Counting down the days to Christmas

Contemplative places at Lake Achensee

Advent is regarded as the “quietest time of the year” – even though the run-up to Christmas is often characterized by hustle and bustle nowadays. Around Lake Achensee, you’ll still find genuine hidden gems and lesser-known spots where you can truly experience peace and tranquillity. These special places of contemplation, away from the well-known tourist attractions, invite you to pause for a moment, enjoy the winter stillness and get into the Christmas spirit.

Das idyllische Dörfchen Steinberg am Rofan verwandelt sich im Dezember in einen Adventskalender. Dabei schmückt täglich ein anderer Bewohner sein Haus. /// In the Advent season, the idyllic village of Steinberg am Rofan transforms into an Advent calendar where each day another house is festively decorated.

A village becomes an Advent calendar

The little village of Steinberg am Rofan, which has been listed as one of the Mountaineering Villages since 2021 and describes itself as “the most beautiful end of the world”, experiences the run-up to Christmas in a romantic way. In December, the village is transformed into an Advent calendar. Each day, a different resident decorates their house. This spectacle is particularly well appreciated by evening strollers.

The neo-Gothic chapel Seehofkapelle is in Achenkirch am Achensee. There is fresh snow in the picture.

A picture-postcard idyll at the Seehof Chapel

Did you know that one of the world’s most famous Christmas carols is closely linked to Tirol? The Tyrolean national singer Ludwig Rainer brought “Silent Night! Holy Night!” to the world together with his Rainer Singers. In Achenkirch, he commissioned the construction of the neo-Gothic Seehof Chapel, which is particularly atmospheric during Advent: brightly lit Christmas trees create an almost picture-postcard-perfect winter idyll. Guided tours of the Seehof Chapel can be booked all year round.

Die Krippe vor der Häusererbühelkapelle in Maurach am Achensee strahlt bei Nacht in besonderem Glanz. /// The nativity scene in front of the Häusererbühel Chapel in Maurach at Lake Achensee shines with a special glow at night.

A pilgrimage to the Häusererbühel Chapel

As we all know, walking is an excellent way to slow down and find your centre. We therefore recommend a short pre-Christmas pilgrimage from Maurach to the Häusererbühel Chapel. During Advent and Christmas, there is a nativity scene set up there. From the chapel, you can also enjoy one of the most beautiful views across Lake Achensee. The “Contemplative Christmas Atmosphere” event will take place at the chapel on Friday 18 December 2026 at 17.00.

Ein weihnachtlich geschmückter Nadelbaum und im Hintergrund sieht man die Wiesinger Kirche vor dem blauen Abendhimmel.

Advent in the “wonderfully charming little village”

The Advent market in Wiesing on 28 November and 12 December 2026 is guaranteed to create a festive pre-Christmas atmosphere. A variety of stallholders invite you to take a leisurely stroll and linger, whilst bread on a stick is baked over an open fire. Musical and traditional performances create a festive ambiance and make the Advent market a special place to meet during the run-up to Christmas. You can find all further details directly in the event listing.

Bergadvent beim Fischergut am Achensee mit weihnachtlich beleuchteten Holzhütten, zahlreichen Besuchern und verschneiter Winterlandschaft am Achensee.

Christmas markets at Lake Achensee

In the run-up to Christmas, a magical atmosphere descends on Tirol’s largest lake. The stress of everyday life melts away as we turn inward and embrace mindfulness. Do you, too, long for moments of reflection? Then one of the many Advent and Christmas markets at Lake Achensee is just the place for you.