Salzburger Weihnachtsmuseum

Museum · Fortress Hohensalzburg

Salzburger Weihnachtsmuseum

Museum · Fortress Hohensalzburg

Mozartpl. 2, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Highlights

Step into a charming museum and café that celebrates Christmas with a delightful collection of vintage figurines and holiday memorabilia.

Mozartpl. 2, 5020 Salzburg, Austria Get directions

salzburger-weihnachtsmuseum.at

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@atlasobscura

"In the Prince’s Cellars at the Hohensalzburg Castle, you’ll find a collection of historic marionettes from the iconic Salzburg Marionette Theatre. The museum is unexpected and interesting, though viewing the stringed figures trapped within the fortress’s dark, tunnel-like basement is also a somewhat creepy experience. The puppets are spread throughout a handful of rooms, frozen within scenes set inside glass cases. Along with the marionettes collected from the city’s famous theater, the museum also contains items from around the world. Some of the exhibits feature puppets that are hundreds of years old. A few displays are based on musical performances like The Sound of Music and Mozart’s The Magic Flute. There are also sections that show historical episodes, like farmers squaring off against the castle walls in the peasant uprising of 1525. Beyond admiring the historic puppets, you can even try your hand at controlling one (which is way harder than it seems). There are also some puppets for sale, should you feel compelled to take one home with you. There’s no fee to enter and look around. It’s a small museum, made up of only a couple rooms, so a visit may last only a few minutes. The dim lighting and dungeon atmosphere add an unsettling feeling to the already unnerving puppets." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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@afar

"Christmas in Salzburg Every Day It's easy to walk right by the Christmas Museum and be none the wiser. But, these two rooms above a cafe at Mozartplatz offer an interesting look into the holiday as experienced in Salzburg. With so many great sights and experiences in Salzburg, it's difficult to call this a "must-see", however, with two or more days and a Salzburg Card to cover admission, it deserves at least a quick visit. From vintage Advent calendars to ornaments and depictions of Santa and his Alpine accomplice for the naughty kids, Krampus, the museum takes visitors through traditional Christmas in Austria from the 1800s up to 1940. The final display brings with it a strong dose of nostalgia: a 1930s living room lit by the warm glow of Christmas lights."

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Anna

Google

I won't go in after reading the reviews. I heard that there are very few things in it. But in any case, I still want it to be enriched as a museum.

Klaus Wanderer

Google

There is nothing like the spirit of Christmas in the German lands and this exhibition is splendid in presenting it. Established as a private collection over a 40 years period it has items dating back to the 1840s and you can see the evolution of the holiday during all this time. Some very good explanations in English will give you an idea about the history but don't expect to see anything very detailed, to a large extent this still feels like a collection of items rather than a museum but it is very enjoyable especially if you love Christmas

Tom (Bozz)

Google

A small but fascinating Christmas museum (for those interested in it). Certainly worth a visit with the Salzburg card

Marino Paradina

Google

Museum of old christmas decorations.They are gorgeous and funny.They even have their own caffe which is expensive I have to say.

monica pronzini

Google

Nice little museum with Christmas decorations, paintings and items especially about the past: there was an interesting window with first world war decorations for the Christmas tree (it would be unbelievable to hang weapons on the tree today!) and postcards. We missed a similar second world war window (it is known that also the Nazis had special decorations) but the topic is very delicate nowadays, but still it is a pity this historical period is not covered. The only negative point was the lady at the ticket shop that was not particularly kind and seemed bothered by our arrival and the high prices of the decorations. Entrance fees included in the Salzburg card.

Mademoiselle M

Google

A bit small but so unique. I think it’s the only christma’s museum in the world. You can learn a lot about Christmas tradition, Saint Nicholas etc. Very huge collection of Christmas objects that are unique and reminded me of my childhood. You can enter for free with your Salzburg card so I highly recommend you to get it from the beginning. I recommend this place if you’re in Salzburg.

Kaylee Crowell

Google

This is a small quaint museum upstairs from the Christmas store. The museum itself is small, but it showcases Austrian and European Christmas traditions through ornaments, nutcrackers, figures, and so much more. I really enjoyed it, happy I got the Salzburg card. Honestly probably wouldn't have done this museum without the card.

Nemes Benedek István

Google

I had the Christmas feeling while there. It was really great to see every item at one place. I learned a lot about the Christmases back than. I think it is a great way to spend money, but with Salzburg Card, free entry. If you are bored of the classis museums this is a great freshener😁

Jonathan V.

Yelp

My wife said it was her favorite museum we visited today. It's included in the Salzburg card.

Nate S.

Yelp

Great little museum! Do yourself a favor and get the Salzburg City Card so that you get into this and several other museums for free. It's a small museum but lots of nice exhibits. Worth your time if you're a Christmas nut like me.

Kathryn D.

Yelp

I absolutely love traditional German and Austrian Christmas celebrations, so knew I wanted to visit the Weihnachtsmuseum while in Salzburg. The museum is tiny but charming and perfect for an hour's visit. My favorite part by far was the collection of Krampus cards and figurines, and I also enjoyed seeing the Advent calendars. I should mention that a good number of the placards are only in German, but some also feature English text. Tickets are purchased in on the first floor, in the Christmas shop below the museum. There are so many wonderful things to do in the Salzkammergut that the Weihnachtsmuseum isn't what I'd first recommend, but it is a fun place to stop by.