Events in winter

There’s a lot going on in winter!

When winter gradually sets in over the Salzkammergut at the end of November, it will be cosy at numerous events around the Lake Hallstatt and the Gosau Valley. Even in winter there is a lot going on: World Heritage Advent, “Glöcklerläufe”, Gosau hot air balloon week, family events both on and off the slopes and much, much more. We have summarised below, the best events in the winter for you. We wish you a relaxing winter holiday in the Salzkammergut.

Winter events in the Salzkammergut

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

Contemporary history with a sharp pen: Cartoon exhibition "Graphic Novel" in Altaussee

The comic artist Simon has packed the eventful history of the Altaussee salt mine from the Stone Age to the Nazi era, as well as the art treasures stored in the mountain and their spectacular rescue into a graphic novel.

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 09:00 — 16:00 Altaussee salt mine, Lichtersberg 25 Altaussee

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

Austria's largest active salt mine: Guided tours of the salt mine in Altaussee

Every day you have the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of Austria's largest active salt mining site on a guided tour.

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 09:00 Altaussee salt mine, Lichtersberg 25 Altaussee

Handmade gift ideas: Christmas market in Bad Ischl 2025

Look forward to original "hand g'machtes" (hand-made) products from the Kaiserstadt, to typical culinary delicacies as well as to a varied supporting programme that is full of atmosphere.

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 10:00 — 18:00 Trinkhalle Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

Try it out: Daily Salt tasting in Hallstatt

Enjoyable holiday memories from the most beautiful lakeside resort in the world: daily salt tastings on the historic and picturesque market square - right in the centre of Hallstatt. Try it out!

Wed, Dec. 17, 2025 10:00 — 18:00 Salt Shop Salt Mine Marketplace Hallstatt, Marktplatz 159 Hallstatt

Exhibition for the Advent and Christmas season: "The Art of Winter – Art. Design. Object" in Bad Ischl

The exhibition in the heart of the Salzkammergut offers insights into the world of art, design and object art that fits perfectly into the historic atmosphere of the city.

Dec. 18 - 21, 2025 Galerie "Am Fluss", Hasnerallee 2 Bad Ischl

Magical family experience: Magic of lights on "Mount Grünberg" in Gmunden

Hundreds of thousands of soft lights illuminate the path and create a magical atmosphere. Unique 3D animal figures, which offer perfect photo opportunities, complete the experience. A mulled wine stand and an atmospheric music programme provide a special pre-Christmas feeling.

Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 13:00 — 20:00 Salzkammergut treetop path, Am Grünberg Gmunden

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

Special guided tour through the salt mine: The true "Monuments Men" in the Altaussee

The guided tour tells the true story of the rescue of art treasures that were stolen by the Nazis and hidden in the mine. You will visit the tunnels in which the priceless works of art were stored and experience the dramatic rescue operation up close.

Fri, Dec. 19, 2025 16:00 Altaussee salt mine, Lichtersberg 25 Altaussee

Start of the season: Winter season at Dachstein Krippenstein

Great, the ski season at Dachstein Krippenstein is about to start again!

Dec. 20 - 21, 2025 08:40 — 17:00 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Guided snowshoe hike to the skywalk "5Fingers"

A fantastic half-day tour through the snow-covered landscape on the 2000-metre-high Krippenstein mountain. A hike for beginners and advanced hikers. With breathtaking impressions and unforgettable photos. Not everyone does that!

Sat, Dec. 20, 2025 09:30 — 12:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Guided Snowshoe Hike with Igloo Building

Pure Adventure. In the "ice desert" at 2000 meters above sea level. For everyone who is looking for a challenge. "Building houses" with a difference. Register now. Because together there is simply more winter.

Sat, Dec. 20, 2025 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Torch walk in Hallstatt

Wait until it's dark! Then Hallstatt shows itself from a completely different side and stories take on their very own charm. Please register for organizational reasons. In prominent footsteps through the night!

Sat, Dec. 20, 2025 17:00 Tourist office of Hallstatt, Seestraße 114 Hallstatt

Tour for everyone: Guided snowshoe hike "Bibereck“ with Betty in Gosau

Your winter experience in the salzkammergut. Discover the snow-covered mountains. Join us on an unusual tour of discovery. Winter hike with Betty. An unforgettable holiday experience!

Mon, Dec. 22, 2025 09:45 — 13:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

© OÖTourismus/Röbl | Winterwandern mit Betty

Christmas skiing for children on December 24, 2025, FREE!! on the Feuerkogel in Ebensee

The free ride is valid on December 24, 2025, for all children born between 2010 and 2019 who are accompanied by an adult.

Wed, Dec. 24, 2025 09:00 — 16:00 Feuerkogel, Ebensee

Operetta Salon 2024 in Bad Ischl

The Operetta Salon in the heart of the imperial city of Bad Ischl combines tradition and fresh verve and offers the audience popular works by Lehár, Strauss, Kálmán and much more.

