... so stylish, so contemplative, so magical and so unique! I love the special ‘Advent in the Mountains’, which Altenmarkt-Zauchensee celebrates year after year in its most beautiful and rustic form, captivating guests and locals alike. Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is now known far beyond the borders of the region for its tradition and extraordinary charm. With ‘Advent in the Mountains’, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee is transformed into a magical place where winter fairytales come true ...…

The scent of roasted chestnuts, fruit punch and biscuits is in the air? That's right, I've arrived at the idyllic market square, where the traditional Altenmarkt Christmas Market has already opened its wooden angel gates. I stroll past the lovingly decorated wooden stalls and allow my childhood memories to be awakened: I simply have to try them, the regional delicacies, the punch from specially designed Advent stalls and admire the traditional craftsmanship of local artists. Oh, how it touches my heart, such a contemplative pre-Christmas atmosphere!

Did I see that right? Between the small pine forest, the fireplaces and seating areas with warm sheepskin rugs, I discover the sign for a living nativity scene - the magical atmosphere it radiates captivates young and old alike! On the stage, a storyteller reads stories and music groups play Christmas carols - this must have been how it used to be. And when I look up, I marvel at the oversized Advent wreath with its four candles and a glittering sky of lights above the entire market...

Just a few steps away from the idyllic market square, the Altenmarkt local history museum ‘Hoamathaus’ awaits my visit. And for a very specific reason: a unique treasure from around 1740 - the Grundner nativity scene - has found a worthy place here. This handcrafted treasure is around 280 years old, and I let custodian Franz Walchhofer show it to me under the motto of ‘Nativity scene comes to life’. Franz sits behind the nativity scene, tells the story of Mary and Joseph's journey and at the same time moves the figures in the scene on strings: poachers and hunters, saddlers and wainwrights, carpenters and painters, farmers milking or a chimney sweep at work. Soldiers on horseback, Herod, the innkeeper preparing the stable, shepherds, the Three Wise Men and finally Mary and Joseph in Nazareth with the young Jesus. There are 120 hand-crafted figures in total, 80 of which can be brought to life. What an impressive experience, which we can only enjoy today because after the Second World War, elementary school headmaster and church choir director Johann Schober prevented the sale of the nativity scene to a German visitor. He spontaneously organised a carol singing seesion, the proceeds of which were enough for the down payment ...

Mountain Lake Advent in Zauchensee, high up at 1,350 metres! I couldn't even imagine what it meant and was so surprised and impressed by what awaited me in Zauchensee. The lake itself forms the backdrop for this magical advent attraction. I literally walk through an illuminated entrance gate lit by fireplaces on the southern shore of Lake Zauchensee - and then it happens - a cloud of classical music resounds, accompanied by beautiful light installations, brass bands play in the evening darkness, their faces lit only by the glow of the fire and storytellers read the christmassy stories. What a spectacle! Impressed and moved, I continued my walk along the illuminated lakeshore and enjoyed a few culinary delicacies ...

I stay in Zauchensee for a while longer to accompany the guided ‘Räucher.Kraft’ (Power of Incense’ feel-good walk during the so-called ‘Raunächte’ (Twelve Nights). It leads through a snow-covered forest, where walkers celebrate the custom of burning incense with fragrant herbs and real resins. What is the meaning behind this? The custom of burning incense is still widespread in the mountains to drive away evil spirits and to ask for good luck and blessings for the coming year. I have to admit that burning incense also had an effect on me and my well-being ...

photo credits: Christian Schartner, Air Media Karl Strauch