Christmas time in Salzburg

For Christmas in Salzburg

A strange vehicle is on the road at Christmas time in Salzburg, in the heart of the Salzburg regionA tractor decorated with fir branches pulls an unusual trailer behind it. A wooden hut is built on the loading area, which, like the tractor, is densely decorated with fir branches. The front also bears the large inscription "Krampus on Tour."

Tip:: You can stay overnight in Salzburg in these hotels.

At Christmas time in Salzburg

Salzburg Christmas in the Stiftskeller

Salzburg Christmas in the Stiftskeller St. Peter We were in the Stiftskeller St. Peter for the Salzburg Christmas. As is usually the case before Christmas: once we have started visiting Christmas markets, we want to see more and more. The Christmas spirit is contagious. Salzburg at Christmas is ideal for this. Then we can't get enough of it ...

Salzburg in Advent – ​​culinary delights, Christmas markets & winter magic in the Old Town

Salzburg in Advent on a winter walk How beautiful Salzburg is in Advent can not only be experienced at the city's Christmas markets. Salzburg at Christmas is so lavishly decorated that a simple stroll through the old town or a visit to the restaurant is enough to get you into the Christmas mood ...

Christmas time in Salzburg

Christmas in Salzburg: A strange vehicle is on the road this Christmas in Salzburg, in the heart of the Salzburg region. A tractor decorated with fir branches pulls an unusual trailer behind it. A wooden hut is built on the loading area, which, like the tractor, is densely decorated with fir branches. At its...

Advent magic in Salzburg: four Christmas markets from romantic to elegant

When the lights twinkle over the Salzach River during Advent, the scent of mulled wine wafts through the streets, and Salzburg's towers are bathed in a warm glow – then it's Advent in Salzburg. We visited four Christmas markets in Salzburg for you: the classic market at the Cathedral and Residence Square, ...

Krampus on tour at Christmas time in Salzburg

When the train finally stops in front of an inn outside the gates of Salzburg, sinister figures with long, shaggy fur suddenly jump out of the inside of the wagon. It is not so much their bodies that inspire fear, but rather their wild faces, crowned with horns up to two meters long. They immediately create a huge spectacle and make an infernal noise.

While performing leapfrogs, they storm the inn, causing quite a stir. There, the unsuspecting guests look up from their plates in shock and suddenly find themselves face to face with veritable monsters. These creatures, strapped to their backs with large cowbells, cause a wild commotion with their boisterous jumping around.

With distorted grimaces and crooked, terrifying faces under threatening horns, the figures approach the frightened ladies, who then take them in their arms with their furry paws.

While some of the foreign guests take the attack calmly and even smile at the ugly masks, others turn away in shock and refuse to look into the Kramperl's gaping mouths or threateningly staring eye sockets.

But the men of creation do not go unnoticed either: With long ox tails, the Kramperl finally beat the male guests.

When the Krampuss parade in Salzburg at Christmas time

After about half an hour, the haunting finally ends, and the wild creatures disappear as quickly as they came. Shortly afterward, Saint Nicholas follows them. Dressed in a red bishop's hat and white robes, he now moves peacefully from table to table, accompanied by a helper carrying a backpack. From this, he takes out gift packages for the frightened children and then pours the men a shot of homemade schnapps.

Salzburg Krampus Run 2025 Dates

Find a Krampus Run Salzburg for 2025:

1. Gnigler Krampus Run
   • Date: Nov 29, 2025 (Sat)
   • Location: Hauptstraße Gnigl, Salzburg
   • Time: 18:30 p.m.​
2. Krampus run by the Grödiger Krampusse
   • Date: Dec 03, 2025 (Wed)
   • Location: Old town Salzburg
   • Time: 17:30 p.m.​
3. Krampus Run at the Hellbrunn Advent Magic
   • Date: 04 Dec. 2025 (Thu)
   • Location: Hellbrunn Palace
   • Time: 18:00 p.m.​
4. Traditional Krampus Run at the Christmas Market
   • Date: 05 Dec. 2025 (Fri)
   • Location: Cathedral and Residence Square, Salzburg
   • Time: 18:30 p.m.​
5. Children's Krampus Run at the Christmas Market
   • Date: Dec 06, 2025 (Sat)
   • Location: Salzburg
   • Time: 15:30 p.m.​
6. Maxglaner Krampuslauf
   • Date: 08 Dec. 2025 (Mon)
   • Location: Stiegl Brewery, Maxglan, Salzburg
   • Time: 17:30

Further dates and locations you can find it here, for example.

This, or something similar, is how St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in Salzburger Land, for example. A Krampus run is definitely a very special experience during the Christmas season in Salzburg.

Salzburg in Advent – ​​how to extend your stay to 5 days

Experiencing Salzburg at a leisurely pace during Advent reveals the city's most beautiful side. Away from the weekend hustle and bustle, the air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, while music drifts from the side streets. We took a few days – and realized: five days is ideal for truly enjoying Salzburg.

Day 1 – Arrival and immersion in the magic of the old town

Walk from the Mirabell Gardens via Getreidegasse to the Cathedral Square.
In the evening, a first visit to the Christmas market with music and hot apple punch is recommended.

Day 2 – Craftsmanship and Culinary Delights

Visit the Christmas market at Residenzplatz, then go to the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium or a traditional confectionery.
In the afternoon, the climb to Hohensalzburg Fortress is worthwhile.

Day 3 – Excursion to the Salzkammergut

Day trip to St. Gilgen or St. Wolfgang – both places are particularly atmospheric during Advent. Return journey in the evening.

Day 4 – Wellness & Relaxation

After these experiences, a day at the RupertusTherme Bad Reichenhall or in a wellness hotel near Salzburg is worthwhile.

Day 5 – Silent Night & Farewell

Follow the trail of the Christmas carol to Oberndorf before you say goodbye to Salzburg – perhaps already looking forward to your next visit.

Conclusion for a longer stay in Salzburg during the Christmas season

Salzburg only unfolds its magic when you take your time.
A long weekend is hardly enough – five days, on the other hand, will give you memories that last.

Travel Arrangements:

Airport parking during the Christmas season in Salzburg

For example, you can reserve your parking space at the airport here.

Arrival at Christmas time in Salzburg

Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and other airlines fly to SalzburgYou can also rent a car there. You can also travel to Salzburg by train. There are also long-distance buses to Salzburg.

Rental car:

Cheap rental cars – book here!

Accommodations at Christmas time in Salzburg

Hotels in Salzburg * (advertisement) you can easily book online via booking.com.

Salzburg Excursions at Christmas time in Salzburg

Our travel tips for Salzburg

This  Travel Tips We've tested them all ourselves, for example. Maybe there's something for you too?

Source: Christmas time in Salzburg: our own on-site research. Some of this was self-funded, while some information was obtained at the invitation of Salzburg Tourism. We are very grateful for this. However, our opinions remain, as always, our own.

Text Christmas time in Salzburg: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline.
Photo © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash.
Video © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline.