Hohenwerfen Castle Advent Market 2026: Christmas Magic in the Courtyard

Welcome to the 2026 Advent Market at Hohenwerfen Castle

High above the Salzach valley, perched on a 155 metre rock pillar near the market town of Werfen, the medieval courtyard of Hohenwerfen Castle turns into a festive advent market on five days in November and December 2026. The nearly 1000 year old fortress, once used as a filming location for the war film "Where Eagles Dare", provides one of the most striking backdrops for a Christmas market anywhere in the SalzburgerLand region. The market runs on November 28 and 29, plus December 5, 6 and 8, 2026, each day from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Highlights and Attractions at the Hohenwerfen Advent Market

• A medieval castle courtyard as a romantic setting high above the Salzach valley
• Traditional Pongau customs and an atmospheric shepherd's play
• Regional handicrafts from the Salzburg region and thoughtful gift ideas
• Local delicacies plus mulled wine and roasted almonds at the castle tavern
• Christmas choirs and reflective advent tunes performed by tower musicians
• A supervised children's program with crafts, cookie baking and a storyteller
• Sweeping views over the Salzach valley and the surrounding Pongau mountains

Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Werfen

The advent market takes place across two advent weekends, plus the public holiday on December 8. On all five days the courtyard opens from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Regional craft and food stalls form the core of the market, alongside a continuous supporting program of music, folk customs and the supervised children's activities. A detailed schedule of musical performances is published on the castle's official website closer to each date.

Tickets and Admission for the 2026 Advent Market

Admission to the advent market itself is free, no ticket is required. Visitors who prefer to walk up to the castle can do so via a roughly fifteen minute ascent, and sturdy footwear is recommended. Alternatively, the funicular (Festungslift) is available for a separate fee, with current prices listed on the castle's official website.

Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Werfen

• Werfen lies about 40 kilometers south of Salzburg and is easily reached via the A10 motorway
• Parking below the castle is limited, so an early arrival is advisable
• Werfen train station is about 1.5 kilometers from the castle and can be reached on foot or by funicular
• Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, since the courtyard is outdoors and late November can already be quite cold
• Groups of 15 or more are asked to register in advance, as are table reservations at the castle tavern

Licht Advent in Sankt Johann im Pongau

Just a short drive from Werfen, the town park of Sankt Johann im Pongau turns into an illuminated winter wonderland during advent season. Trees and light strings bathe the park in festive glow, with a Krampus run, an advent torchlight walk and traditional Pongau advent singing rounding out the program. Licht Advent is a popular addition for visitors who want to experience more of the region's advent traditions alongside the market at Hohenwerfen Castle.

Salzburg Christmas Market in Salzburg's Old Town

About 40 kilometers north of Werfen, Salzburg's Domplatz and Residenzplatz host the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, one of Austria's most traditional and best known Christmas markets. Set against the backdrop of the cathedral and the Residenz, numerous stalls offer handicrafts, sweets and mulled wine, accompanied by an extensive musical program running over several weeks. For visitors combining a stay in the SalzburgerLand with the Hohenwerfen advent market, a side trip into the state capital makes a fitting addition.