Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by
Salzburg at Christmas is a gem you don’t want to miss while visiting Austria. From its compact but lively Christmas Market to the spectacular views from its imposing castle, this city is the perfect festive destination. If you loved Vienna’s magical Christmas Markets, you will definitely be charmed by Salzburg Christmas markets too. Ready to fill your winter with mulled wine and festive treats?
For a relatively small city, Salzburg offered an impressive variety of Christmas Markets to check out! This made me regret spending only two days in the city, as it turned out to be much more festive than I ever expected. I have to say that I loved Salzburg more than I anticipated, and I hope to visit again in different seasons. If you are planning a festive trip to Austria for 7 days, Salzburg would fit perfectly into your schedule. Indeed, we spent three days in Vienna, we did a day trip to Hallstatt and explored Salzburg for two days. Discover more about what to expect from a winter trip to Salzburg below!
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Where is Salzburg?
Salzburg is located in the western side of Austria. It’s actually very close to the German Border, particularly to Munich. This proximity make it the perfect location also if you are visiting some German Christmas Markets and want to plan a special day trip to Austria! Indeed, the direct train from Munich is just under two hours via the ÖBB Rail connection!
Getting to Salzburg from Vienna
Salzburg is at an easy reach from Vienna both by car and by public transport.
Driving from Vienna to Salzburg
If you are driving from Vienna to Salzburg, this will be a 3 hours drive via the A1/A21. Unfortunately we didn’t drive on this occasion. So I can’t give you proper tips on the Austrian roads.
Taking the train from Vienna to Salzburg
Travelling by train in Austria is not only very easy but also quite affordable. Moreover, the scenery you will see from your train windows is of unbeatable beauty. I really loved travelling by train and I am not sure that I would rent a car if returning honestly!
There is a direct train connecting Vienna to Salzburg. This takes around 2h and 30 mins, but it can take more if you don’t get the direct connection. The ticket price for a one-way trip ranges between € 39,9 and €59,6 depending on the length of the trip and type of train. ÖBB Rail is the main provider and you can easily buy tickets on line and from their app. Just to note the stations names are often in German so you need to book Wien Hbf and Salzburg Hbf.
Getting around Salzburg
Salzburg is very easy to get around. We just walked from one place to another. From the station to the city centre is just a 20 mins walk. However, if you don’t feel walking around you can always use the local buses that have stops in the key points of the city.
Buses 1, 3 and 6 can take you from the station to the city centre in just 10 mins.
Where to stay in Salzburg
There are many lovely accommodations in Salzburg. At the time of our stay, we had enough Accor points to have a free stay, so we used these at Mercure Salzburg City. It’s a nice, convenient hotel. Not a top category, but it was OK for 2 nights. Rates starts at €158.73 per night for a double room.
If booking now, I would probably opt for a more luxurious stay in a place with a lovely historical background. My favourite would be Hotel Goldener Hirsch or the Hotel Sacher. Rates start at €550 per night for a double room.
If you opt for a more affordable stay but still seeking a sleek design, Numa I Maximilian is one of the nicest in town. It has also self-checking locks so you can arrive at any time. Rates start at €250 per night for a double. Clemonte Boutique Hotel is in a lovely location (near Mirabell Palace) and is also a nice sustainable property. A lovely new addition to the Salzburg scene!
Salzburg Christmas Markets 2023
As mentioned earlier, the Christmas Markets scene in Salzburg is surprisingly extensive. There are four main markets within the city and two others located slightly outside. If you want to visit them all and allowing each of them the right time, you’ll likely need 2 or 3 days. The map above shows you the exact location of each Christmas Market so you can anticipate your itinerary.
One of the peculiarities of Salzburg’s Christmas Markets is the appearance of Krampus in various parades and events around the city. For those of you who never heard about Krampus before, he is, briefly, the nemesis of Santa Klaus. According to the Alpine tradition, this folkloristic figure accompany St. Klaus to do exactly the opposite of what Santa does: punishing bad children. With punish, I don’t mean just give them a “bad boy don’t do it again”, but take them to hell in a bag. Apparently, it’s a story that children around Austria, Germany, Czech Republic and other nearby countries have heard for centuries, scaring them enough to behave nicely.
This tradition is very much alive. Indeed, the first time I met Krampus it was actually during my trip in Czech Republic. However, in Salzburg Krampus was kind of a constant presence all around the city. So, don’t be naughty when travelling around Austria or he might take you away.
Christmas Market at Residenzplatz
The Christmas Market at Residenzplaz was my favourites. It the main Christmas market in Salzburg and its one of the oldest markets in Europe. Indeed, the original marked dates back to the 15th century. As many markets during that century, it wasn’t a festive market but it used to sell goods and foods for the winter season. By the 17th century it was famous as “Nikolaimarkt” – aka “Saint Nicholas’ Market” because it was held two weeks before and two after St. Nicholas day on 6th December. The festive Christmas Market as we know it today dates to 1974 and since then has been part of Salzburg’s annual festive tradition.
The atmosphere in this market is very lively with music and more than 100 stalls where you can find food and lovely Christmas items all in one place.
