Private Customized Christmas Markets Tour with Guide in Salzburg

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Please note: this list shows every market we can take you to; no single day fits all of them. The 6-hour option covers the Salzburg markets plus one lakeside village; the 8-hour option fits 3 to 4 markets in total. Tell us your favourites when you book and we plan the route with you. First stop: the Christkindlmarkt on Domplatz and Residenzplatz in the old town, with its wooden stalls between the Cathedral and the Residenz below the fortress: hand-made ornaments, gingerbread, roasted almonds and mulled wine, and carol singing in front of the Cathedral on many evenings.

   1.5 h

2. The Advent market at Hellbrunn Palace, the 17th-century summer palace of the prince-archbishops: stalls in the palace courtyard, the building's windows turned into a giant Advent calendar, and a quieter, family-friendly feel than the old town. (The famous trick fountains are closed in winter.)

   45 min

3. The drive east into the Salzkammergut lake district, past Fuschlsee to Lake Wolfgang, with a photo stop at a viewpoint over the lakes and mountains when the weather allows.

   30 min

4. Discover St. Gilgen, a picturesque lakeside village on Lake Wolfgang and birthplace of Mozart's mother. The baroque Advent market here features a unique "Advent forest" with artistically carved wooden trees creating an enchanting woodland atmosphere. Browse stalls offering regional handicrafts, traditional Austrian treats, and locally made gifts while enjoying spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. This authentic village market provides an intimate glimpse into Austrian Christmas traditions away from tourist crowds. The combination of lake scenery, mountain backdrop, and festive cheer makes this stop truly magical.

   40 min

5. Visit Strobl's charming Christmas market, famous for its impressive nativity village that brings the Christmas story to life through traditional scenes and figurines. Watch skilled craftsmen demonstrate wood carving and other traditional techniques passed down through generations. The market's peaceful lakeside location offers stunning views across Lake Wolfgang, where you can see the famous 16-meter Peace Light lantern floating on the water. Sample regional delicacies, shop for handmade gifts, and soak in the contemplative Advent atmosphere that makes this market special to locals and visitors alike.

   30 min

6. Experience the crown jewel of Lake Wolfgang's Advent celebrations in this iconic pilgrimage village. The market sits directly on the lake shore, dominated by the spectacular 16-meter illuminated Peace Light lantern – a breathtaking symbol of hope that floats on the water. Explore the historic pilgrimage church with its world-famous Gothic altar by Michael Pacher, then wander through traditional market stalls where craftsmen work before your eyes. Children can write letters to the Christkind (Christ Child) with help from angels. The romantic waterfront setting, mountain backdrop, and centuries-old traditions combine to create one of Austria's most beloved Christmas destinations. This is the market that defines Austrian Christmas magic.

   1.5 h

7. Cross into Bavaria to experience the "Berchtesgadener Berg-Advent," a traditional German Christmas market set against the dramatic Watzmann mountain and historic Royal Castle. This authentic Bavarian market showcases regional craftsmanship including intricate wood carvings, hand-forged ironwork, and traditional decorations. Sample German specialties like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), roasted chestnuts, and warming Feuerzangenbowle (flaming punch). The festively decorated historic town square, Alpine setting, and traditional customs create an atmosphere that's distinctly different from Austrian markets – giving you the best of both Christmas traditions in one tour.

   1 h

8. St. Leonhard in Groedig, at the foot of the Untersberg just south of Salzburg: a small local Advent market by the old pilgrimage church, where Salzburg families go for gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and a warm punch away from the crowds.

   30 min

9. Discover this unique "Hunter's Christmas" market – a local secret that even many Salzburgers don't know about! Set in a rustic hunting lodge atmosphere, this one-of-a-kind market celebrates traditional Austrian hunting culture with forest-themed decorations, wild game specialties, and handcrafted items you won't find anywhere else. Sample game sausages, taste honey from local mountain beekeepers, and browse unique gifts like hand-carved wooden items and regional schnapps. The authentic woodland setting and distinctive character make this stop completely different from traditional Christmas markets, offering a fascinating glimpse into Austrian mountain traditions.

   45 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Salzburg

• Its from-price is 92% above the median of the 62 city tours we list in Salzburg.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Salzburg

Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart, is a baroque city on the Salzach River beneath a hilltop fortress, with the Alps at its edge.

The old town, on the left bank of the Salzach, is a UNESCO World Heritage site of baroque church domes, narrow lanes and arcaded courtyards, built on the salt trade and presided over by the Hohensalzburg Fortress. Mozart was born in 1756 in a yellow house on Getreidegasse, now a museum, while Residenzplatz and Domplatz hold the cathedral and the palaces of the prince-archbishops.

Top-ranked sights in Salzburg: Mirabell Palace and Gardens (Schloss Mirabell und Mirabellgarten), Hellbrunn Palace (Schloss Hellbrunn), Nonnberg Abbey (Stift Nonnberg).

See all 424 experiences in Salzburg