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

Salzburg on a winter walk in Advent

How beautiful Salzburg is in Advent can not only be seen on the Christmas markets of the city experience. 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. We were in for several days this time Salzburg in winter, to see the city at this time of year.

We discovered many corners where festive lights, Christmas music drifting from windows, and fragrant aromas wafting from bakeries and kitchen windows in the city center make such a stroll through the city a truly special experience. Shopping stroll through the Christmas Salzburg is a lot of fun. What we have discovered on our city tour, we introduce you here:

Linzer Gasse in Salzburg during Advent

The fact that Salzburg's old town does not only extend to the Getreidegasse and the Domplatz can be seen on a walk through the Linzer Gasse on the opposite bank of the Salzach. The pedestrian zone reveals itself to the visitor in Christmas lights, which gives this street a very special magic. Of course, this is particularly nice in the evenings, when the lights illuminate the night. Then, the showcases of the historic craft shops in the Dreifaltigkeitsgasse are also particularly effective, such as the handcrafted bags of the tannery or the belt maker, whose business has been here since the 15. Century stands.

What does "Silent Night, Holy Night" have to do with Salzburg Steingasse?

On a wall in the inconspicuous Steingasse, a side street of the Linzer Gasse, this sign is on the wall. According to our companion Inez, the statement is not true, but Joseph Mohr, the author of the lyrics of the most famous Christmas carols in the world has not been baptized here, but in the cathedral on the other side of the Salzach. According to their statement, the children were baptized shortly after birth to ensure their entry into heaven in the high infant mortality of the time. Joseph Mohr's baptism is recorded in the baptismal register of the cathedral, and it is unlikely that the mother would walk through half the city with the newborn. What is certain, however, is that he lived a few years in this alley, which at the time of his childhood had a rather disreputable character, in the midst of a neighborhood made up mainly of thieves, crooks and whores. Mohr's career as an assistant pastor is therefore all the more surprising.

Even today, the Steingasse, which lies hidden behind the banks of the Salzach and at the foot of the Kapuzinerberg and branches off from the splendidly decorated Linzer Gasse, makes a rather modest impression.

On a hot cup of chocolate in the Café Habakuk in Linzer Gasse

It's already quite cold in Salzburg during Advent, so the Santa Clauses in the shop window of Café Habakuk in Linzer Gasse lure us into this coffee house, which the people of Salzburg especially appreciate. It's not as crowded as Café Tomaselli in the old town on the other bank of the Salzach. Here you sit comfortably at your coffee table as if you were in one Viennese coffee house, reads his newspaper, has a couple of Mozartkugeln and a hot cup of coffee or chocolate brought to him, and warms up again from the cold weather that is affecting outside the doors of the coffee house.

Snow-covered mountains over the Salzach in Salzburg in Advent

Salzburg's location on the northern edge of the Alps ensures that wintry conditions prevail here early on. The first snow will remain in the higher regions of the surrounding mountains, while in the city even milder temperatures will quickly melt the snow. So we can enjoy the view of the snow mountains in the sunshine while we stroll through the city at tolerable temperatures. A perfect combination for a pre-Christmas city stroll through Salzburg.

Fiakers wait for customers in Salzburg in Advent

In front of the residence in the old town of Salzburg, fiakers wait for customers who want to see the streets of the city on a carriage ride. The horse and carts wait patiently at this point. They are protected against the cold with blankets. So they wait to pull their passengers through the cobblestone streets of the city center. We ask one of the coachmen which season he likes best and he says: “Spring and autumn are the most beautiful. Summer is too hot and winter too cold. ”Understandable, isn't it?

Brioches from St. Peter's Abbey Bakery

The further we walk from the Christmas market at the cathedral towards Hohensalzburg Fortress, the more intense the aroma of yeast pastries becomes. Inez, our guide, asks mischievously, "Can you smell that?" Then she leads us into the St. Peter's Abbey Bakery, where we can watch brioches being made in the bakery. In the bakery's anteroom stands a wooden mill, still used to grind flour. The energy, as it was over a hundred years ago, comes from a waterwheel powered by the Berchtesgaden Ache stream, which flows into the Salzach River just a few meters away. The yeast pastries are as good as they smell. A long line of customers has already formed at the checkout, waiting for their bread or other pastries.

