Deep in the Salzburg Alps, where snowy peaks meet forested valleys and traditional chalets, the mountain village of Filzmoos comes alive in December with the magic of Advent. This charming Austrian village offers everything a UK traveller dreams of at Christmas: soft snow underfoot, starry skies above, torch-lit trails, and the warm glow of festive markets.
Unlike the hustle of larger ski resorts or city Christmas fairs, Filzmoos offers a peaceful, heartfelt experience of the season—rooted in tradition, community, and nature. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and every snowflake seems to fall in rhythm with a carol.
Advent Dates 2025
The Advent season in Filzmoos begins in late November and continues until just after Christmas, with two key highlights to mark in your calendar:
• The Christmas Idyll at the Hofalmen runs from 29 November to 27 December, typically on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus Christmas Day and Boxing Day, from 5pm to 8pm.
• The Mountain Village Advent takes place in the village square every Friday to Sunday during the four weekends leading up to Christmas, also from 4pm to 8pm.
These celebrations blend beautifully into the village’s snow-covered surroundings, creating a truly atmospheric escape for families, couples, and solo winter travellers. One of the best in Austria!
Christmas Idyll at the Hofalmen
This unique festive event takes place in the scenic alpine meadows just outside the village, accessible only by horse-drawn sleigh, snowshoe hike, or shuttle service. The journey itself—through quiet forests and snowy fields—is part of the magic.
At the Hofalmen, a circular trail winds between traditional mountain huts, beautifully lit with lanterns and torches. Along the way, you’ll pass a life-sized nativity scene, wooden silhouettes of shepherds and kings, and a peaceful lake reflecting the starlit sky.
Hot punch, mulled wine, and children’s tea are served around open fires, while brass bands play carols and local storytellers share festive tales. Occasionally, mythical figures from Alpine folklore—the Perchten—make dramatic, costumed appearances through the snow. It’s a gentle, soulful celebration of the season that feels both ancient and alive.
Mountain Village Advent in the Village Square
Back in the centre of Filzmoos, the village square becomes a glowing Christmas market, with wooden stalls selling handmade decorations, candles, artisan gifts, baked treats, and local delicacies. The scent of cinnamon, fir, and roasted chestnuts fills the air as choirs sing and sleigh bells ring in the background.
It’s a small-scale, community-driven market, perfect for those who want to experience a traditional, local Christmas—without crowds or commercial overload. A short Advent-themed walk leads visitors from the market to the historic pilgrimage church and back, taking in festive lighting and peaceful nativity displays along the way. Location, Location, Location…
Filzmoos is located in the Salzburger Sportwelt region of Austria, about 75 km south of Salzburg. The village sits at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, surrounded by alpine forest and dominated by the impressive Bischofsmütze peak. Its elevated position and snowfall make it a naturally festive setting, perfect for a winter holiday filled with snow, light, and tradition.
What Else Waits in Winter
Beyond the Advent celebrations, Filzmoos offers a wide range of winter activities to suit all interests and abilities:
• Cross-country skiing: With over 40 km of scenic trails, including a high-altitude route with panoramic views, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers.
• Downhill skiing and snowboarding: The local slopes are uncrowded and beginner-friendly, with ski schools and equipment hire available. It’s also part of the larger Ski amadé region for those wanting to explore further.
• Snowshoeing and winter hiking: Dozens of marked paths wind through the forest and hillsides, offering peaceful exploration on foot.
• Tobogganing and sleigh rides: Family favourites, with toboggan runs and romantic horse-drawn rides to traditional alpine huts.
• Hot-air ballooning: Filzmoos is known as Austria’s “Balloon Village” and offers unforgettable flights over the winter landscape—especially in January during its balloon festival.
Getting There from the UK — Sustainable Rail Travel
For UK visitors keen to travel sustainably, Filzmoos is one of the more accessible alpine destinations via rail and public transport, and a great way to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort or charm.
• Travel to Salzburg: You can reach Salzburg from London by train via Paris, Munich or Zurich in around 12–14 hours with an overnight stop. Alternatively, fly into Salzburg Airport from UK cities such as London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
• Continue by train: From Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main station), take a scenic regional train to Eben im Pongau or Radstadt, both around 1 hour away.
• Final stretch by bus or taxi: The last 15–20 minutes to Filzmoos are by local bus or pre-booked shuttle. Many hotels offer transfers for guests arriving by rail.
By choosing this route, you not only enjoy beautiful alpine views en route, but you also make your holiday part of a wider movement toward eco-conscious travel—a perfect fit for the peaceful, nature-first atmosphere of Filzmoos.
So if you’re dreaming of a truly magical Christmas this year, Advent in Filzmoos offers something uniquely special. It’s not just the snow or the scenery—it’s the atmosphere: calm, authentic, joyful, and deeply rooted in Austrian mountain tradition.
Whether you’re sipping mulled wine beside a fire-lit lake or wandering through a starlit market square with carols in the air, this is the kind of festive escape that stays with you long after the snow has melted.
To plan your visit, check accommodation, or get the latest event updates, contact the Filzmoos Tourism Office:
Filzmoos Tourist Office
Dorfstraße 12
5532 Filzmoos, Austria
