Burgweihnacht Burghausen
Advent market on the world's longest castle and in the historic alleys of Burghausen's old town
About Burgweihnacht Burghausen
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Burgweihnacht Burghausen — Advent market on the world's longest castle
The Burgweihnacht Burghausen is one of Bavaria's most extraordinary Christmas events. Burghausen Castle — at 1,051 meters, the longest castle complex in the world — provides a spectacular backdrop for an Advent market with a focus on craftsmanship. For three Advent weekends, the medieval hilltop castle above the old town combines with the 'Advent in den Grüben', the parallel market in the historic old town, to create a dual Advent atmosphere.
Burghausen — Inn-Salzach town on the Austrian border
Burghausen is located in the district of Altötting in Upper Bavaria (Bavaria state), directly on the Salzach river at the border with Austria. The town has around 19,000 inhabitants. The castle complex stretches over a kilometer along the Burgberg and is one of Central Europe's most important castles. The old town between the Salzach and the Burgberg, with its brightly plastered burgher houses, the 'Grüben' (narrow alleys), and historic squares, preserves a unique townscape.
Two markets, one concept — Advent in den Grüben + Burgweihnacht
The Burgweihnacht is not a single weekend event but a three-part Advent celebration:
- 1st Advent weekend — "Advent in den Grüben" in the historic old town
- 2nd Advent weekend — "Advent in den Grüben" in the old town
- 3rd Advent weekend — "Burgweihnacht" on the parade ground of Burghausen Castle
This concept allows visitors to experience different Advent atmospheres over three consecutive weekends — the intimate old town ambiance of the 'Grüben' and the impressive castle backdrop with views over the Salzach.
What makes the market special — Craftsmanship and quality
The Burgweihnacht emphasizes craftsmanship:
- Christmas tree decorations and nativity figures in traditional styles
- Woodwork — from suspenders to toys
- Pottery and ceramics
- Leather and felt work
- Sheep wool products
- Accompanying Advent music — Christmas carols, brass ensembles, choirs
- Storytellers for children
- Shadow puppet theatre with Christmas and Advent fairy tales
The Elisabeth Chapel — Advent concerts and moments of reflection
The Elisabeth Chapel on the castle grounds serves as a concert hall and a space for quiet contemplation during the Burgweihnacht: Advent concerts, small chamber music ensembles, and devotions take place here — a deliberate connection between the market and the liturgical character of Advent.
Burgweihnacht Burghausen — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Burgweihnacht spans three Advent weekends between November 27th and December 13th, 2026. The concept combines two spatially separated markets:
The "Advent in den Grüben" takes place on the 1st Advent weekend (Friday–Sunday, November 27–29, 2026) and the 2nd Advent weekend (December 4–6, 2026) in the historic old town of Burghausen. The narrow 'Grüben' alleys between the Salzach and the Burgberg transform into an Advent market with mulled wine stands, craft stalls, and small stages.
The actual Burgweihnacht takes place on the 3rd Advent weekend (December 11–13, 2026) on the parade ground of Burghausen Castle: Friday from 3:00 PM opening, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM. Craft stalls, nativity figures, Christmas tree decorations, woodwork, pottery, and felt products characterize the offerings. Advent concerts are held in the Elisabeth Chapel, and a shadow puppet theatre for children performs Christmas fairy tales.
Programme Burgweihnacht Burghausen 2026
Three Advent weekends
- 1st Advent weekend — Nov 27–29, 2026 — "Advent in den Grüben": Advent market in the historic alleys of Burghausen's old town; free admission
- 2nd Advent weekend — Dec 4–6, 2026 — "Advent in den Grüben": continuation in the old town; free admission
- 3rd Advent weekend — Dec 11–13, 2026 — "Burgweihnacht" on the castle's parade ground: Friday Dec 11th from 3:00 PM, Saturday Dec 12th from 1:00 PM, Sunday Dec 13th from 1:00 PM; admission €5 (under 18s free)
Program highlights at the castle
- Advent concerts and devotions in the Elisabeth Chapel
- Shadow puppet theatre with Christmas fairy tales for children
- Storyteller in the castle courtyard
- Brass ensembles and choirs with Advent repertoire
What is offered at the stalls
Christmas tree decorations and nativity figures — Woodwork — Pottery and ceramics — Leather and felt work — Sheep wool products — Mulled wine and regional food.
Highlights Burgweihnacht Burghausen 2026
Prices Burgweihnacht Burghausen 2026
Practical information — Burgweihnacht Burghausen
Getting there
Burghausen is located in the Altötting district on the border with Austria. By car via the A 94 (Munich–Passau, exit Marktl/Burghausen) or the B 12 (Passau–Salzburg). By train from Munich (1.5 hrs) or Mühldorf (40 min) to Burghausen. From the train station, walk or take the city bus to the old town.
Admission
Admission to "Advent in den Grüben" in the old town is free. Admission to the "Burgweihnacht" on the castle: €5 per adult, youths and children under 18 free.
Opening hours Burgweihnacht 3rd Advent weekend
Friday 3:00 PM opening; Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses in Burghausen and the neighboring town of Marktl (birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI). An extended stay with a visit to Salzburg (40 km) is recommended.
Contact
Burgverwaltung Außenstelle Burghausen, Tel. +49 8677 4659. Burghausen Castle, www.burg-burghausen.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Burgweihnacht Burghausen al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Burgweihnacht Burghausen
Burg Burghausen / Altstadt Grüben
Waffenplatz, Burg Burghausen, 84489 Burghausen