Salzburg Christmas markets are known as being some of the loveliest in all of Europe. After visiting four of them in one day, I would have to agree.
The most famous Christmas market in Salzburg is the main one held in the Cathedral Square and Residence Square, located near the Church Caves of Salzburg. Like most Christmas markets it is at its’ best in the evening when it’s lit up. Not surprisingly this Christmas market was very crowded and I actually spent the least amount of time here than I did at the other three Christmas markets I visited in Salzburg.
Business flourished at this pretzel satand at the main Salzburg Christmas Market.
Next it was on to the Christmas market at the Hohensalzburg Fortress. I knew this was a small Christmas market but I was disappointed with how small it was. It also costs €5 to enter, but that includes an audio tour of the fortress and entrance to the fortress’ museums. It’s worth it if for the fortress tour and for the views over Salzburg, but if you’ve already done the fortress tour done as I had, I would give this Christmas market in Salzburg a miss.
The Christmas Market at Hohensalzburg Fortress is quite small.
Next it was onto the Christmas market in the Sterngarten, another small Christmas market tucked into a small courtyard that is popular with locals and famous for its’ handicrafts. One of the special features of this Christmas market is that proceeds are donated to the needy.
The almost hidden entrance to the cozy Christmas market in the Sterngarten.
I really liked this Christmas market and justified my shopping knowing that the proceeds would be going to a worthy cause. Unlike the previous two Christmas markets where I heard a lot of English and Italian being spoken, almost as if I was in one of those apartments in Rome, at this one I only heard German being spoken. Despite being almost hidden, locals had no no problem finding it:
The Christmas market in the Sterngarten was popular with locals.
Lastly it was onto the Christmas market in Hellbrunn Palace. This was my favorite Christmas market in Salzburg, and also made the list: My 3 Favorite European Christmas Markets of 2011 set with a palace in the background, space between the stalls, lit up trees, and palace windows serving as an advent calendar. It was busy, but didn’t feel overly crowded due to its’ layout. It is also home to The Unusual Christmas Tree at Hellbrunn Palace.
My favorite Christmas market in Salzburg was the one at Hellbrunn Palace
I thoroughly enjoyed my day of exploring Salzburg’s Christmas Markets, so much so that it factored into naming Salzburg my Best Travel Destination of 2011. The only one that I missed was the one in front of Mirabell Palace, but it’s already on my list for next year (along with a visit to Rome and staying in one of those Rome apartments) Salzburg is a beautiful city any time of year, but its’ Christmas markets make it incredibly romantic and a perfect way for newlyweds like J.P. and I to get into the holiday spirit.
What are you favorite Christmas markets in Salzburg?
This photo has been submitted as part of Travel Photo Thursday by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Check out her site for more travel photos.
I'm Laurel, a former Program Director from Canada now living in Munich, Germany. I love traveling, diving, and hiking. I'm also an animal enthusiast with a special affinity for monkeys, cats and sharks.
Lovely to shop and eat – love the lights and the small gatherings
eileen ludwig recently posted..NASA Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory Tweetup at Kennedy Space Center
@Eileen – Agreed and the lights provide such an ambience.
I’ve been to this Christmas market before! It was so wonderful, so unlike anything we have in California.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Holiday Greetings From… The Grove, Los Angeles
How I would love to be in Europe during the Christmas market season!
Ohhhh so fun!! I sort of famously don’t have a sweet teeth, so I am drooling over those pretzels… YUM. That tree is so beautiful. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t even decorated my house yet. I’ll be so happy to be at my parents’ house next week!
Abby recently posted..Costa Rica coffee yum
Very beautiful
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Gackt – December Love Song
I haven’t been to Salzburg in December, so I’d have to rely on your recommendations for a favourite Christmas market. After all the hard research word, you are a true expert:)
Mette Christensen recently posted..Merluzzo all’emiliana
Pretty! I wish I’d had more time this year to attend more markets.
cheryl recently posted..A Kei Kegami Restrospective At The Lloyd Hotel, Amsterdam.
What a beautiful area to enjoy Christmas! I like something a little different at Christmas time. I want to explore more of this area as I have spent little time in Austria as well as Germany. Maybe I will get a chance to visit here during Christmas one here.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Annapolis welcomes me home
The Christmas market in the Sterngarten.really does look cozy. I’ve never been Salzburg. Looks like a great place to be during the holidays.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..It’s a Small World in Hamburg
Salzburg is one of my favourite places. I’d love to see it in December. It looks amazing!
Barbara – The Dropout Diaries recently posted..Market Mincer Man
The more I see of these Christmas markets, the more I want to visit…maybe next year!
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — December 15, 2011 — Psst, Santa..Look Who’s In Korea
So beautiful. I am now even more determined to go to Austria at Christmas time someday!
Margo recently posted..Cooking Around the World: King and Prince Shrimp and Grits for Christmas Eve
The atmosphere look just so wonderful!
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