Because every year I try to visit the Advent market in St. Gilgen at least once. This time we made it just in time - on the last weekend of Advent. I just love the special atmosphere and the fantastic mountain panorama here. You can see the red candles typical of Advent at Wolfgangsee everywhere - they create a warm light and invite you to stroll around.

Another thing that struck me as very positive was that there are no live animals on display here - something that unfortunately still happens regularly at some other Advent markets.

The Advent market in St. Gilgen is really suitable for everyone - barrier-free access and with many different exhibitors offering culinary delights.

“For over 20 years, the Wolfgangsee Advent has delighted visitors young and old with lovingly designed Advent spots around the lake, traditional decorations, and festive vibes.
It stands for authentic traditions and the feeling of home. What makes it truly special is its unique location – nestled between the Salzkammergut mountains and right at the lakefront.
Thanks to the Wolfgangsee ferry, guests can travel between the idyllic villages of St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang while soaking in the Advent magic.
The picturesque villages are the perfect backdrop for the market, filled with beautifully decorated wooden huts, sparkling lights, and atmospheric music inviting you to linger and enjoy.
Out on the lake floats the huge ORF Peace Light Lantern – it has become a true symbol of the Wolfgangsee Advent. Whether from the boats or the shore, it's an eye-catcher.
The more than 1.100-year-old history of the Wolfgangsee can be felt everywhere – and wants to be discovered!”

Wolfgangsee Advent website (wolfgangseer-advent.at)

What to expect at the Advent Market in St. Gilgen

The Advent market in St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee is a real highlight. It's not small, but not too big either - in short: just right. You can take a leisurely stroll up and down from the town centre to the lakeside promenade and eat your way through the fantastic delicacies.

By the way, the punch at the various stands was always particularly delicious - my recommendation: definitely the baked apple punch!

At the other stands, there were also lots of handicrafts and - of course - the little red candles, the symbol of Advent in Wolfgangsee, for sale.

The whole place was also very lovingly decorated.

Getting to the Advent Market in St. Gilgen

Getting here by car is relatively easy: we took the Westautobahn motorway to Oberwang or Mondsee (depending on the direction) and then continued on the main road to St. Gilgen.

Parking and fees

Parking was possible in the public car park
Payment by cash or card at the machine
Cost: € 4.50 for a day ticket
No option for shorter parking periods

Public transport – Free Advent rides from Salzburg

From 19 to 21 December 2024, visitors from all over the province of Salzburg were able to travel to Wolfgangsee Advent free of charge on public transport (bus lines 150, 155 & 546).

My favorite snacks & culinary highlights at the St. Gilgen Advent Market

The plant-based selection was limited, but there were still plenty of tasty treats for us - especially punch variations, of course. Here are my three highlights:

1st place: Spiral potato chips 🥔 Spiral potato crisps
Refined with garlic and paprika powder - super crispy and you could choose between the portion sizes „vü“ (Austrian for „much“) or - for the big appetite - „sehr vü“ (Austrian for „very much“).

2nd place: “Soup with a Purpose” 🍲 A delicious pumpkin-ginger soup with bread – and for a good cause: €1 per portion was donated to the Flachau food bank.

3rd place: Chestnuts from the Maroni Master 🌰 A true legend – this vendor comes back every year, and his roasted chestnuts are simply a must!

Are dogs allowed at the Advent Market?

Many dog owners ask themselves this question - understandably! I'll be honest: dogs shouldn't go to Advent markets and we didn't have Shaggy with us this time either. But if there's no other option for some families, St. Gilgen is the best place to bring a four-legged friend.

We were there on Sunday morning at 10.00 a.m. - and it was pleasantly quiet, not crowded and not too loud. If you absolutely have to take your dog with you, you'll definitely find better conditions here than at many other markets.

My conclusion about the Advent Magic in St. Gilgen

Absolute recommendation - without a doubt! The Advent market will see me again next year, that's for sure. Top punch, top snacks, top atmosphere anyway.

If you're looking for a special Advent experience with a view of the lake, an authentic atmosphere and loving attention to detail - then go for it! And don't forget: there is also the option of travelling by boat to the other Advent locations on Lake Wolfgangsee - you can find all the information about this directly on the Website of the Wolfgangsee Advent.

Further recommendation

Did you like this article? Then I have another great recommendation for you! Have a read here: The Vegan Christmas Market – Spittelberg Christmas Market in Vienna

Der Beitrag Wolfgangseer Adventzauber 2025 in St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

Muats drawig has had a mission since it was founded: to inspire and bring people out into beautiful Austria with all its great excursion and hiking opportunities. This mission is still the same and nothing will change. What will change, however, is the commitment to only mention businesses, excursion tips and leisure activities that are either 100 % vegan and actively avoid animal suffering, or offer vegan options (e.g. at restaurants) from 2026. In doing so, we are taking the step of providing high-quality contributions and actively doing something for animal welfare.

True to the motto: excursion tips for everyone - without any animal suffering!

Why I'm opting for a vegan leisure blog

There is really only one motive here: I don't want to be a multiplier for non-vegan choices. In future, there will still be great tips for excursions, hiking trails, sports experiences and events - just without mentioning establishments that don't offer plant-based options. For example, I will no longer mention places to stop for refreshments by name in hiking articles if they do not offer vegan options. Of course, this does not change the usual quality of the hiking contributions.

