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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. "Every year again" – that's my motto when it comes to the Advent Market in St. Gilgen.
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 take a stroll. 🕯️✨
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 accessible to everyone – it’s barrier-free and offers a wide variety of exhibitors with 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.
🎄 Wolfgangsee Advent website (wolfgangseer-advent.at)
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!”
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. 🍬🍷
The punch from various stalls was especially tasty – my top recommendation: the baked apple punch! 🤤
At many other booths, you’ll also find beautiful handcrafted items – and of course, the iconic small red candles that symbolize the Wolfgangsee Advent. 🕯️🛍️
The whole place was also very lovingly decorated. 🎄
Getting to the Advent Market in St. Gilgen
Getting there by car is quite easy. We took the Westautobahn (motorway) to either Oberwang or Mondsee (depending on direction), then continued via country road to St. Gilgen. 🚗
Parking and fees
✅ Public parking available
✅ Payable by cash or card at the machine
⚠️ Price: €4.50 for a full-day ticket
⛔️ No option for shorter time slots
Public transport – Free Advent rides from Salzburg
From December 19 to 21, 2024, visitors from the Salzburg region could travel for free on public buses (lines 150, 155 & 546) to the Wolfgangsee Advent. 🎁🚌
My favorite snacks & culinary highlights at the St. Gilgen Advent Market
Vegan options were limited, but there were still plenty of delicious things for us to try – especially punch variations. 🍵 Here are my top 3 foodie picks:
1st place: Spiral potato chips 🥔 Spiral-Kartoffelchips 🥔
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 be taken 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 are looking for a special Advent experience with a view of the lake, an authentic atmosphere and lovely details - then get there! ✨ 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! 🤩 Why don't you read it here? The Vegan Christmas Market – Spittelberg Christmas Market in Vienna
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