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ItalianoUpdated 10.11.2022
In the city, in the countryside or amid snowy mountain peaks: seven Tyrolean Christmas markets that have joined forces under the brand "Advent in Tyrol" focus on tradition and customs, far from "kitsch and consumerism".
From the appearance to the range of stalls to the supporting programme: the seven Tyrolean Christmas markets in Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol, Kufstein, Rattenberg, Seefeld, St. Johann in Ti rol and at Lake Achensee are different: kitschy consumerism is taboo, instead the selected markets focus on pre-Christmas experiences that are authentic, traditional, even "Tyrolean": What is offered from small huts comes predominantly from local production. This also includes culinary delicacies such as the lard pastry "Kiachl", baked apples, hot chestnuts, mulled wine or punch. Instead of canned music, brass groups play Christmas carols. And the supporting programme of the markets also focuses on what is related to Christmas: baking biscuits, making Christmas decorations, writing letters to the Christ Child. The seven markets, which have to pass regular quality checks, also offer numerous family and children's programmes.
The Bergweihnacht Innsbruck is the largest "Christmas wonderland" in Tyrol: six Christmas markets invite you to stroll, marvel and enjoy. The oldest market is the one in the old town, which can be found directly in front of the "Goldenes Dachl". The market on the market square is known for its family programme, the panorama Christmas market on the Hungerburg for the most beautiful views over the city. You can also stroll through a Christmas market in Maria-Theresien-Strasse, Innsbruck's central shopping street. Small and particularly tranquil are the market in the St. Nikolaus district and the Christmas magic in Wilten, which lies at the foot of the Bergisel, steeped in history.
The Advent market in Hall in Tirol is one like a picture book. It opens its little huts on the Upper Town Square, which with the large parish church and the imposing town hall is one of the most beautiful squares in Tyrol. A real eye-catcher is the oversized Advent calendar, which projects the numbers 1 to 24 colourfully onto the ornate facades of the houses. One of the highlights in Hall is also the stylish Christmas lighting in the old town, which is one of the largest old towns in Austria: stars, bells, angels or hearts decorated with broken mirrors and therefore glittering grandly are a real eye-catcher.
The Christmas markets in Kufstein also become atmospheric meeting places during Advent. At the market in Kufstein's town park, Tyrolean culinary delights and handicrafts take centre stage. Kufstein Fortress also puts on a pre-Christmas dress. At the "Weihnachtszauber" (Christmas magic) above the town, a "Weihnachtswerkstube" (Christmas crafts room) and brass bands await you, and you can also look over the shoulders of craftspeople. From 27 December 2022 to 12 February 2023, the "Light Festival" will take place for the second time at Kufstein Fortress. Here, "The Voice of the Castle" takes visitors on an audiovisual journey that is artistically brilliantly staged.
The Christmas market in St. Johann in Tirol offers a mix of enjoyment and cosiness. The market innkeepers will spoil you with homemade delicacies, and special punch creations will be served. The supporting programme at the "place of cosiness" includes the forest woman telling stories about Advent customs, storytellers or the "Christmas workshop" where children bake delicious biscuits. Atmospheric Advent concerts also take place.
Seefeld - Tyrol's high plateau - celebrates the pre-Christmas season in an atmospheric way - and mostly covered in snow due to the altitude of over 1,200 metres. At the Christmas market in the pedestrian zone you walk through a small village of huts where you can look around for Christmas surprises. Culinary Christmas scents are also in the air in Seefeld. Visitors can experience magical moments at the "Engerlpostamt" or on "Kapellenwanderungen" (chapel walks), where you can take torches with you. On the ice skating rink in front of the "Seekirchl" you can do cheerful pirouettes.
In Rattenberg, Austria's smallest town, the pre-Christmas season is celebrated differently. Artificial light is largely dispensed with. Instead, candles, torches and open fireplaces bathe the town, which is also known for "glass art", in a cosy light. The fairytale trail is not only popular with young visitors. You should definitely try the "Rattenberg Advent Wine". Every Friday there is a guided Advent walk, on Advent Saturdays there is "Tyrolean traditional music", and on Advent Sundays there are "Anklöpfler" and brass bands through the town. Admission to the Rattenberg Advent is free this year. The exhibition "ganz - zerbrochen" (whole - broken) at the Augustiner Museum in Rattenberg, which is dedicated to the phenomenology of glass, is also highly recommended.
Christmas magic by the lake can be experienced at the Achensee. Tyrol's largest lake is nestled between the mountains of the Rofan and Karwendel ranges, which you can see particularly well on a romantic lake cruise. An atmospheric Christmas market awaits you at the landing stage in Pertisau: small market stalls, traditional delicacies such as Kiachl or Apfel-Zimt-Schmarren (apple and cinnamon pancakes), Christkindl post office and children's programme. The "Anklöpfler", who sing Christmas tunes, also make a regular appearance.
All information and opening hours of the 7 Christmas markets of "Advent in Tyrol": www.adventintirol.com