My promise: high-quality contributions for hikes

You will continue to find inspiring hikes and impressive nature experiences on muats drawig in the future. This promise also applies regardless of whether there may be grazing cattle along the way - as is unfortunately far too often the case. If a hiking trail leads through an area with mountain pastures, this will of course be mentioned clearly and transparently. The use of such paths does not automatically mean support for this form of animal husbandry - the focus is on experiencing nature.

What will change for you?

Honestly, nothing. In fact, the last posts have already developed in this direction anyway. Old contributions are gradually being adapted to ensure future quality.

What remains the same for you?

The blog remains a leisure blog - just more consciously. You can continue to look forward to great excursion tips, hiking tours and authentic experiences. The usual quality and honest reporting will of course be retained.

Questions & answers about the new way of muats drawig

- Will you explicitly mention vegan restaurants?
Yes, absolutely! The aim is to make such companies more visible.

- What about old contributions?
These will be gradually revised or completely removed - please support me and contact me if you find an old post with a non-vegan recommendation.

- How do you deal with collaborations?
Co-operations will also be a focus of muats drawig in the future in order to be able to continue to offer the blog at least to cover costs. If you are interested in a co-operation, please contact me!

- What if readers have animal-friendly tips?
Keep them coming! It's relatively easy for me to spontaneously travel to Upper Austria, get a picture of it and write a report. There is also the opportunity to post guest contributions from the community. So if you would like to write a blog post, please get in touch with me!

My personal conclusion on this step

This step is a clear statement. For me, there is no argument in favour of continuing to post leisure activities on my blog as a vegan - just for the sake of excursion tips - that may promote businesses that do not offer plant-based options or even cause animal suffering. Austria and its nature have so much to offer - that should remain the focus.

Further recommendation

Did you like this article? Then I have another great recommendation for you! Have a read here: As a vegan, you must know this restaurant: Helis Restaurant in Vöcklabruck

Der Beitrag Der Freizeitblog muats drawig wird vegan! erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

Last Friday we finally attended one of these famous candlelight concerts: ABBA meets Queen - played at St Florian's Abbey with the string quartet „Kandinskyquartet“ from Vienna. You can find all current concerts here: Fever Candlelight Concerts & Events at a glance

Location and journey to the candlelight concert at St. Florian Abbey

The concert took place in the historic St Florian Abbey. The location itself has something special about it and is also very well preserved. There are also plenty of parking spaces not far from the venue. If you've already been to St Florian's Abbey, you should definitely visit it as well. pay a visit to the Stiftskeller and try the really great vegan selection of traditional Austrian dishes and desserts!

The concert started at 8.30pm, was easy to get to and punctuality was a prerequisite. Late entry was not permitted for reasons of respect.

Candlelight and a ban on mobile phones at the Candlelight Show

The entire location shone in candlelight. The LED candles used cast a really great and very authentic light. The candles were available to buy at the end of the performance (congratulations to the marketing genius).

There was also a ban on mobile phones during the entire performance - with the exception of the last piece. I am personally very much in favour of this, as I find nothing more distracting than having to watch a live event through hundreds of mobile phone displays. I'm a fan of savouring the moment - I can watch a recording a million times over in much better quality on YouTube. I don't need to use up my mobile phone and/or cloud storage.

A new experience of ABBA & Queen - The Kandinsky Quartet inspires

The string quartet played all the pieces extremely well and very atmospherically. I really enjoyed the concert and I was surprised that I could be so enthusiastic about a string quartet. It was one of the best interpretations of the pieces I have ever heard.

A very big compliment to the Kandinskyquartet - be sure to visit them on Instagram!

Ticket prices, atmosphere and my impression of the candlelight format

We paid around €65 per ticket in the middle row. I estimate there were around 250-350 people there. Basically, the price - as long as there's some left over for the artists - is fine. However, it also had the appearance of a well thought-out cash cow.

The concert lasted exactly one hour - which is fine with me, because my attention span doesn't last any longer than that anyway. It also seemed to me that the organisers were doing a worldwide mass processing here and spontaneously buying in artists from the area. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that and it's also justified - many local artists are supported and honoured. However, I would have liked this to be communicated with a little more warmth.

The candlelight was there, yes - but it had no direct connection to the concert. It was nice, but seemed a bit random. You couldn't really see the candles on stage very well either, as the seats were all arranged flat behind each other and there was no stand. I would have liked a little more creativity here.

My summary of the candlelight concert in St Florian

The concert was great, it was easy to get to, great songs were played and overall the price was ok.

I personally thought the location could have been chosen and decorated a little better, but that was fine too. All in all, I liked it. I would have liked a few more little things - but that's criticism on a high level. Overall, I would recommend the candlelight concert!

Der Beitrag Candlelight Konzert in Linz – ABBA meets Queen im Streichquartett erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

An event of superlatives - Vienna Comic Con 2024 took place in Halls A and B of Messe Wien and in the Congress Centre. On over 42,000 square metres, the event offered an extensive programme for comic, film, gaming and cosplay fans. The mix of international star guests, creative artists, exciting panels, exclusive merchandise offers and impressive cosplays made the event a highlight of the year.

 Directions and parking facilities

By public transport

You can get to the Vienna Comic Con 2023 easily and carefree, without any stress or effort, by public transport. In my opinion, the best option is to take a Westbahn train to Vienna Westbahnhof. Now, of course, you have a few options for getting to the Vienna Exhibition Centre. We took the U3 in the direction of Simmering, making 4 stops on the way to Herrengasse. Here we then walked about 10 minutes to the U2, to Schottentor - as an alternative you can also take the U3 one stop further to Stephansplatz, change to the U1 and travel to Praterstern (3 stops). The last journey for both options is on the U2 to Messe - Prater. You will be standing right in front of the exhibition centre and have reached your destination.

