Our highlights for
Advent lovers
Experience 7 special moments in the DANUBE.Winter
Follow a wood elf along the light trail
The IKUNA Nature Resort will be transformed into a magical world of lights for the first time this year. From 22 November 2024 to 23 February 2025, a 1 km long, magically illuminated path of lights will lead through the IKUNA forest. You will be accompanied by the charming forest elf Leni. She takes visitors into her world of adventure. Every weekend before Christmas there is also an Advent and arts and crafts market. After a tour through the magical world of lights, you can relax and enjoy the evening with an overnight stay in the starry sky chalets or the tipi suites.
Shake snow with Mrs Holle
The Forest Christmas on the treetop path in Kopfing is probably one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Austria. Over five weekends, from 22 November to 22 December 2024, thousands of lights illuminate the magical huts under the snow-covered trees of the Sauwald forest. In the gingerbread house - the fairytale hut - children can shake their beds and make snow with Mother Hulda every Saturday this year or learn the story of Snow White herself.
In addition to arts and crafts, there are also delicious treats from the pan, the oven or the jar. If you want to fall straight into bed after enjoying mulled wine, combine your visit with a stay at the Baumhotel.
Munch on freshly baked farmer's doughnuts
What would Christmas be without the sweet sins at the Advent markets? In addition to biscuits, a warm farmer's doughnut with jam is also a must in the Danube region. One of the best can be found on 23 and 24 November 2024 at the traditional Advent exhibition at Burg Kreuzen. Around the castle, from the romantic vaulted cellar to the coat of arms hall and high up in the castle tower, numerous artists from the region present a colourful selection of high-quality products. From nativity scenes and woodwork to ceramics and handmade Christmas tree decorations, artistic flower arrangements, candles and many other beautiful gift ideas for Christmas. The market experience is rounded off with products and delicacies from neighbouring direct marketers, such as freshly baked farmer's doughnuts.
Experience almost forgotten crafts up close
The scent of wood and beeswax candles will get you in the mood for Christmas. In the unmistakable ambience of Waldhausen Abbey from 6 to 8 December 2024, you can watch almost forgotten handicrafts such as the last rural beeswax maker in Austria, wood turners, glass blowers, ceramic painters, carpet weavers and a blacksmith demonstrate their skills and purchase true works of art. As you stroll through the lovingly decorated market, you can also find one or two Christmas gifts such as handmade Christmas decorations, soaps, candles, textiles, alpaca products and much more in addition to the works of art.
Stroking alpacas & forging iron
On the second weekend of Advent from 7 to 8 December 2024, things will get cosy at the Eferdinger Schlossadvent. Right outside the large castle gate, cuddly alpacas await, whose thick fur defies any rain or snowfall and are just waiting to be stroked. It warms your heart even before you visit the gourmet stalls. Another highlight: visitors young and old can try their hand at iron forging at the market.
Enjoy heart-warming hot drinks
Tea, punch, mulled wine and mulled cider often warm you up better than a scarf on some days. These liquid Christmas classics will be available every Wednesday to Sunday from 14 November 2024 during punch time at the Schärdinger Winterzauber in Seilergraben. The punch huts are run by local restaurateurs, Schärding clubs and the Kiwanis and Lions Schärding service clubs and sweeten many a cold evening for visitors with their warming, wintery hot drinks. From 22 November 2024, a very special Christmas market will also take place there on the four Advent weekends, where the exhibitors change at some stands - thus providing a varied offer for gift shoppers.
Enjoy the Advent atmosphere by the water
Advent in its most beautiful form can be experienced from the water with a view of the illuminated towns along the Danube as you sit in the warmth surrounded by sparkling Swarovski crystals. The "Christmas Magic" cruises departing from Linz usually take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 15 November and 21 December 2024, offering magical Christmas evening cruises along the river. The sparkling Swarovski crystals are also the perfect setting for Christmas parties on the Danube: for example, the evening "Christmas Magic" is ideal for Christmas celebrations with family, friends or colleagues thanks to the 4-course menu, mulled wine reception and live music.
