Romantic castle Christmas market in the beer village
The Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Unteraufseß is one of the most charming Advent markets in Franconian Switzerland. The venue is Unteraufseß Castle, a castle complex in the Aufseßtal valley that has been family-owned by the Barons of Aufseß since 1114. With its medieval walls, residential tower, and atmospheric courtyard, it forms a picture-book backdrop. When hundreds of lights illuminate the courtyard on an Advent Sunday, the market unfolds a particularly intimate, almost magical atmosphere.
The small municipality of Aufseß in the Bayreuth district of Upper Franconia is more than just a picturesque castle village: it holds the Guinness World Record for the highest density of breweries per inhabitant worldwide. Four traditional family breweries – Stadter, Rothenbach, Kathi-Bräu, and Reichold – ensure that hearty Franconian beer is also served at the mulled wine stands. The Brewery Trail, a 14-kilometer circular hiking trail, connects the breweries and makes the town famous far beyond the borders of Bavaria.
In the castle courtyard, the castle hall, and the surrounding rooms, regional craftspeople present their products: pottery, wood carving, felt work, Advent arrangements, honey, and natural cosmetics from Franconian Switzerland. In addition, there are stalls with gingerbread, candied almonds, crêpes, bratwurst, mulled wine, and delicacies from the Aufseß breweries. The market consciously positions itself as a quiet, high-quality alternative to the large urban Christmas markets.
The program traditionally begins with a festive service in the morning. The grand finale in the evening is the Advent sing-along, where choirs and brass bands from the region perform classic Advent songs. Between these two program points, guests have the whole day to enjoy the castle, the stalls, and the beer specialties at their leisure.
On the first Sunday of Advent 2026, the courtyard of Unteraufseß Castle will once again transform into a winter marketplace. Regional exhibitors from Franconian Switzerland will offer crafts, Advent arrangements, honey, gingerbread, and delicacies, while the four Aufseß breweries will provide Franconian beer specialties and mulled wine.
The day begins with a festive service at 9:15 AM in the parish church. The market opens its gates at 1:30 PM. The highlight in the late afternoon is the joint Advent sing-along at 6:00 PM, where choirs and brass bands from the region perform classic Advent songs.
Schloss Unteraufseß is located in the Unteraufseß district of the municipality of Aufseß in the Bayreuth district. By car via the A9 (exit Pegnitz or Trockau) or the B470. Parking is available on the outskirts of the village. By public transport via Bayreuth or Ebermannstadt, then take bus line VGN 389.
Admission to the Christmas market is free.
First weekend of Advent, traditionally as a Sunday market. Festive service at 9:15 AM, market in the afternoon, Advent sing-along at 6 PM.
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Schloss Unteraufseß
Im Tal 2, 91347 Aufseß