A very special and beautiful St. Nicholas celebration can be visited on 01 December 2024 in Obertraun on the shores of Lake Hallstatt.

Beaming children's eyes await St. Nicholas

When at the beginning of December the children of the village of Obertraun gather at the bank of Lake Hallstatt, you know that they are waiting for St. Nicholas to arrive. This is a very special moment, because in Obertraun St. Nicholas comes with a traditional salt-boat.

He is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, his trusty servant, who carries a basket of apples, nuts and chocolate.
He is accompanied by the Obertrauner Weisenbläser brass band too.
 
The soft splashing noises from the lake raises the excitement and suspense for the children, until finally the boat arrives,  slowly carrying St. Nicholas towards the light of the shore from the mysterious darkness of the night.
With beaming faces the children perform a small poem to St. Nicholas.
Then the children receive a gift before St. Nicholas returns to the boat and disappears back into the night.

Enjoy the music from some young musicians and keep you warm with punch and biscuits.
This year again you will have the possibility to visit a small but nice christmas market from 2.30 p.m.!
Krampus stays at home on this day.

Experience a 360° panorama tour through Obertraun…