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From 2026, our blog posts will be exclusively vegan! This means: we emphasise vegan-friendly places and refreshment stops to actively support vegan activities and vegan leisure tips. Come in, come in! Advent in Wolfgangsee is back in full swing and of course we had to stop by the Advent market in St. Gilgen again this year. As inviting as ever, we strolled through the alleyways and enjoyed a punch or two in a cosy Christmas atmosphere.
Advent market in St. Gilgen - the Wolfgansee Advent
Every year, the Advent markets around Lake Wolfgang enchant the hearts of all Christmas market lovers. In addition to the Christmas markets in Strobl and St. Wolfgang, the Christmas market in St. Gilgen is also one of them. They have been open for us again since 17 November 2023 and this year you can once again take a look at the many great market stalls, have a drink, snack and even buy wonderful Christmas crafts from some of the stalls.
Unfortunately, there is hardly any vegan culinary choice here either, which is why we focussed on crisps again this time. However, most of the hot drinks are probably vegan - the friendly people at the market stalls will be happy to provide information if you ask 🙂
Unfortunately, it was a bit windy for us that day, but that didn't detract from the great atmosphere. The wonderful aroma, the lovely market stalls and the absolutely fantastic atmosphere make for a cosy and pleasant stay, which makes even the iciest cold weather a thing of the past.
For 20 years now, the Wolfgangsee Advent has been delighting visitors of all ages with lovingly designed Advent cakes around the lake, traditional decorations and a festive atmosphere. The Wolfgangsee Advent celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2023.
The Wolfgangsee Advent stands for authentic traditions and the feeling of home. It is characterised by its unique location between the mountains of the Salzkammergut and directly on the lakeshore. With the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt, visitors have the opportunity to travel between the idyllic villages of St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang and enjoy the magic of the Advent season. The picturesque villages provide a dreamlike backdrop for the Advent market, which invites you to linger and enjoy with its lovingly decorated wooden huts, twinkling lights and atmospheric music. The giant peace light lantern floats outside on the water. It has long since become a symbol of Advent on Lake Wolfgangsee. It attracts marvelling glances from the boats and from the shore. The over 1,000-year history of Lake Wolfgangsee is palpable and invites you to discover it.
Source: 🎄 Wolfgangseer Advent | Welcome - Wolfgangseer Advent (wolfgangseer-advent.at)
The opening hours at the Advent market in St. Gilgen are as follows (source: 🎄 Wolfgangsee Advent):
Friday, 17 November to Saturday, 23 December 2023
| Weekday | St. Gilgen & Strobl | St Wolfgang |
|---|---|---|
| Monday and Tuesday | Closed | Closed |
|
Wednesday |
Closed
Strobl: punch hut at the lake open from 2 pm St. Gilgen: punch hut open from 2 pm at the boat landing stage |
11:00 - 19:30 |
| Thursday and Friday | 11:00 - 19:30 | 11:00 - 19:30 |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10:00 - 19:30 | 10:00 - 19:30 |
The mug to go (?)
What I particularly like about the Advent markets in St. Wolfgang is the (de facto non-existent) deposit concept. Although there is a small deposit on the beautiful cups, the basic idea seems to be that you keep the cup. You can order drinks with cups or have them „refilled“. I think it's just brilliant when everyone proudly walks through the Advent market with their own cup in their hand and anyone who wants to keep the cup can do so. It's not uncommon for friends to discover a mug from past Advent markets at Lake Wolfgangsee in their kitchen cupboards at home. In this way, the Advent markets always remain a talking point and old mugs don't have to be disposed of and can be reused in an environmentally conscious way. Top!
Travelling to the Advent market in St. Gilgen and dog suitability
If you read my posts, you'll know that I generally travel everywhere by public transport, unless we have Shaggy - our fearful dog - with us. On this day, we therefore decided to take the car again so that we could take Shaggy with us. He really enjoyed it too, as there was no crowding and there was enough space everywhere (on the day we were there). I can therefore say with a clear conscience that this Christmas market is definitely dog-friendly, even if Shaggy was relatively relaxed. Please note: we didn't have a big crowd - this can of course be different on other days!
So if you are travelling by car, there are a few paid parking spaces available. In the worst case scenario, you'll have to walk a few metres - but it doesn't hurt to enjoy a few treats.
However, if you prefer public transport, then the Wolfgangsee Advent is just right for you!
🚌 Treat for the public transport journey from Salzburg 🚌
Anyone travelling to the Wolfgangsee Advent by public transport should enjoy other benefits in addition to a relaxed and climate-friendly journey. On 15/16/17.12.23 guests from all over the province of Salzburg can travel to the Wolfgangsee Advent free of charge on public transport operated by the Salzburg Transport Association and also receive a free Advent treat with the printed ticket. Redeemable in St. Wolfgang (info hut), Strobl (punch hut no. 30) and St. Gilgen (candle hut on Mozartplatz). Tickets are limited, it pays to be quick! Only one mug per person. No cash payment possible.
Source: 🎄 Wolfgangseer Advent | Welcome - Wolfgangseer Advent (wolfgangseer-advent.at)
My summary of the Advent market:
Definitely worth a visit. Yes, I know - I'm biased because I just love Advent markets, but seriously: it's definitely worth it.
As far as the prices are concerned, I have to say that I think they are just about right. They are absolutely reasonable and you can enjoy the Advent market at a fair price. I don't know if I'll be able to go again this year, but I'll definitely see you in St. Gilgen again next year.
Further recommendation
Did you like this post? Then I have another great Advent tip for you! 🤩 Have a read here: Katschberg Advent Trail 2022 - Christmas hiking on the Katschberg
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Running shoes: 
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[...] Did you like this post? Then I have another great Advent tip for you! 🤩 Have a read here: Advent market St. Gilgen - Christmas spirit at the Wolfgansee Advent [...]