Katschberger Advent Trail
Romantic Advent hike for the whole family
Experience a traditional winter Christmas – and then perhaps relax at the Hotel Das Katschberg, surrounded by the cozy atmosphere of wellness in the Alps. Immerse yourself in the magic of twinkling lights and old Alpine traditions, without any commercial frills.
What makes the Katschberg Advent Trail so special is its authenticity and the preservation of old traditions in the region. Alphorn and brass players set the mood for Christmas along the trail. Advent songs in the singing hut and contemplative stories in the story hut bring back memories of childhood in the run-up to Christmas. Along the Advent Trail, numerous lanterns bathe the winter landscape in soft light.
Tea stations offer steaming hot fruit tea. For a cozy get-together, to warm up and chat, or simply to take a deep breath and pause for a moment. Families with children can make teddy bears together with the Christmas angels and get into the Christmas spirit, with children's eyes shining and crackling with anticipation. A live nativity scene with donkeys, sheep, goats, souvenir and craft huts with all kinds of handmade and hand-carved items, rustic tea ovens, musical performances at various locations along the way – there is so much to discover!
Guests of the Wanderhotel Das KATSCHBERG****S can start their hike directly from the hotel. From here to the start of the Wichtelweg trail, there are around 1.5 relatively steep kilometers to cover. You can also take a shuttle bus for €2.50 per person per direction. The 2.5 km winter hike via the Wichtelweg trail to the Pritzhütte, the starting point of the Adventweg trail, begins at the Alpengasthof Bacher. At the start of the Wichtelweg trail, you can already purchase admission to the Adventweg trail – but you don't have to, as the Wichtelweg trail itself is free of charge. Along the Wichtelweg trail, you will find the first free tea stations, a Christmas maze, and a romantic forest of lights. As an alternative to hiking along the Wichtelweg trail, you can also cover the 2.5 km by horse-drawn carriage. This MUST be booked in advance. The staff at Hotel Das Katschberg will be happy to help you with the booking. The approximately 2 km long hike along the Katschberg Advent Trail can only be completed on foot.
© Michael Stabentheiner
© Franz Gerdl
© Gerald Ramsbacher
© Tourismusregion Katschberg
© Gerald Ramsbacher
Good, well-lined footwear—you'll always be out in the snow. Warm, winter-proof clothing based on the layering principle: functional underwear, gloves, hat, scarf. Everything takes place outdoors. Protection for your face against the cold—temperatures at 1,750 meters above sea level can range between 0 and -20 degrees in the evening.
The Wichtelwanderweg trail starts at the Alpengasthof Bacher. There are no places to stop for refreshments along this 45-minute walk. We recommend buying a thermos flask at the start of the Wichtelwanderweg trail so that you can use the tea stations along the way. If tea isn't enough for you, bring your own drinks and snacks.
The actual Katschberg Advent Trail starts at the Prinzhütte, which serves food and drinks. Along the 2 km long Advent Trail, you can also stop at the Schaidlhof, where warmth and musical accompaniment await you.
Fruit tea is served free of charge at numerous tea stations. The purchase of the thermos cup at the start of the trail also serves as admission to the Katschberg Advent Trail.
TIP: If you like a little rum in your tea, be sure to bring a well-filled hip flask.
The hike from the village square to the Advent Trail and back is 10 km long – the trail may be too strenuous for small children and older people. The steepest incline is definitely between the Hotel Das KATSCHBERG and the start of the Wichtelwanderweg trail. Transport option 1: Shuttle from the hotel to the start of the Wichtelwanderweg trail – €2.50 per person. Transport option 2: Horse-drawn carriage from the start of the Wichtelwanderweg trail to the start of the Adventweg trail. This MUST be booked in advance.
The Wichtelwanderweg is recommended for children aged 6 and above – hiking in the snow is strenuous.
When your nose is red from the cold after the Advent hike, your stomach is warm from tea, and your heart is full of Christmas cheer, there is nothing better than diving into the Wanderhotel Das Katschberg****S in the 1,000 m² wellness area, which smells of Swiss stone pine and oak. Thaw out in the panoramic outdoor sauna, the Finnish sauna, the steam bath, or the infrared cabin, and take a dip in the swimming pool. This is winter wellness in the Alps at its best. Large pictures made of pressed hay and wildflowers decorate the entire wellness area, while hay shingles, harps, and an open fireplace make the individual areas really cozy. The wellness oasis has also been equipped with private cozy nooks and hanging loungers. In the spacious rooms, everyone can find their own personal way to relax.
Christmas cheer remains in your heart and you can also go skiing, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, snowshoeing, touring and generally enjoy winter to the fullest. What could be better at Christmas?
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from € 100,-
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from € 109,-
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