St. Nicholas is coming across the lake in his sleigh

You can attend a particularly lovely St. Nicholas celebration on November 29, 2026, in Obertraun on the shores of Lake Hallstatt.

Children’s eyes light up in anticipation of St. Nicholas

When the children of the little village of Obertraun gather one evening in late November on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, they are waiting for St. Nicholas. It’s a very special moment, because in Obertraun , St. Nicholas arrives across the lake in a “Fuhre, ” a traditional wooden boat.

He is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, who carries a large sack filled with apples, nuts, and chocolate , and by the Obertraun brass band .

The gentle lapping of the lake builds the children’s excitement and anticipation until, finally, the “Fuhr” carrying St. Nicholas slowly emerges from the darkness of the night and reaches the shore of the lake.
With sparkling eyes, the children recite a poem for St. Nicholas. He rewards them with gifts, and then he and his “Fuhr” disappear once more into the waters of Lake Hallstatt.

To pass the time, the flute students from the music school and some young musicians from Obertraun play on the shore.

To warm up and refuel, there’s a punch and cookie stand.
This year, there’s once again the chance to visit a small but charming Christmas market starting at 2:30 p.m.!

St. Nicholas is coming when it gets dark!
Krampus stays home on this day.

Experience a 360° panoramic tour of Obertraun…