Events in Austria

Over 500,000 visitors are attracted every year to the Urfahr Market in Linz. This is the largest and oldest market in Austria. It takes place on the northern bank of the Danube River, hundreds of different stalls are featured along with various attractions and all kinds of tasty food. There are also many live bands and fireworks in the evenings.

More than 30 international teams gather in Kirchberg for the annual Balloon Cup. Teams vie to become the best balloon team around and take home first place in the Balloon Cup. Fans can enjoy this spectacle for free from the ground or book a ride in one of the many balloons on display. The event culminates in a Saturday Night “Night Glow”, where the night sky is illuminated by the gas burners against the night sky.

Over 90 of the best cheese makers from all over the Alps come together in Galtür for the International Cheese Olympics. The contest is judged by a panel of recognized judges, but fans have the opportunity to taste all the different varieties of cheeses as well as learn what goes into making each cheese.

This day is marked by two traditional Christmas highlights for this Innsbruck ski resort. Both the Krampuslaufen carnival and the accompanying Nikolauseinzug parade take place in the Dorfplatz square in Igls Town Centre. From 3pm you can try mulled wine and the delicious Krapfen (sweet pastries). Then the Nikolauseinzug begins at 5pm with Father Christmas making his way around the town centre handing out sweets to children. Then at 5:45pm the main event begins. During Krampuslaufen, around 70 Krampusse wearing scary old wooden masks move through the crowd transforming Igls into a large snow carnival. This even is great for children and allows visitors a rare glimpse into the regional culture of Austria.

For over 700 years the square in front of Vienna’s town hall (Rathausplatz) is filled with stalls selling crafts, food and gifts at the Vienna Christmas Market. Along with traditional Viennese Christmas treats such as cotton candy, glazed fruits and baked apples, visitors can enjoy browsing the hundreds of wooden handicraft stalls, where present-buying can be a pleasure rather than a chore.

The people of Reith (near Kitzbuhel) transform their village into a life size advent calendar during the month of December. Each day, a new decorated window in one of the beautiful old building is opened, developing a stunning collection of colors. This event lasts until January 6th when the decorations are traditionally taken down.