Berchtesgadener Advent

Berchtesgaden — Royal Setting

Berchtesgaden, the market at the foot of the Watzmann and Königssee in the extreme southeast of Bavaria, is one of Germany's most spectacular natural locations. The Royal Palace — former residence of the Wittelsbach royal family and now a museum — together with the collegiate church of St. Peter and John, forms an ensemble that outshines any Advent market. It is precisely here, on the Schlossplatz and in the surrounding alleys, that the Berchtesgadener Advent is set up every year from the end of November to the beginning of January.

50 Advent Huts and Lantern Trail

Around 50 lovingly decorated wooden huts are spread throughout the historic centre. The offerings range from Alpine handicrafts — Berchtesgaden wood carvings, chipwood boxes, nativity figures — to regional specialities (gingerbread, stollen, smoked sausages, cheese from the surrounding alpine pastures) to mulled wine, punch, and Feuerzangenbowle. A specially created "lantern trail" leads through the decorated centre, creating an almost fairytale-like atmosphere after dark.

Brass Bands from the Palace Roof

A special feature of Berchtesgaden are the daily brass band concerts from the roof of the collegiate church — an alpine tradition that has become part of the market's brand identity. The festive brass melodies echo across the entire Schlossplatz and shape the acoustic experience of the Berchtesgadener Advent. In addition, there is an extensive children's and family programme, live concerts, and Alpine customs such as Krampuslauf (a traditional run by the devilish Krampus figure) and Advent singing.

Tradition over Commerce

Unlike many overly commercialised Christmas markets, Berchtesgaden emphasises "lived tradition" — regional exhibitors, alpine craftspeople, local products. The concept is popular: the market attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, including many from neighbouring Salzburg (Austria, only 30 minutes away) and southern Germany. The organiser is Berchtesgadener Advent GmbH, which has consistently developed the concept towards an authentic Alpine Advent market for years.