By car

The quickest way is clearly via the motorway. Take the A1 motorway and later the A21 towards Vienna. Then keep left and take the A23 motorway to the Handelskai exit. Now you only have a 5 - 10 minute journey ahead of you and you will have reached your destination by car. 

You can park directly on site, Messe Wien provides several multi-storey car parks. Car parks A & D and the CC underground car park together offer space for around 4000 vehicles. The parking fee for all three is €4.20 per hour or part thereof. My information is that as a trade fair visitor you have to pay a daily flat rate of € 8.00 - this can be redeemed at the trade fair cash desks. However, you would have to read in advance exactly how this works.

Ticket variants at the Vienna Comic Con 2024

Tickets could be purchased directly and easily from OETICKET. A Saturday ticket at the normal price in advance cost EUR 42 and you could be there from 10:00 to 19:00. A Sunday ticket was available for just EUR 38, with shorter opening hours from 10:00 to 17:00. The weekend ticket was 72,- EUR and a VIP ticket could be purchased for 300,- EUR or the Ultra - VIP for 600,- EUR.

Programme at the Vienna Comic Con 2024

Celebrity guests - experience stars up close

An absolute highlight of Vienna Comic Con are the star guests, who are not only available to sign autographs and take photos, but also talk about their lives and careers in exciting panels. 2024 included, among others:

Michael Winslow - The „man of 10,000 sound effects“, known from Police Academy, thrilled the audience with his impressive voice and sound imitations.

Elfie Donnelly - The author and creator of Benjamin Blümchen and Bibi Blocksberg gave exciting insights into her work.

Vincent Regan - Known from films like 300, Troy and Snow White & The Huntsman.

Claudia Christian - Actress from the cult series Babylon 5.

Frank Cho - An internationally acclaimed comic artist known for his detailed drawings and his work for Marvel and DC Comics is known.

In addition to the actors and authors, numerous dubbing actors were also present, giving fans the opportunity to experience the voices of their favourite characters live.

Cosplay - creativity and perfection

Cosplay was once again a major theme at VIECC 2024. Numerous fans slipped into elaborate costumes and transformed Messe Wien into a colourful world full of fantasy characters. The VIECC offered various competitions, including

VIECC® Cosplay Championships - The main competition, in which the best cosplays were honoured.

VIECC® DACH Cosplay Cup - Season 1 - A new competition that brought together cosplayers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Kids Cosplay Contest - For the youngest cosplayers, who impressed with their creativity.

There were also numerous workshops in which experienced cosplayers shared their tips and tricks for the perfect appearance.

Artist Alley - experience art up close

This year's Artist Alley was once again a magnet for anyone interested in comics, illustrations and fan art. Numerous artists presented their works, gave live drawing demos and were available to talk to fans. Here you could not only get hold of signed prints and original drawings, but also commission exclusive individual pieces.

A paradise for gamers at the Vienna Comic Con 2024

Gaming fans got their money's worth in the gaming area. In addition to the latest games, which could be tried out for free, there were also several tournaments for eSports enthusiasts. Among other things, you could Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and compete with other gamers in various competitions.

Retailers & exhibitors - from merchandise to high-tech

Numerous retailers presented their product ranges in the halls of Messe Wien. Whether comics, collectible figures, clothing, video games or handmade accessories - there was plenty for fans to discover. Some of the best-known exhibitors in 2024 were

Otaku Heaven - A paradise for anime and manga fans.

ASH - Austrian Superheroes - Austria's own superhero comics.

Smart Extruders - 3D printing technology for creative minds.

SLAP - A supplier of pop culture merchandise and collectibles.

Seras Clothing - A label for themed clothing with unique designs.

Post Austria - With limited collector's stamps and exclusive merchandise.

Panels, workshops and interactive sessions

Vienna Comic Con would not be complete without its extensive programme of panels and workshops. Fans had the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of their favourite films and series, learn more about the work of voice actors and get valuable tips on drawing or costume design from experienced artists, while the panels with star guests, in which they told anecdotes from their lives and answered questions from the audience, were particularly well attended.

Food & drink - Catering for all tastes

VIECC 2024 also catered for the physical well-being of its visitors. Numerous food trucks and food stands offered a wide selection of dishes - from traditional snacks to vegan specialities. The „Geek Café“, where you could make new friends over a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere, was particularly popular again this year.

An unforgettable weekend at the Vienna Comic Con 2024 - my conclusion

The stages and star guests were great, the artists and exhibitors were simply fantastic and, for me as a little nerd and collector, the merchandise stands should not be forgotten. In my opinion, however, the greatest praise goes to all the cosplayers. The effort and expense that is put into every single cosplay is simply amazing for me. I mustn't forget the food trucks, which provided all the visitors with energy. There was something for everyone here too, with a wide variety of dishes - with meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Nobody had to go hungry at this convention.

Vienna Comic Con 2024 was a complete success and offered fans from all areas an unforgettable time. Whether through encounters with stars, exciting gaming experiences or marvelling at breathtaking cosplays - VIECC 2024 has once again established itself as one of the highlights of the year. The next VIECC will take place on 22 and 23 November 2025. It will be interesting to see what surprises the organisers have in store for next year!

