Advent - a very special time of year in the Salzkammergut Advent in Austria is a time for reflection, peace and expectation. It's a total contrast to the hustle and bustle of pre-Christmas preparations in other parts of the world. What better place to spend a few peaceful and unhurried days before Christmas than in the Salzkammergut Lake District where the tradition and genuine atmosphere turns Christmas into a time of simple pleasure and contentment it once used to be: Advent and Christmas markets, mulled wine, the smell of cinnamon and apples in the air, Christmas carols and dignified Christmas lights - that's Advent in the Salzkammergut Lake District. Advent on the shores of Lake Wolfgang The three villages that lie on the shores of Wolfgang Lake; St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang open the doors to their Christmas markets on November 20th 2009. The markets in each of the villages have their own very special character and flair and are a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. This is the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations, Christmas carols over a warming glass of punch or mulled wine and the many pre-Christmas events that take place in one of Austria's most beautiful Advent regions.  Advent 2009 in Mondsee The traditional Mondsee Advent market draws visitors from all over the world, many returning each year to enjoy the very particular flair of the market with its spectacular backdrop of St. Michael's Basilica and the former monastery. This magnificent setting and the lovingly decorated stalls selling handcrafts and local specialities makes a visit to this Advent market an unforgettable experience. Traunsee Baked apples, nuts, almonds - the Old Town of the historic community of Gmund is transformed into a fairytale like Advent world... A tasteful and appropriate programme of entertainment means that there is something for every generation of visitor. There's a varied children's programme, musical events, a traditional "Perchten Show" where fearsome horned creatures roam the streets, horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas bakery, attractive stands and much, much more. A truly unforgettable experience! Advent in Ausseerland Advent in Bad Aussee, Bad Mitterndorf, Grundlsee, Altaussee, Tauplitz is particularly traditional in nature and is well worth visiting. The markets are lovingly decorated and are open from the beginning of December to Christmas Eve. Here ancient Advent customs are withheld far from the madding crowds of modern-day Christmas markets. Bad Ischl - "The Town of a Thousand Lights" Thousands of lights illuminate the town and create a truly heart-warming atmosphere in Advent - a time of contemplation and pleasant anticipation for what Christmas may bring. Combine the spirit of Advent with the chance to do some Christmas shopping in one of the Salzkammergut Lake Districts most important towns.   World Heritage Advent in the Salzkammergut Lake District The "Inner Salkammergut" provides a wealth of Advent events: Spectacular "Krampus Shows" where over 400 Perchten turn the streets of Bad Goisern into a mystical melting pot of fear and excitement, Saint Nikolaus who follows the lake-side path between Obertraun and Hallstatt to join in the Advent Singing in Bad Goisern, Christmas exhibitions presenting traditional and local crafts, Open-air Advent concerts and Austria's largest candle. There is also the Children's Castle with its Children's Christmas Market with special events for younger visitors in Bad Goisern and the 3D Nativity Scene in the Market Square in Hallstatt.