Traunsee Christmas Markets 2025
When people think of Advent in Austria, most imagine Salzburg, Vienna, or Innsbruck. However, the fairytale magic of Austrian Christmas can also be found in other, often hidden, gems. Today, we’ll take you to the heart of the Salzkammergut, to the shores of our beloved Lake Traunsee.
>> ACCOMMODATION AT LAKE TRAUNSEE <<
Ort Castle in Winter
Here, amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Traunstein mountains and the shimmering surface of the lake, you can find a Christmas atmosphere far removed from wild tourist glitz. Advent, and specifically the Traunsee Christmas markets, are about comfort, Austrian tradition, music, and tasteful decorations. Of course, you can also look forward to the aroma of punch or mulled wine. This year, embark on a journey for Christmas comfort, just a short distance from our South Bohemian borders:
Traunsee Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets at Lake Traunsee are held in two main locations: the town of Gmunden and the slightly smaller, romantic Traunkirchen. As for decorations, you’ll experience the Advent atmosphere practically all around the lake.
Advent and Gmunden Christmas Markets
- Gmunden Town Center and the Inner Courtyard of Ort Lake Castle
- Magical Light Decorations on Grünberg Mountain – by Cable Car from Gmunden
When are the Christmas Markets Held in Gmunden?
- November 28 – December 21, 2025
- Always from Friday to Sunday at these times:
- Friday 1 PM – 8 PM | Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM | Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
In Gmunden, the Traunsee Christmas markets possess an unexpected charm. Don’t expect flashing commercialism and ubiquitous kitsch, but look forward to tranquility, Austrian elegance, and products that are a hallmark of honest craftsmanship. In the heart of the town, a small market regularly lights up on pre-Christmas weekends, offering local specialties, fragrant punches, and handmade gifts.
Advent in Gmunden /@ TVB Traunsee Almtal
Additionally, cozy boutiques with quality fashion, lights reflecting in Lake Traunsee, and the delicate scent of baked apples wafting from cafes await you. Anyone who truly wants to experience Advent, not just get through it, should stop in Gmunden for a while, perhaps even for a romantic evening boat trip.
Winter at Lake Traunsee /@ TVB Traunsee Almtal
Ort Castle Christmas Markets
At Ort Castle, located on an island connected to the shore of Lake Traunsee by a wooden bridge, smaller Christmas markets can be visited annually, mostly only on Advent weekends. In any case, you can take a stroll across the illuminated bridge and around the Christmas-decorated island practically anytime.
Traunsee Christmas Markets / Austrian Lakes
Magic Lights Grünberg
From November, the treetop walk on Grünberg mountain in Gmunden transforms into a radiant winter experience, where hundreds of thousands of delicate lights illuminate the path.
Embark on a journey to the magical atmosphere on Grünberg mountain. You might know this trip from our previous articles with tips for excursions around Lake Traunsee. Even during Advent at Lake Traunsee, you can take the cable car up to Grünberg, which is festively decorated before Christmas.
Advent on Grünberg /@ Erlebnisakademie AG
Accommodation at Traunsee
Treat yourself to a fairytale Advent weekend at Lake Traunsee and stay in one of the beautiful lakeside hotels, from where you’ll be just a few steps away from Christmas strolls for punch.
Verified Hotel Tips:
✅ Elegant hotel on the promenade, just a few steps from the Advent market
✅ Historic cafe and views of Lake Traunsee
Show availability
✅ Modern design and quiet lakeside location
✅ Wellness area with panoramic views
Show availability
✅ Five-star lakeside experience
✅ Gourmet restaurant Bootshaus with Michelin recommendation
Show availability
None of the listed hotels appealed to you? Search for accommodation exactly according to your requirements:
You might also be interested in:
- Christmas Markets at Wolfgangsee
- Christmas Markets in Hallstatt
- Christmas Markets in Innsbruck
- Christmas Markets in Salzburg
Traunkirchen Christmas Markets
As we mentioned in the introduction, the Traunsee Christmas markets are held not only in Gmunden, but you can also visit them in the romantic village of Traunkirchen. You might know it primarily for its picturesque church built on a rock above the lake.
The Christmas markets here are not held throughout the entire Advent season, but the main events are scheduled for only one December weekend.
Christmas Markets at Lake Traunsee – Traunkirchen / Austrian Lakes
When are the Traunkirchen Christmas Markets Held?
- 13. and on December 14th, Traunkirchen transforms into a magical Christmas village full of regional specialties, music, and a festive atmosphere.
- Saturday: 2 PM – 8 PM | Sunday: 2 PM – 6 PM
At the Traunkirchen Christmas market, you can look forward to traditional delicacies, fragrant punches, and festive melodies performed by the local brass band, MUJU Band, and the popular group Werkstattmusi.
Our tip: Plan your Advent weekend and the Traunsee Christmas markets for this specific date and enjoy the atmosphere of local Christmas in both Gmunden and Traunkirchen.
Where to Eat and Find Advent Atmosphere
Restaurant Bootshaus (Traunkirchen)
- One of the best restaurants in the Salzkammergut, Michelin-recommended cuisine with lake views. Treat yourself to an early Christmas present and reserve a table here for dinner.
Konditorei Grellinger (Gmunden)
- A classic Viennese cafe with pastries, punch, and mountain views. Do you also enjoy afternoon tea?
See Café Gmunden
- A modern cafe by the water, perfect for hot chocolate, especially at sunset.
Wirt am See
- A cozy and pleasant restaurant with traditional cuisine, excellent venison ragout and homemade dumplings. In Austria, they simply know how to prepare game.
And of course, you can look forward to a variety of traditional delicacies at the Christmas markets themselves. Fragrant punches and mulled wines, pretzels, sausages, and traditionally roasted chestnuts. Buy some local bacon to take home. Merry Christmas!