If you are now keen to find out more and need to bridge the gap until VIECC 2025, why not take a look at the „Vienna Comic Con 2023 - VIECC Trade Fair Vienna“ Contribution to.

Der Beitrag Vienna Comic Con 2024 erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

We were able to support a participant a little, accompany her on the Feuerkogel and ask her a few questions after the Traunsee Mountain Marathon 2024. What her preparation was like, how she fared both physically and mentally and what the experience was like for her.

Directions and parking

It is worth mentioning here that whether you are a visitor or a participant, the best option is to come by public transport. The connections for this are marvellous. Take the train to the railway station in Gmunden first. If you are a half-distance participant, you can change trains and continue to Ebensee. If you are a visitor or are starting one of the races in Gmunden, a tram will take you from the railway station directly to Rathausplatz, where the race starts.

Programme and procedure

You could register for four different races, each of which earned my utmost respect. Whether it was one of the two half-mountain marathons, the Raiffeisen overall marathon or the charity hike.

• Raiffeisen overall marathon: 63 kilometres and an incredible 4500 metres in altitude
• Fural half distance Gmunden - Ebensee: 33 kilometres and 2500 metres in altitude
• Innotech half distance Ebensee - Gmunden: 30 kilometres and around 2000 metres in altitude
• Charity hike for a good cause: a boat trip from the town hall square to Altmünster followed by a hike towards Gmundnerberg.

Programme of the Traunsee Mountain Marathon 2024

• 02:40 h Runner briefing for the full marathon - stage area Rathausplatz
• 03:00 h Start for the Raiffeisen overall marathon
• 04:40 h Runner briefing for the Fural half distance - stage area Rathausplatz
• 05:00 a.m. Start Fural Half Marathon
• 08:15 am Runner briefing Innotech Half Marathon - Start/ Finish Ebensee Trauneck
• 10:00 a.m. Start of the charity hike at Rathausplatz Gmunden
• 08:30 a.m. Start Innotech Half Marathon
• from 10:30 am Finish line - the first runners are expected to cross the finish line
• 6:00 pm Award ceremony

Directions and key data

I will only give you a brief insight here. I will list the mountains I know and give you a rough overview of the route. For a more detailed route overview and description of the route, just have a look at the Traunsee Bergmarathon page - here you will find a great overview of the competitions and other information you need for this event. HERE is the route description!

Raiffeisen overall marathon Gmunden - Gmunden

The start was at 03:00 in the morning in Gmunden on the town square, and the finish was set for 19:30. By then, 63 kilometres and 4500 metres of altitude had to be covered.

We started in Gmunden at the town hall square. The first stop led via the Ortnersteig to the Grünberg and on to the Naturfreundesteig on the Traunstein. Via the Mair-Alm-Steig downhill to the Kaisertisch, the Spitzelsteinalm and the refreshment stop in Ebensee - half time.

Now it gets really tough again, the ascent to the Feuerkogel is the next stop. From the plateau of the Feuerkogel, head north into the Langbathtal valley, descend to the „Kreh“ refreshment stop and on to the Hochsteinalm. The route now leads into the Mühlbachtal valley, up the Grasberg and, as the last mountain station, up the Gmundnerberg to the former Naturfreundehaus. Now all that remains is the descent to Altmünster and along the Esplanade in Gmunden to the finish.  

Fural half distance Gmunden - Ebensee

The start was at 05:00 in the morning in Gmunden on the town square, and the finish was set for 15:00 in Ebensee. By then, 33 kilometres and 2500 metres of altitude had to be covered.

We started in Gmunden at the town hall square. The first stop led via the Ortnersteig to the Grünberg and on to the Naturfreundesteig on the Traunstein. Via the Mair-Alm-Steig downhill to the Kaisertisch, to the Spitzelsteinalm. The hiking trail led back downhill to the village of Rindbach. The route continued to the finish in Ebensee at the town hall square.

Innotech half distance Ebensee - Gmunden

The start was at 08:30 in the morning in Ebensee and the finish was set for 19:30 in Gmunden at the town hall square. By then, 30 kilometres and 2000 metres of altitude had to be covered.

The half-mountain marathon leads from the start in Ebensee Trauneck via the Kalvarienberg on the hiking trail to the Feuerkogel. From the plateau of the Feuerkogel, the route heads north into the Langbathtal valley, descending to the „Kreh“ refreshment point and on to the Hochsteinalm. The route now leads into the Mühlbachtal valley, up the Grasberg and, as the last mountain station, up the Gmundnerberg to the former Naturfreundehaus. Now all that remains is the descent to Altmünster and along the Esplanade in Gmunden to the finish.

Charity hike as part of the Traunsee Mountain Marathon 2024

The 15th charity walk took place this year. For an entry fee of at least €30 (all of which is donated to a good cause), the walk starts at 10.00 am on the day of the mountain marathon from Gmunden's town hall square.

Boat trip from the town hall square to Altmünster. Then a leisurely hike with two refreshment stops in the direction of Gmundnerberg, along the original mountain marathon route to Gmunden, past the Eggerhaus and over the Pensionatsberg, down to the lake. Continue along the esplanade to the finish at the town hall square.