Thu, Dec. 25, 2025 16:30 Trinkhalle Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

Children's tours with mountain duck Sally in the Saltwelten Altausssee during the Christmas holidays

The "Sally Guided Tours" in the Altaussee Salt Mine are child-friendly discovery tours with the pit duck Sally, which are aimed at children aged 4 to 10. A small gift and a souvenir photo await the kids after the slide.

Fri, Dec. 26, 2025 14:00 — 16:00 Altaussee salt mine, Lichtersberg 25 Altaussee

Pure nature & endless silence: Snowshoe hike "Fascination Dachstein - Krippenstein" in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt

In winter, you can experience this majestic high mountain range on guided snowshoe tours across the Dachstein wilderness plateau. Almost effortlessly we explore a fascinating karst landscape and enjoy the wonderful panoramic view.

Sun, Dec. 28, 2025 09:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

Guided snowshoe hike on the "5 Fingers" on Mount "Krippenstein" in Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt

The "5 Fingers" viewing platform is also an experience in winter, from which you have spectacular views over Lake Hallstatt and far into the Salzkammergut.

Mon, Dec. 29, 2025 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Seilbahn (Talstation), Winkl 86 Obertraun

Zwieselalm-Ascent in the Gosau Valley

Skiing tour to the Zwieselalm on the end of December in the Dachstein West Ski Region in Gosau. Register now! Limited number of participants.

Tue, Dec. 30, 2025 16:30 Panorama-Jet , Gosau

© werbegams / Zwieselalm-Aufstieg in Gosau Skitourengehen in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut

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

Cool start to the year in the Salzkammergut: New Year's Swim 2026 in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt

This event is not for the faint-hearted, because in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt you start the new year with the New Year's swim. A "cool event" in the truest sense of the word. There will also be a great supporting programme.

Thu, Jan. 1, 2026 11:00 — 14:00 Car Park "Untersee (Strandbad)" Bad Goisern, Untersee Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee

Musical start to the year: New Year's Concert in Bad Ischl 2026

On 1 January 2026, the spa and imperial city of Bad Ischl invites you to the traditional New Year's Concert at the Kongress & TheaterHaus Bad Ischl. An extraordinary programme full of Viennese charm awaits you, which is the festive prelude to the new year.

Thu, Jan. 1, 2026 16:30 — 16:30 Congress and Theater House Bad Ischl, Kurhausstraße 8 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 unusual event: New Year's celebration in the Koppenbrüller Cave in Obertraun 2026

A traditional event with torchlight walks, brass music, guided tours of the cave, didgeridoo music and bonfires. Potato grills and hot drinks provide plenty of winter warmth.

Fri, Jan. 2, 2026 16:00 Koppenbrüller cave (Koppenbrüllerhöhle), Obertraun

Guided snowshoe hike with Betty in Gosau

Feel the tranquility of the mountains. Enjoy the pure clear winter air. This winter the big adventure is waiting for you! Winter fun for the whole family in around 3 ½ hours on the deep snow covered Zwieselalm in Gosau.

Sat, Jan. 3, 2026 09:45 — 15:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

© OÖTourismus/Röbl | Winter in Gosau: Schneeschuhwanderung “Dachstein West“

New Year's Concert in Gosau

Mit einem musikalischen Querschnitt aus der "Fledermaus“ von Johann Strauß geht es ins neue Jahr. Beim beliebten Neujahrskonzert des Salonorchesters der Landesmusikschule Bad Goisern in Gosau.

Sat, Jan. 3, 2026 20:00 — 22:00 Culture Centre Gosau, Gosau

New Year's Concert in Bad Goisern

Start the “New Year” with music in Bad Goisern on Lake Hallstatt. An entertaining concert experience not just for classical music fans!

Sun, Jan. 4, 2026 18:00 — 20:00 Festival hall Bad Goisern, Vereinsgasse 4 Bad Goisern

Balasz Moldiz, ungarischer Stargeiger, wird dieses Konzert zu einem unvergesslichen Jahresbeginn werden lassen

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

Guided tour of the "Casino Keller" (underground cellar vault) in Bad Ischl

Wander through the 400 year old „Casino Cellar“ which served as a refridgerator for both the Brewery and people of Bad Ischl

Wed, Jan. 7, 2026 Casino Keller, Grazer Straße 16 Bad Ischl

Balloon Week Gosau 2026

Mid-January people will look up to the skies for a very different reason 30 to 40 brightly coloured hot air balloons will take to the skies, creating a magnificent display against a backdrop of snow laden trees and stunning mountain scenery.

Sun, Jan. 18, 2026 09:00 — 16:00 Gosau, Gosau

Unique visual staging: "Night of the Balloons" 2026 in Gosau

The "Night of the Balloons" offers an atmosphere that is unique to this event, making it an unforgettable experience. lights and provide a magical spectacle for the eyes. You have to see this!

Wed, Jan. 21, 2026 18:00 — 20:30 Gosau, Gosau

Hot wheels & Cool Guys: Skijoring in Gosau 2026

Da capo for a true winter sports highlight in the picturesque Gosau Valley! And the formula is: motocross + skiing = skijoring. Who will take home the victory in this very special speed sport variant this time? You can be there live!

Sat, Jan. 24, 2026 10:00 — 18:00 Sports center Gosau, Gosau

Night Ski Show 2026 in Gosau

Not to be missed: Spectacular ski show with flag parade, rocket backpack and a large firework display and much more. The holiday experience!

Tue, Jan. 27, 2026 20:00 — 21:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

Big party for little guests: Snow festival for children in Gosau

Join us and experience an unforgettable day full of fun and adventure! This festival is a fantastic snow experience and pure winter fun! You can expect a varied program for the whole family!

Sat, Jan. 31, 2026 10:00 — 14:00 Valley station of the Hornspitzlift, Gosau

The first highlight of the year! "International Winter Variety Show 2026"

Experience a show with artists from all over the world who show their skills at the highest level. Look forward to a mixture of acrobatics, juggling, comedy and other unusual performances.

Feb. 5 - 8, 2026 Congress and Theater House Bad Ischl, Kurhausstraße 8 Bad Ischl

The morning makes the ski day: early rides for ski tourers on Mount Krippenstein

Time for a very special winter pleasure: short climbs and kilometres of descents in untouched terrain make every skier's heart beat faster. Whether alone or with friends. Now is your time! One-way lift for all ski tourers.

Fri, Feb. 13, 2026 07:30 Dachstein-Krippenstein-Cable car, Winkl 34 Obertraun

© Kraft | Early Bird Fahrten auf den Krippenstein in Obertraun

Ice swimming at Lake Hallstatt, Austria 2026

The annual ice swimming at Lake Hallstatt takes place on Saturday the 21st of February 2026 at the Untersee beach.

Sat, Feb. 21, 2026 09:30 — 16:00 Car Park "Untersee (Strandbad)" Bad Goisern, Untersee Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee

Hot jazz for cool winter days: "Ben Waters All-Star Band Live" in Bad Ischl

"Key shattering Boogie Woogie" – this is how the newspaper "The Guardian" described Ben Waters after a concert at Ronnie Scott's, which is known for its energetic performances and powerful interpretations of early boogie-woogie and rock 'n' roll.

Sat, Feb. 21, 2026 20:00 Trinkhalle Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl

Challenge for a good cause: "Dachstein Wes " Ski Touring Charity in Russbach

Doing good meter by meter: A pre-spring event for hobby as well as professional ski tourers. Rounded off by a contentious supporting program with music, food and tombola. Interested? Register now!

Sat, Mar. 7, 2026 07:00 — 18:00 Atomic Backland Skitourenstrecke am Russbacher Hornspitz, Rußbach am Pass Gschütt

Skitouren Charity Event - www.dachstein.at - © roastmedia

Theme Worlds & Event Series

Culinary events

Here you will find a list of the best culinary events around Lake Hallstatt. From ‘down to earth’ to sophisticated. An indulging holiday for all your senses

©OÖ.Tourismus/Erbe / Essen & Trinken in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut

Your Holiday Planner: Christmas & New Year events

Christmas in the mountains of the Salzkammergut. Attractive festive and New Year deals for Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun at a glance

Guided snowshoe hikes in the Salzkammergut

Snowshoeing through the lonely winter world is a pure nature experience in clear alpine air and in a beautiful landscape. That's why more and more nature lovers are getting a taste for it! Get to know the most beautiful corners of our winter landscape with an experienced guide. Simply unforgettable. Just do it!

© OÖ.Tourismus/Röbl | Schneeschuhwandern im Salzkammergut

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.

Market days in the Salzkammergut: weekly markets, flea markets & Co.

Fresh, unadulterated food from the region, away from supermarkets and discounters. Also ideal as a souvenir. Holidays for the palate. Pure pleasure!

Fantastic views: Guided ski tours in the Salzkammergut

A guided ski tour offers a combination of safety, professional instruction and enjoyment of nature, which makes it particularly attractive for beginners, but also for advanced skiers who want to develop their skills.

© Outdoor Leadership Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee

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

Events in case of bad weather

In the Salzkammergut there are numerous offers in bad weather, including cave visits, museums, wellness and thermal worlds as well as the opportunity to visit indoor amusement parks or climbing halls.

Art & Culture Events in the Salzkammergut

The best of classical music, poetry, jazz, Austropop, theatre and customs through to cabaret and operetta. The best cultural events in the Salzkammergut at a click. Always up to date!

Events for children & families in the Salzkammergut

Are you vacationing with your family in the region? And are you still looking for some great events for your kids? Then we would do the right thing for you. Unforgettable events on the mountains, in the valley and on the lakes.

©Jack/www.bad-goisern.net / Veranstaltungen für Kinder & Familien im Salzkammergut

Services and events in churches in the Salzkammergut

Church is more than worship. Readings and concerts take place regularly in the numerous places of worship. And there are always excellent events there. Artists with well-known names and brilliant voices.

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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There’s a lot going on in winter!

Winter events in the Salzkammergut

Theme Worlds & Event Series

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