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Bergerlebnis Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden Advent

Christmas market in the historic town center
  • Closed today
  • Berchtesgaden

Experience Berchtesgaden Advent in the enchanting historic center of Berchtesgaden. Towering above the colorful townhouses, Stiftskirche Collegiate Church, and the Royal Palace, mighty Watzmann watches over the traditional Christmas market. But it's not just the spectacular mountain backdrop that makes Berchtesgaden Advent so special. Time-honored customs, traditional craftsmanship, and Alpine folk music create an unforgettable holiday experience. In Berchtesgaden, the peaceful season leading up to Christmas, locally known as “Staade Zeit,” is a cherished Advent tradition.

Time-honored Advent traditions and customs

At Berchtesgaden Advent, you'll experience the authentic traditions and customs of our region firsthand. You won't find reindeer or Santa Claus here! Instead, explore 50 festive market stalls featuring traditional crafts, folk music, and Bavarian specialties. The events surrounding the Christmas market offer even more opportunities to discover Berchtesgaden's cherished local traditions:

  • Traditional brass musicians performing from the bell tower of Stiftskirche Collegiate Church every Saturday, starting on the first weekend of Advent
  • Traditional Christmas gun salutes (Christkindalanschießen) by the Weihnachtsschützen every day at 3 p.m. during the week leading up to Christmas Eve

Opening hours

Hours of operation for the coming years:

  • November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
  • November 19, 2027 – January 3, 2028
  • November 24, 2028 – January 3, 2029

  • Monday12:00 - 20:00 o'clock open
    Tuesday12:00 - 20:00 o'clock open
    Wednesday12:00 - 20:00 o'clock open
    Thursday12:00 - 20:00 o'clock open
    Friday12:00 - 20:00 o'clock open
    Saturday11:00 - 20:00 o'clock open
    Sunday11:00 - 20:00 o'clock open

  • Thursday12/24/2610:00 - 16:00 o'clock open

  • Monday12:00 - 19:00 o'clock open
    Tuesday12:00 - 19:00 o'clock open
    Wednesday12:00 - 19:00 o'clock open
    Thursday12:00 - 19:00 o'clock open
    Friday12:00 - 19:00 o'clock open
    Saturday11:00 - 19:00 o'clock open
    Sunday11:00 - 19:00 o'clock open

  • Thursday12/31/2610:00 - 16:00 o'clock open

Children's Advent

There’s plenty for young visitors to discover at Berchtesgaden Advent as well. In the art workshop, children can let their creativity run wild daily from 2 to 6 p.m. A nostalgic carousel, a mini-train, and the Christmas tree maze provide even more fun. And at the puppet theater, exciting stories and adventures make the children’s eyes light up.

 

Traditional Berchtesgaden Christmas tree ornaments

The Berchtesgaden Christmas tree ornaments are miniature wooden replicas of traditional farmers’ tools: horn sleds, wheeled chests, ladder carts, and butter churns. But toys such as trumpets or the famous “Arschpfeiffenrössl” also adorn a Berchtesgaden Christmas tree.

During the Christmas market, you can discover over 20 of these wooden figures in Berchtesgaden—though not in miniature form, but rather in oversized versions: these lovingly crafted wooden works of art stand up to two meters tall.

Another special highlight is the largest Berchtesgaden Christmas tree of all time, located on the square in front of AlpenCongress. The 12-meter-tall tree is adorned with oversized Berchtesgaden Christmas tree ornaments.

Contact

Berchtesgadener Advent Maximilianstr. 2 83471 Berchtesgadeninfo@berchtesgaden.de

Arrival

  • By car:

    AlpenCongress underground parking garage

    Salinenplatz

  • By bus:

    Berchtesgaden Hauptbahnhof (main station)

    Free bus service to the Berchtesgaden Zentrum stop

Berchtesgaden Panorama Loop

During Advent, the Panorama Loop transforms into a magical lantern trail. Along the way, 75 oversized lanterns inspired by traditional Berchtesgaden craftsmanship cast a warm, festive glow.

...follow the lantern trail

Berchtesgaden im Advent

  • The quiet time

    From Buttnmandl runs and Kloeckl singing to Christmas shooting and Saint Nicholas traditions, the quiet season in Berchtesgaden keeps Alpine customs alive.
  • [Translate to English:] Berchtesgaden im Advent

    Historic center

    Experience the heart of Berchtesgaden with historic streets, local shops, Bavarian cuisine, cultural highlights and authentic alpine atmosphere.

  • Berchtesgaden craftsmanship

    Traditional craftsmanship in Berchtesgaden lives on through woodcarving, folk art, handmade goods, and regional skills passed down through generations.