What else awaits you at the Traunsee Mountain Marathon 2024

Info on refreshment points

• Traunstein memorial stone
• Traunstein
• Imperial table
• Karbach
• Spitzlstein
• Ebensee
• Feuerkogel
• Kreh
• Mühlbach valley
• Grasberg
• Gmundnerberg

Luggage transport

Conclusion from a participant of the Traunsee Mountain Marathon 2024

As promised, you will now get a little insight into what it feels like to train for such an event and how proud you can be of yourself when you've made it. I would also like to briefly mention the incredible and, for ME, superhuman achievement of everyone who ran the Fural, the Innotech or the overall marathon - I take my hat off to each and every one of them.

Preparation

A difficult topic, as the participant is generally an active and sporty person. She has been walking and climbing all kinds of mountains for years, runs her laps several times a week and, as if that wasn't enough, she is also very active on her racing bike. The closer she got to the mountain marathon, the more intense and longer these activities became - the workload and speed increased and expanded.

What else you should know about the Traunsee Mountain Marathon 2024

Equipment

Let's start from the beginning: The start time of the Raiffeisen Overall Marathon is at 03:00 in the morning. Going to bed early to get enough sleep should be obvious to everyone. But what do you actually need, or what should you definitely think about? A must is a headlamp, which the organiser requires you to carry. Other mandatory items are: sturdy shoes, mobile phone, first aid kit, rescue whistle, 1-litre drinking bottle, headgear and a rain jacket.

But what else should you take with you? What else did our runner have in her luggage? Her running poles were a must, and she had a headband as well as her cap for the morning hours. A small snack in case she felt faint would also be an advantage, and there was also room for salt tablets in her rucksack. You can also wear a sports watch for the joy afterwards and to visualise what you have just achieved.

Experience

Now we come to a point that was very important to our participant. Of course, you need to have a certain basic level of fitness to be able to do something like this. But in addition to the physical aspect, mental willpower is also extremely important. She provided the best example: well prepared and yet there are days that are simply not so good. From Gmunden to the refreshment station in Ebensee, our runner was not at her best. Everything was fine in terms of air quality and her legs were also doing great, but she realised that something wasn't quite right. She really struggled until the halfway point and even considered giving up.

Now it was time to take a deep breath and reflect in Ebensee - after all, only 50 % had been completed. More than most people would manage, so you can stop and still be proud of this achievement. But she wanted to complete the entire Traunsee mountain marathon. So she clenched her arse cheeks, took a deep breath and fought. Her willpower was so great, her mental strength was simply amazing and it was worth it. She was better than ever in the second half. She even made up the lost time, even though it had already reached almost 28 degrees. I would probably have given up at this point at the latest and thought - one half marathon is enough. It takes a bit more than just being physically fit.

The time afterwards

Still full of adrenaline and overjoyed, she joined her friends and family after crossing the finish line. After 63 kilometres and 4500 metres in altitude, she was allowed to sit down for a moment and then went straight into the Traunsee to refresh herself. Then the first muscle aches and pains set in and every step was more strenuous than normal. When she got home, it was time for a relaxing bath and then onto the couch. She found it a little harder than usual to fall asleep as her legs were throbbing, as she told us.

The next day was just for relaxing. She had aching muscles in her legs and shoulders the next day from walking with the poles. But what can you say? Just 2 days later, she could no longer stand the rest and started her first run after the Traunsee Mountain Marathon 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Michael & Elyas Freizeitblog (@muatsdrawig.at)

Running events are right up your street? Then be sure to check out our article „Traunsee Half Marathon 2024: Running into the sunset - a mega experience“ to.

Der Beitrag Traunsee Bergmarathon 2024 erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

The RedBull Erzbergrodeo is a legendary motorsport event, which attracts numerous enthusiasts from all over the world every year. Like every year, it took place at the Erzberg in beautiful Styria. The event took place over several days - we attended the main race on Sunday as visitors. The weather couldn't have been better: cool and cloudy at the beginning, but as the day progressed it cleared up and the sun provided perfect conditions - for both the riders and the visitors. Once again, I couldn't miss out on a little sunstroke, as I completely misjudged the intensity of the sun.

Directions and parking options for the Erzbergrodeo

We travelled to the Erzbergrodeo by car. Coming from Voralpenkreuz, we took the motorway and paid a toll of €6.50 each way. The journey then took us along the main road from Ardning to Eisenerz. There were plenty of parking spaces, but they were a long way from the event arena and the starting point. Fortunately, there were shuttles that transported us comfortably back and forth between the car parks and the event arena. The shuttles were sometimes very busy later on and couldn't keep up with the rush during the race at peak times.

Erzbergrodeo main race 2024: excitement and action up close

The main race on Sunday was undoubtedly the highlight of our visit. The riders had to master extremely difficult sections of the course that are almost unimaginable for non-experts. The great atmosphere on site was particularly impressive. The enthusiasm and euphoria of the visitors was infectious. It was an incredible experience to see the drivers up close and cheer them on. The whole atmosphere was further enlivened by the numerous vehicles (including those not involved in the race) that were on the road like outlaws.

One special moment was when we stood at one of the most difficult sections of the route and watched how the riders overcame the seemingly impossible obstacles. It was simply amazing to see how they overcame these challenges and gave it their all. The enthusiasm of the spectators also contributed to the absolutely brilliant atmosphere. You could really feel everyone's adrenaline levels soaring.

The start of the main race was an absolute spectacle. Several hundred riders stood at the start line, full of euphoria and adrenalin, ready for the exciting competition. The tension was palpable as everyone waited for the starting signal. The handover of the starting flag was therefore a special highlight: it was delivered by skydivers who put on a breathtaking show in the air. With daring manoeuvres and impressive formations, they drew wide eyes and enthusiastic applause.

