Burgweihnacht Burghausen

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.