecht Ruprecht, who will carry the heavy sack of gifts, and by the Obertraun brass band."St. Nicholas Market" at the lido
Before St. Nicholas reaches the southern shore of Lake Hallstatt, the Obertraun Children's Friends, together with some exhibitors, invite you to a small but fine Advent market at the Obertraun lido from 15:30 hrs. onwards. Small culinary delicacies, handicrafts and all kinds of handicrafts are not to be missed.
To shorten the waiting time, the flute children of the state music school and musicians from Obertraun will play on the riverbank before St. Nicholas arrives at dusk.A varied afternoon for the whole family. Just drop by in the pre-Christmas Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt. This will be an experience. For young and old. Firmly promised! And this is where the most beautiful pictures for your loved ones at home are taken. Warranted. They will be happy.
Simple and convenient
To this event with the Salzkammergut Shuttle Service
Would you like to attend this event? But don't have a car? Then take the "Salzkammergut Shuttle Service". The network of local taxi companies will take you to your desired event in a cost-effective and comfortable way. And this is how it works: Simply call the service hotline on +43 50 422 422 and pre-order correctly. You can make reservations in German and English. You will receive all further information directly at the time of booking or when booking the shuttle. Your hosts in the individual accommodations will also be happy to help you order the shuttle. Just ask. We wish you a safe journey and unforgettable hours at this event in the Salzkammergut.
On the trail of Father Christmas
When it gets dark early in the afternoon, the festively decorated alleys and streets glow with pre-Christmas lights and the scent of oven-fresh Christmas biscuits fills the air, then, yes then it is Advent in the Salzkammergut. Time for a short holiday at the fjord-like Lake Hallstatt or in the picturesque Gosau Valley. Because only here, in the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut, is the true, unadulterated pre-Christmas season still to be found. Far away from kitsch and commercialism, always down-to-earth, sometimes rustic, sometimes unusual, but always authentic! Discover your own personal time-out, whether with your partner, with good friends or simply on your own! Experience the unique atmosphere of the pre-Christmas season in Hallstatt, Gosau, Bad Goisern & Obertraun and enjoy magical winter moments on the trail of Father Christmas. See you at the World Heritage in the Salzkammergut! Reda more...
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More Pre-Christmas events in the World Heritage region
Unforgettable holiday memory: Children's Krampus run on Hallstatt’s Market Square
Fri, Dec. 4, 2026 17:00 — 20:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Hallstatt
Children's event in the run-up to Christmas: St. Nicholas comes to Bad Ischl
Sat, Dec. 5, 2026 17:00 Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl
Krampus Run in Hallstatt 2026
Sat, Dec. 5, 2026 18:00 — 23:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Hallstatt
Goisern, ghouls, goosebumps: Salzkammergut Krampus Run 2026 - Highlight at Christmas time
Mon, Dec. 7, 2026 19:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Bad Goisern
Your accommodation for this event
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.