But I just couldn't get my head round it: At the end of the event, there were a surprising number of sofas standing around in the car park/campsite. Why this was the case remains a mystery to me, but it was definitely a weird sight and reminded me a little of the „British air mattress phenomenon“.

Optimising the viewer route is the be-all and end-all

We made a big mistake: we didn't make a plan beforehand as to how we could see as much as possible. There are shuttle services between the individual spots, but we forgot about that. It's best to have a plan and make sure you get to all the spectator spots you want to see as quickly and efficiently as possible. The shuttle services are really handy if you use them properly.

There were separate shuttle services for VIPs with no real waiting times in great off-road vehicles. This seemed very convenient and enabled the VIP guests to move from spot to spot without having to rush.

So if you are planning to visit the Erzbergrodeo, I recommend that you develop a strategy in advance. Take a look at the map of the area, find out about the best spots and plan your route so that you don't miss any highlights.

Prices for the Erzbergrodeo as a spectator or visitor in advance booking

• Day ticket Saturday: € 45,-
• Day ticket Sunday: € 60
• 2-day ticket (Thu & Fri): € 39,-
• 2-day ticket (Sat & Sun): € 77,-
• 4-day ticket: € 102
• Overnight parking ticket: € 100,-

• VIP tickets: between € 300 and € 900 per day, depending on the package

All prices are can be viewed on the Erzbergrodeo website (link last accessed on 11/06/2024)

Catering at the Erzbergrodeo 2024

The catering at the Erzbergrodeo was fine and offered guests both drinks and snacks. There were several stands and a large marquee. There were also several spots outside the event arena. The selection was manageable and unfortunately I didn't find any vegan options, which was a small disadvantage for some visitors (myself included).

My personal summary of the Erzbergrodeo 2024

The Erzbergrodeo 2024 was an absolute highlight! The combination of extreme race tracks, the proximity to the riders and the unique atmosphere made this event unforgettable. The excitement and enthusiasm of the spectators was infectious and the riders impressed with their skills.

One small downer was our lack of planning. We failed to make a detailed plan beforehand to see as many spots as possible. Nevertheless, the event was a great experience that I can only recommend to any motorsport fan and I know what I will definitely do better next year to experience the RedBull Erzbergrodeo to the full.

Photo gallery of the Erzbergrodeo 2024 on Facebook:

Der Beitrag RedBull Erzbergrodeo 2024: Ein Wochenende voller Adrenalin und Begeisterung erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

On Sunday, 05/05/2024, the 27th Car-Free Cycling Experience Day took place on Lake Attersee. Of course, we didn't want to miss it. Eli is known to be the running enthusiast among us. I, on the other hand, tend to cycle more. So there was no question of me taking part in the cycling adventure day this year. Of course, Emma was also there and I could also look forward to Eli's support, which motivated me even more. I would like to tell you what it was like for us and how we fared in this article.

Directions and parking facilities

By car

Whether you're coming from Salzburg or Vienna/Linz, as is so often the case, take the motorway. More precisely, take the A1 motorway and follow it to the Seewalchen exit. When you reach the main road, turn right towards Kammer, which is closed during the Car-Free Cycling Experience Day on Lake Attersee. Opposite the exit is the commuter car park. With a bit of luck, you'll get a nice spot for your car here. As it was a Sunday, we could also use the car park at Eurospar, Hervis and other shops. We were there at 08:30, half an hour before the official start. The car park was about half full. Despite the many parking options, you should start the day as soon as possible.

With public transport

Travelling to the starting point in Kammer by public transport is also easy. Whether you are travelling from Salzburg or Vienna, the first train will take you to Vöcklabruck station. From here, a train goes directly to the Kammer-Schörfling railway station. After 5 stops and a 15-minute journey, you have already reached your destination. The practical thing about travelling by public transport is that you get off right at the start and can start this great tour straight away.

Key data for the car-free cycling experience day at Lake Attersee

I don't need to say much here. The road around Lake Attersee was closed from 08:30 to 16:30. Around 65,000 cyclists didn't want to miss out on this highlight and took part in the car-free cycling adventure day on Lake Attersee. The official start was at 09:30 in Kammer at the Agerbrücke bridge and the circular route went anti-clockwise. In the direction of Nußdorf, on to Unterach through Weyregg and back to the starting point. Our first stop was in Unterach, after just under 22 kilometres. We took our first break here at around the halfway point. We took a deep breath, recharged our batteries and then continued on. The next stop was at the finish line. There we had a well-earned meal, something to drink and I treated myself to a delicious soft ice cream.

• Startpunkt in Kammer bei der Agerbrücke
• Höchster Punkt etwa 500 m
• Distanz 48 Kilometer
• 250 Höhenmeter
• 2,5 – 3 Stunden reine Fahrzeit
• Bathing possibility
• diverse Einkehrmöglichkeiten
• mit Kindern möglich
• mit Hunden möglich – im Anhänger, Korb, …
• immer wieder mal Gegenverkehr von anderen Radfahrern
• tausende Radfahrer sind rund um den Attersee unterwegs, Augen auf und Rücksicht nehmen ist hier sehr wichtig 

ATTENTION: We expressly point out that we accept no liability for accidents or possibly closed paths. Check the availability of the trail before you set off and check your own fitness.

