Traditional Events in the Salzkammergut

Tradition and customs are very important in the Salzkammergut.
The variety of events is correspondingly large. Whether the annual "Gamsjagatage" (chamois hunting days) at the end of summer in Bad Goisern, the celebratory Corpus Christi procession on Lake Hallstatt, the eerily wild Krampus runs for thrills, or the impressive “Glöckler” runs at the beginning of the year - they are all a fixed point in the annual calendar. Let yourself be captivated by genuine customs and traditions and immerse yourself in a wealth of down-to-earth events in the Salzkammergut. We have compiled the most beautiful of their kind for you below. Enjoy browsing!

Events: Customs & Traditions at a Glance

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.

Tue, Dec. 16, 2025 09:00 — 18:00 Dachsteinsport Janu, Seestraße 50 Hallstatt

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

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

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

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

Even more customs and traditions all year round

Colourful through the night: "Glöckler runs" in the Salzkammergut - the first highlight of the year

"Glöckler runs" in the Salzkammergut are an old custom in which men and women dressed in white with illuminated light caps, which are artistically designed, parade through the villages. The events are a living example of traditional customs in the Salzkammergut. And you can be there live!

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.

“Silent Night“ in the Salzkammergut

When the whole region is lit up in festive lighting and the alleys are filled with seductive scents, then the Christmas season has arrived. The Salzkammergut once again presents itself as a fascinating winter wonderland, with the charming Christmas markets of the region in particular with their stalls and specialties creating a festive atmosphere.

Filigree craftsmanship & unique customs: Nativity scene exhibitions in the Salzkammergut

The Salzkammergut is rich in traditions and customs, and nativity scenes are an important part of it. The exhibitions show the art of nativity scene building, which often has a long history in the region.

Brass music im Salzkammergut

Brass music in the Salzkammergut is more than just music. A real attitude to life. Traditional brass music concerts are special for music lovers and explorers. Whether in the open air on the village square or in the pavilion or in the event centres - just come by and enjoy traditional or modern brass music

Search and Book

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.

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