The dark, cold season is drawing near—but with it comes a magical time when thousands of lights illuminate the darkness. On the Bürgeralpe high above Mariazell, the lights are already glowing with eerie beauty! And that’s just the beginning: as soon as the spooky season is over, the sea of lights seamlessly transitions into a magical winter wonderland. Whether it’s spooky glow or the magic of Christmas lights—the famous Holzknechtland welcomes you with mysterious light trails, a spectacular mountain lake water show, and many more surprises.
“Gruselglanz” is already underway—and tickets for both events are available now!
Gruselglanz und Lichterzauber auf der Bürgeralpe 2026
23 October 2026 18:00 + more dates
Mariazeller Bürgeralpe
From “Gruselglanz” to “Lichterzauber”
Before the magical winter wonderland unfolds and stirs up the anticipation for Christmas, the Bürgeralpe first reveals its eerily beautiful side. Until November 1—if you dare—you can experience a Halloween world full of spooky splendor. Encounter glowing pumpkins and eerie figures, immerse yourself in mystical worlds of light, and let a ghostly water show at the mountain lake and an extra-gloomy spooky zone in the forest give you the ultimate thrill.
“Lichterzauber 2026” surprises with new highlights
Following last year’s successful premiere, the magical winter wonderland high up on the Bürgeralpe is opening its doors again this November and promises to once more be the highlight of the Mariazell Advent season. Stroll along illuminated paths and past sparkling trees to the shimmering mountain lake. There, a spectacular water show awaits—and with the “Talking Book,” an Austrian premiere, a real highlight awaits young and old alike!
Practical Information
🎃 Spooky Glow (Halloween and Fall)
📅October 16 & 17 (Fri & Sat) and October 23 through November 1 (daily)
🕛Open from 5:00 PM – 7:45 PM (until October 24, starting at 5:30 PM), Cable car: 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (on October 16 & 23, starting at 3:00 p.m.)
✨ “Lichterzauber” (Advent and Winter)
📅November 19 through December 20, 2026, Thu–Sun (as well as Mon, Dec. 7 & Tue, Dec. 8) + daily
from December 20, 2026, through January 6, 2027 🕛Open from 4:30 PM – 7:45 PM, cable car: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (during the Christmas break, starting at 9:00 a.m.)
For your trip up to about 1,270 meters, be sure to dress warmly and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes. The loop trail takes about an hour to complete. You decide how long you’d like to stay on the grounds. And if you get hungry: The mountain inn is open until 7:45 p.m. (hot meals are served until 7:15 p.m.).
Ticket sales for the magical world of lights on the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe are underway—and the gates to the eerily beautiful “Gruselglanz” are already open!
23 October 2026 18:00 + more dates
Mariazeller Bürgeralpe