What else Lake Attersee has to offer

Bathing facilities

There are several here and everyone has different preferences. I can highly recommend Litzlberg as a lido. It's a great place to cool off, but it's always quite crowded in summer. Personally, I always look for a public bathing area. Emma is always with me and dogs are usually not allowed in lidos. The bathing spots I always go to are between Alexenau and Seeleiten. But there are a few other options, even if they are slowly becoming a rarity on Lake Attersee.

Culinary delights

We have already travelled to several restaurants around this beautiful lake. I would like to list a few of them here, as they really impressed me. Every single one of them has something special for me, which makes a simple meal a unique experience.

• Cafe Eiszeit, breakfast directly at the Attersee in Seewalchen. Choose from three different breakfast sizes: Small - Medium - Large. Depending on the size, you can then choose from a certain number of different pastries and 2, 4 or 6 extras. All three options include a hot drink of your choice. A small highlight is the guest garden, which is located directly on the lake.
• The Brandlkramerey, breakfast on Lake Attersee in Seewalchen. The lovingly home-prepared delicacies make brunch feel like home. The fact that Verena and her team endeavour to use seasonal and regional produce makes it taste even better. 
• The Röhre - Culinary delights between Attersee and Mondsee. The look and style are simply fantastic, the staff are super friendly and the selection of breakfast menus is not only large but also incredibly delicious.

Hiking possibilities

Apart from the car-free cycling adventure day at Lake Attersee, there are a number of other sporting activities and tours available to you here. I would like to recommend two of my absolute favourite hikes here. I've been on both adventures several times and they couldn't be more different. A lot of metres in altitude with a fantastic mountain pasture as a destination and a great family outing with a mermaid waiting for you.

• Hike to the Eisenaueralm via the Burggrabenklamm gorge. In the warmer months, the hike up to the Eisenaueralm is simply fantastic - it's not on my to-do list every year for nothing. On narrow paths and over bridges, you hike along the Burggrabenklamm gorge to the top - where a relaxed final spurt to the huts awaits you. I have enjoyed this view several times.
• Excursion to the Nixenfall - in Steinbach am Attersee. Even as a child, I loved the trip to the Nixenfall. You don't have to walk too long, no metres in altitude and a fantastic destination - everything a perfect day needs. A beautiful forest path leads you to the „entrance“ of the Nixenfall. You then walk along a stream and over steps and bridges to the waterfall, where a mermaid invites you to rest and enjoy.

My summary of the car-free cycling experience day at Lake Attersee

What can I say about it? It's always a bit difficult around the Attersee. Whether as a car driver who is annoyed by the many bikers. Or from the cyclist's point of view, who sometimes has to fear for his life on this route because there are simply too many reckless drivers. So it's only natural that the Car-Free Cycling Experience Day was a little highlight for me. I love cycling - whether it's a leisurely ride, a nice mountain ride or a tour lasting several days.

The offer to close the road around Lake Attersee once a year is simply fantastic. Just under eight hours in which families and cycling enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore these beautiful places around the lake in peace and quiet and enjoy time with their loved ones. A big thank you must also go to all the restaurants, catering stations and especially to all the helpers - such as the emergency services, police and fire brigade. Thanks to all these people, the Car-Free Cycling Experience Day at Lake Attersee was a wonderful adventure for everyone. In conclusion, I can only say: „It was an honour and I'll see you next year when we can all pedal around Lake Attersee together again.“

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Michael and Elyas (@muatsdrawig.at)

If you are interested in such cycle tours, then be sure to check out my multi-day Cycle tour to Italy - from Salzburg to Jesolo to. 

Der Beitrag Der Autofreie Rad-Erlebnistag am Attersee erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

In my childhood, it was always a highlight for me to visit the carnival parade in Schwanenstadt. A great costume, meeting up with friends and getting lots of sweets. Even in my teenage years, this event was always on the agenda. Although costumes and sweets moved further into the background, there was always a great party in the late afternoon where you could celebrate. Yes, and today I still go to the parade. No party, no sweets, but a great day out with the family.

Directions and parking facilities

Here I have to say quite clearly - the best option is to travel by public transport. During the carnival parade in Schwanenstadt, the town square is of course closed. The large crowds often cause traffic to slow down a little and of course you don't have the option of parking directly on site. Travelling by train is very easy. You travel to the train station in Schwanenstadt and then have a 5 - 10 minute walk ahead of you, and you are right in the middle of the action.

But if you still want to travel by car, a tip from me is to leave early enough. The parade starts at 14:14 (2024) and, as I said, there were 5000 people on site - you can imagine that you won't be the only one with a car. There are one or two car parks, such as the one opposite the Schwanenstadt town hall, but of course this is not enough for such a large number of visitors. There are a few smaller options for parking your car. However, there are two things you should consider and I would like to give you a few tips. How far is it worth going just to travel by car instead of by train? And don't park in private car parks or other places where parking is not permitted.

What to expect at the carnival parade in Schwanenstadt

Let's start from the very beginning, right after the journey and the parking options, which we have already sorted out. Of course, like almost everywhere else, you have to pay an entrance fee for the parade. But don't panic, it's only €4 and it was well worth it.

Catering was also provided. I stood near the Hinterwirth bakery, which provided you with good drinks and delicious doughnuts. At the other end of the town square there was a small snack stand that was made available to you. I can't say whether there were any other delicacies - I didn't see any and unfortunately I couldn't find any information about them.

