Advent in the Wildschönau

Family Advent in Drachental offers a festive way to get into the Christmas spirit and focuses on quality family time. In a festive Christmas atmosphere, a varied children’s program is combined with traditional Advent customs. While the Advent market invites visitors to linger and relax, special events such as the Shepherds’ Play, a visit from St. Nicholas, and performances by the Krampus groups ensure a diverse Advent program. This makes the anticipation of Christmas truly palpable.

During the Advent season, elaborately designed nativity scenes are displayed in showcases along the Franziskusweg. The first nativity scene is located at the z'Bach Mountain Farm Museum, with others following at regular intervals toward Oberau.
The nativity scenes were created by the Wildschönau Nativity Scene Enthusiasts under the direction of Thomas Breitenlechner. The Franziskusweg is also illuminated and is regularly cleared of snow, making it ideal for a winter walk. The illuminated nativity scenes can be viewed from the first Sunday of Advent through Candlemas on February 2nd.

A very special custom in the Tyrolean Lower Inn Valley is “Anklöpfeln.” During the pre-Christmas season, groups dressed as shepherds go from house to house, spreading the Christmas message through traditional songs.
For their festive performance, the carolers are traditionally rewarded with Christmas cookies or a snack—and in the Wildschönau, of course, the “Krautinger” is a must. The donations collected go toward charitable causes.
“Anklöpfeln” has been practiced for generations and is passed down from generation to generation as a valuable part of the Lower Inn Valley’s cultural heritage.

During the Advent season, visitors can view impressive, life-size nativity scenes in the villages. The nativity figures, lovingly crafted by local woodcarvers, depict the Christmas story and invite visitors to discover it in a traditional way while taking a stroll through the villages.