Christmas food to try at Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on Residenzplatz
Being a big foodie, stopping for food at Christmas Markets is one of my favourite activities and Salzburg didn’t disappoint. Of all the delicacies you can try in its lovely markets, without counting the delicious glühwein, my favourites where two Austrian/Hungarian specialties:
Leberkässemmel a traditional Kaiser Roll filled with a meaty loaf called Leberkäse. That, according to Wikipedia, is made of “beef, pork and bacon and is made by grinding the ingredients very finely and then baking it as a loaf in a bread pan until it has a crunchy brown crust”. Tasty and inexpensive.
Lángos. Is actually a Hungarian specialty that has been adopted in Austria too. It’s a deep fried flatbread served warm with different toppings. Our favourite choice was grated cheese, sour cream, bacon and chives.
Christkindlmarkt on Residenzplatz Square Dates and Opening times 2023
The Christmas Market on Residenzplatz Square will be open from 23rd November 2023 to 1st January 2024.
The opening times will be the following:
Monday-Thursday 10 am-8:30 pm
Friday 10 am-9pm
Saturday 9 am-9 pm
Sunday+holidays 9 am-8:30 pm
Special opening hours
24 December 9 am–3 pm
25+26 December 11 am–6 pm
27-30 December 10 am-8:30 pm
31 December 10 am-1 am
1 January 10 am- 6 pm
Christmas market at Palace of Hellbrunn
If you are up for a little day trip, the Christmas Market at Schloss Hellbrunn should be definitely at the top of your list. This is called “Hellbrunner Adventzauber” and it’s renowned for being one of Salzburg’s most charming Advent markets. One unique thing is that the 24 windows of the palace are turned into a giant advent calendar revealing each day a different surprise. Moreover, the entire place is decorated with more than 10,000 red baubles and fairy lights.
Hellbrunn Advent Market Dates and Opening times 2023
The Advent Market at Hellbrunn Palace will be open from 23 November – 24 December 2023.
The opening times are:
Tuesday-Friday 1 pm-8 pm
Saturday, Sunday, public holidays 10 am-8 pm
24 December 10 am- 2 pm
Unfortunately this market is not free and there is an access fee of €7 to visit. This includes a hot drink. Children under 6 enter for free.
Advent Market at Salzburg Fortress
Mix a medieval fortress with a Christmas Market and you made my perfect winter day recipe. Hohensalzburg Fortress. We visited this marked “by mistake” as I actually didn’t know there was a market in the fortress. Indeed, we hiked up the mountain to visit just the fortress. So I was more than happy to discover its lovely Christmas Market! The Hohensalzburg Fortress sits atop the Festungsberg mountain since 1077 guarding the city from potential intruders.
Now, the fortress hosts every year its traditional Advent Market. This has become particularly famous for its fresh tarte flambée that are baked directly in the centuries-old ovens of the fortress.
Salzburg Fortress Advent Market Dates and Opening times 2023
The Advent Market at Salzburg Fortress will be open from 24th November to 18th December 2023.
The Opening Times are:
Advent weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
at 11 am – 7 pm
The Advent Market on the square of the Fortress is free to access. However, if you want to visit the fortress itself this has a ticket. To access the market, you have to tell “Advent Market” at the ticket counter and they’ll let you in.
How to reach the Salzburg Fortress
The Salzburg Fortress is located at the top of the Festungsberg mountain. To reach it, you can walk from the town of Salzburg or take the funicular up.
If you decide to walk, depending where you are this can take some time. From Residenzplatz it’s a good 15/20 mins walk on a moderately steep hill. However, I think it’s worthy as you can stop in some nice spots to take pictures and admire the view.
If you decide to take the funicular, this departs from Festungsgasse 4, not far from Residenzplatz. Tickets are € 3,5 per person one way or € 5.70 a/r.
Christmas Market on Mirabellplatz
Mirabellplazt Christmas Market is slightly smaller compared to the one in Residenzplatz. However, it’s still full of character and lovely stalls to check-out! The market is organised straight in front of Mirabell Palace and you will find plenty of sweet treats, mulled wine and lovely Christmas crafts.
Mirabellplazt Christmas Market Dates and Opening times 2023
The Christmas Market at Mirabelplatz will be open from 24th November to 24th December 2023.
The Opening Times are:
Sunday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Friday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm
December 24, 2023 10 am-3 pm
Stern Advent and Winter Market
Hidden within the Old Town of Salzburg, the Stern Advent and Winter Market is very unique. Indeed, it takes back visitors to the original medieval “winter markets”. This because for the period before Christmas, the market is an “Advent Market”. After 6th January, this will become a “Winter Market”.
Stern Advent and Winter Market Dates and Opening times 2023
The Christmas Market at Stern will be open from 23rd November to 6th January 2023.
The Opening Times are:
Sunday-Thursday 11.00 am-7 pm
Friday-Saturday 11.00 am-8.30 pm
24+31 December, 2024 10.00 am–3 pm
1-6 January, 2024 11 am-6 pm
St. Leonhard Advent Market
If you are interested in art and craft, the St. Leonhard Advent Market is the place to go for Christmas! Indeed, here you can find numerous gifts ideas not only from Austria but also from Bavaria and South Tyrol. However, the most important thing is that the profits from the sales every year are given to charity. Visiting is the perfect occasion to make Christmas extra special even for someone else!
St. Leonhard Advent Market and Opening times 2023
St. Leonhard Advent Market will be open from 25th November to 17th December 2023.
The Opening Times are:
Saturday 2 pm-7 pm
Sunday and 8 December 10 am – 7 pm
Plan your European Winter Holidays
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