Sausage, bread and lavender at the weekly market in Salzburg in Advent

We continue our walk through Salzburg and pass through St. Peter's Cemetery. This is located directly at the foot of the Hohensalzberg. The early Christians of the region even dug their graves into the mountainside. We then continue towards the Franciscan Church and the Festival Hall. From there, our path leads us to the weekly market, which takes place all year round. Here, in addition to a few baked goods, you can find... Lebkuchen (gingerbread) or fruit bread, mainly specialties from the region. Chamois ham or wild boar salami are just a few of them. At the flower stalls there are proteas from South Africa, the first tulips, flower arrangements and Advent wreaths. The scent of lavender wafts towards us even in spite of the cold. A mishmash of goods that's not exclusively Christmas-themed like the city's Christmas markets, but just as alluring.

Mozartkugeln, dessert and pies from the pastry treasure

We continue our walk towards Getreidegasse through an alley that leads us into the courtyard of a 14th-century house. Beneath the arcades lies the Schatz confectionery, a popular spot for Salzburg locals to buy their cakes, pastries, and other treats. Now, at Christmastime, the windows are decorated, but we don't have time for a cup of coffee.

What a shame, because we were really taken with the Mozartkugeln (Mozart chocolates), cakes and pastries, and the Christmas decorations in the shop windows. Oh well, maybe next time we visit Salzburg?

Christmas hustle and bustle in Getreidegasse

The Getreidegasse is teeming with visitors. So we skip the hustle and bustle and, after taking a photo of the Christmas lights and the crowds, make a hasty retreat. But not before listening to the music of a street musician who has set up his strumming board in front of Mozart's birthplace. His collection plate is regularly filled by passersby who enjoy his playing as much as we do.

Instead, we cross the Salzach River on the Makartsteg bridge and enjoy the Christmas decorations at the Hotel Bristol and the lights at the Salzburg State Theatre in the twilight, before returning to the Hotel Gablerbräu, where we stay very centrally *.

The perfect end to our Advent in Salzburg: the Winter Festival on the Salzach

We continued our Christmas stroll in Salzburg later with a visit to the Winter Festival, which takes place every year from the end of November to the beginning of January in the Volksgarten on the Salzach River. A tent city is erected there, where circus performers from all over the world present their acts. We were lucky enough to see David Dimitri, for example. He entertains his audience in a hilarious one-man show. He is a ringmaster, tightrope walker, musician, cannonball, and animal trainer all rolled into one. He creates a magical atmosphere in his circus tent. We were particularly impressed by his tightrope act at the end of the performance, which provided a perfect ending to our day in Salzburg.

👉 The Winter Festival will take place from November 26, 2025 to January 6, 2026. You can find more information on the website..

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.

Salzburg in Advent – ​​FAQ

How many days should one plan to spend in Salzburg during Advent?

Five days are ideal for a relaxed experience of the main Christmas markets, the old town, and one or two excursions into the Salzkammergut region. This leaves plenty of time for enjoyment, culture, and a wellness break.

Which Christmas markets in Salzburg are particularly worth visiting?

The Christmas market at the Cathedral and Residence Square, the market at Mirabell Square, and the Advent market in Hellbrunn are among the classics. Those with time to spare can combine them with visits to St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang in the Salzkammergut region.

Is it possible to integrate a wellness day into a stay in Salzburg?

Yes. A whole day spent at a thermal spa or thermal bath – for example in Bad Reichenhall or in a wellness hotel near Salzburg – makes the trip more relaxing and is a good break between market visits and excursions.

What excursions are suitable during Advent in Salzburg?

Popular destinations include St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang on Lake Wolfgangsee, as well as Oberndorf for its Silent Night trails. These destinations can easily be incorporated into a five-day itinerary.

Where is the best place to stay in Salzburg during Advent?

Those who prefer short distances should choose a hotel in the old town. For peace and quiet and spa facilities, hotels on the outskirts of the city or in the surrounding area are ideal. For longer stays, a combination of a hotel in the old town and a wellness hotel is worthwhile.

How can you avoid crowds at Christmas markets?

It's quieter in the mornings and on weekdays. A longer stay allows you to avoid peak times and experience the atmosphere in peace.

Not enough of Advent in  SalzburgThen be sure to check out Anita's Gailtal on Tour blog at this link. There you'll find more impressions of Advent in Salzburg.

Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane, train and bus

Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and other airlines fly to SalzburgIt is also possible to travel to Salzburg by train. Long-distance buses also run to Salzburg.

rental car:

Cheap rental cars – book here!

Accommodation in Salzburg during Advent

Hotels in Salzburg * (Advertisement) For example, book online via booking.com.

Our travel tips for Salzburg during Advent

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

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• Comfortable winter boots
• Packing list winter vacation

Source: Salzburg in Advent: Research conducted at Christmas in Salzburg, for example at the invitation of Salzburg Tourism. We extend our sincere thanks. However, our opinion remains, as always, our own.

Text Salzburg in Advent: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline