Christmas Markets Tour in the Salzkammergut

"Bambini con la Valigia" in-between tradition and farmer’s doughnuts

Those looking for alternatives to large-scale Christmas markets and crowds of people are in good hands at the Lake Wolfgang Advent. Fabio, Giulia and their two children swapped their home in Grado for three days in the wintry Salzkammergut and examined the pre-Christmas Advent markets more closely.

Fabio and Giulia, of the “Bambini con la Valigia” blog, packed their bags before Christmas and together with their children made a journey into snowy SalzburgerLand. The region is especially known for its beautiful scenery and picturesque towns in summer. In winter, the whole area gets in the Advent mood. Fabio, Giulia, Simone and Siria, also got into a contemplative mood in the winter world of the Salzkammergut.

It’s a place like in a fairy tale, because it combines tradition and modernity. I think it’s very romantic, but at the same time, there are countless family opportunities to see and do something. – Giulia

Lake Wolfgang Advent

The Christmas market in St. Wolfgang was the first that the family visited. From their hotel, the Zimmerbräu, they needed just a few steps to be right in the middle of the action – with fragrant farmer’s doughnuts here, and gentle sounds of Christmas carols there. Fabio was at an unassuming handicraft stand when he heard a muffled knocking. An elderly gentleman was pounding letters and symbols into horseshoes. When he saw Fabio’s interest, he let him try it out – much to the delight of his family.

His own horseshoe was quickly finished and as the family strolled on through the market, it suddenly started to snow. But before the first snowflakes could melt on their noses, they entered the “Angel Studios” – and were promptly turned into angels.

Fabio and I alone would probably not have done that. But to make them [Simone and Siria] happy, we just did it and we had a blast! – Giulia

Strobl – the nativity village

The “Bambini con la Valigia” family took a boat across half of Lake Wolfgang to Strobl on the other shore. On disembarking, they followed the “pastoral path” that led them directly into the small but nice market. “Advent like it was then” – this motto applies to Strobl probably most of all. The stands are covered with rustic wooden shingles and nativity scene constructions, as well as handicrafts, which are particularly valued here. Simone and Siria were especially interested in the wild animals. Deer and sheep can be viewed up close and stroked.

Imperial Advent in Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl was a popular meeting place for self-respecting people during the imperial times. “Were Sissi and Franz still alive, they would visit the Christmas market in the Drink Hall” – Giulia is sure of it. It is fantastically beautiful and exhibits include the lavishly produced items of the Bad Ischl craftsmen. In Bad Ischl, the family also used the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the winter landscape. Giulia felt like Empress Sissi and the children were fascinated by the horses. Thereafter, the family strapped on the ice skates and sliced their way around the imperial ice. Here, Fabio especially struggled with his balance – but it any case, it was good fun.

The cultural side: Mondsee Christmas Market

On the last day of their trip, the family went to Mondsee – to the place that is known all around the world mainly because of “The Sound of Music”. However, “Bambini con la Valigia” did not want to sing, but rather look around the Christmas market, in the Basilica and at the Perchten exhibition, and to run through the Gothic cloisters. So many experiences make you hungry. As a grand finale, there were farmer’s doughnuts with sugar and jam. Oh, how beautiful the Advent season is!