Afterwards, find a nice spot in the town square and wait with thousands of other people for the spectacle to begin. But until it starts you can marvel at a lot of great costumes - there really is everything here. At 14:14 it was finally time for the parade to start. Not quite 40 floats and about 10 other groups made their way through the town square. All different themes, from Asterix and Obelix, Madagascar and Barbie to the 80s. Everything was represented here and each one was more beautiful than the next. You can only express your utmost respect for all the clubs. From all the meetings until you have an idea, to the realisation and construction of the float. I really take my hat off to them.

Sweets were thrown for the children, great and loud music flowed from every single float into the crowds - the atmosphere that was created was insane. It took about two hours until all the floats were through. Afterwards there was a party tent at Sparkassenplatz near Jedermann - for all those who were now in a party mood. I went home this time, but I can tell you that the atmosphere made it very difficult for me.

My summary of the carnival parade in Schwanenstadt

The carnival parade in Schwanenstadt is a really great event. An event where it's all about fun. Where young and old come together. Where costume enthusiasts and fancy dress artists present their masterpieces and others can marvel at them. Sweets for the children, parties for the older generation and also a top tip for a nice family outing. Everyone should really get their money's worth here, so I would definitely recommend paying a visit to the municipality of Schwanenstadt on Shrove Tuesday next year, it will definitely be worth it. Have you got a real taste for carnival and fancy dress now? - Then take a look at our Facebook - Photo album from the carnival parade in Schwanenstadt, with over 50 photos.

Der Beitrag FADI 2024 – Faschingsumzug in Schwanenstadt erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

The Christmas market on Spittelberg is definitely one of my favourite Advent markets. We take around 4 hours travelling time by train to try our way through the vegan variety at this Christmas market in Spittelberg. Despite the narrow alleyways and the crowds, you can enjoy a great Christmas atmosphere here - at a fair price for the individual dishes, snacks and drinks.

Für uns als Veganer:innen vom Dorf immer wieder ein absolutes Highlight, da es hier viele vegane Alternativen gibt.

This is the Christmas market on Spittelberg

 

Eco-event Spittelberg goes Green! Vegan, organic, ecological ...

The climate is very important to us at Spittelberg. And that's why we will be organising this year's Christmas Market 2023 as an „eco-event“. A good ecological footprint, fairly traded or produced, local, regional and/or organic, vegetarian or vegan, resource-conserving and sustainable. That's what we want and what we want to offer our visitors this Advent. They will love it. For sure. Because the climate is important to us.

Source: https://spittelberg.at/ 

We can only confirm this - at least from a visitor's point of view. A really lovely and well thought-out Advent market that has something for everyone. The Christmas market on Spittelberg is a model Advent market for us, which we now visit at least once a year - despite our long journey.

From drinks and snacks to main dishes, sweets, decorations, home-made items, wooden baskets, illuminated stars and glassware - there's something for everyone!

The opening hours of the Advent market

Travelling to the Christmas market on Spittelberg

We travelled very easily to Vienna Westbahnhof on the Westbahn. Then we took the U3 towards Simmering, where we got off at the Volkstheater. From here, it's less than a 10-minute walk to the Christmas market on Spittelberg.

Our snack marathon

We really filled our stomachs last weekend. Our aim was to make sure that the long journey out was definitely worth it.

We started with the vegan grammel & Tyrolean dumplings from Jablonski. 

Then we went to the arepas from Venezuela, where we also tried the vegan version.

Of course, there was also punch in between.

Next stop: the vegan Tiroler Gröstl

Of course, there was then a dessert - a vegan Kaiserschmarrn with stewed plums

Danach haben wir noch die veganen Waffeln, vegane Arancini und einen veganen Bosna von der Pflanzerei probiert. Es war einfach alles mega lecker und wir hatten zu zweit ordentlich zu tun um das in unsere Mägen unterzubringen, hahaha.

My summary of the Christmas market on Spittelberg

Dieser Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg ist für mich ein absolutes Highlight. Egal ob vegan oder nicht – hier kommt man definitiv auf seine Kosten und kann diesen Adventmarkt auf so viele verschiedene Arten erleben. Auch ist er preislich mega – die Preise sind absolut fair.

Ich freue mich schon auf nächstes Jahr!

Further recommendation

Hat dir der Beitrag gefallen? Na dann habe ich noch einen tollen Advent-Tipp für dich! Have a read here: Advent market St. Gilgen - Christmas spirit at the Wolfgansee Advent

Der Beitrag Der vegane Adventmarkt – Weihnachtsmarkt am Spittelberg in Wien erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.

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.

Tatsächlich gibt es auch hier leider kaum eine vegane kulinarische Auswahl, weshalb wir uns dieses Mal auch wieder auf Kartoffelchips konzentriert hatten. Die meisten Heißgetränke dürften jedoch vegan sein – die netten Menschen an den Marktständen informieren bestimmt sehr gerne, wenn man nachfragt

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 | Herzlich Willkommen – Wolfgangseer Advent (wolfgangseer-advent.at)

 

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!

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 | Herzlich Willkommen – 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

Hat dir der Beitrag gefallen? Na dann habe ich noch einen tollen Advent-Tipp für dich! Have a read here: Katschberg Advent Trail 2022 - Christmas hiking on the Katschberg

Der Beitrag Adventmarkt St. Gilgen – Weihnachtsstimmung am Wolfganseer Advent erschien zuerst auf muats drawig.