A Christmas market, but with a difference
Have you ever heard of the Rattenberg Advent? At Christmas, the Christmas markets in Austria are a real must. Cosy stalls, colourful Christmas lights, the scent of mulled wine and other tasty treats. Christmas markets can be found in many places across Austria, each with its own unique flavour. But Austria’s smallest town does things just that little bit differently. It offers the same cosy atmosphere, whilst retaining the essence of the Advent season. The Christmas market in Rattenberg is different.
The Rattenberg Advent experience
Imagine this: it’s a cold December day. The streets are snow-covered and night has fallen. An inviting woodfire burns in the street and the warm glow of candles shines through the windows. The scent of delicious traditional treats tickles your nose and Rattenberg Advent wine is served in special Advent glasses. You can hear the singing of the ‘Anklöpfler’ and, somewhere else, the sound of traditional wind band music. The shops have their doors invitingly open, and the beautiful glassware sparkles as you walk past. That is the Rattenberg Advent.
The Christmas market in Rattenberg is different
Around Advent, you’ll find very few Christmas market stalls in Rattenberg. You’re better off going elsewhere for your Christmas shopping, but for that genuine Christmas atmosphere, this is absolutely the place to be. The Rattenberg Advent is all about bringing light into the darkness. Not through artificial lighting, as is the case at many Christmas markets, but through candles, torches and fire pits. The Rattenberg Advent is much more about tranquillity, reflection and savouring the moment.
What’s on during the Rattenberg Advent?
During the Advent weekends, you can listen to music on stage, watch a lantern procession wind its way through the town, join an Advent walk, see old traditions come back to life, and enjoy the local cuisine and shops, which offer delicacies and cosy spots to relax and unwind.
If you love traditions, culture and history, Rattenberg is definitely a great town to visit, but around Christmas time it becomes a truly special place. Here, you can really experience the Advent season without the commercial hype. We at Bergundbahn love a cosy Christmas market, but for a truly special Christmas experience, Rattenberg is the place to be. During the Rattenberg Advent, you’ll find the real magic and essence of Christmas.
