A piece of World Cultural Heritage

The traditional Corpus Christi Procession on the Lake Hallstatt is an example of the many traditions unique in the Salzkammergut. Join the people of Hallstatt and share a part of their unique culture.

The lake procession on the Lake Hallstatt

The Corpus Christi lake procession consists of numerous traditional boats - the so called "Fuhre" or "Plätte" -  decorated with flowers and garlands. As early as 6 a.m. in the morning, participants in the Corpus Christi complete their part in the event. The procession begins at the edge of the village. Participants venture out on to the lake in their traditional boats before returning ashore. Their journey ends by the church. In keeping with tradition, a shot is fired each hour, on the hour, from a traditional boat on the lake.

From the market place to the lake

As always, a Holy Mass will be celebrated in the Catholic church. Afterwards, the Corpus Christi procession makes its way towards the first station of the cross situated in the festively decorated market square. Local people as well as vistors dressed in traditional national costume assemble in the centre of the World Heritage village. Local brass bands perform some short pieces of music, after which the procession continues towards the Lake Hallstatt, where festively decorated small boats and floats wait to be launched. Many of the inhabitants of Hallstatt travel back by traditional boat to the other side of the village where they will eagerly await the arrival of the Corpus Christi procession.