The dark, cold season is drawing near—but with it comes a magical time when thousands of lights illuminate the darkness. In just a few weeks, the Bürgeralpe high above Mariazell will transform into a sparkling sea of lights. Whether it’s the eerily beautiful Halloween atmosphere or the magical mood marking the start of winter, the famous Holzknechtland welcomes you with mysterious light trails, a spectacular mountain lake water show, and many more surprises.
The waitlist is now open! By signing up, you’ll secure access to the presale and, on top of that, a 10% early-bird discount!
Lichterzauber and Gruselglanz on the Bürgeralpe – Waitlist
Mariazeller Bürgeralpe
From Spooky Glow to Enchanting Lights
Before the magical Winter Wonderland unfolds and stirs up anticipation for Christmas, the Bürgeralpe first reveals its eerily beautiful side. From October 16 through November 1— if you dare—you’ll 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-dark 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 opens its doors once again this November and promises to be the highlight of the Mariazell Advent season once more. Stroll along illuminated paths and past sparkling trees to the shimmering mountain lake. There, a spectacular water show will impress visitors—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, open only from 5:30 PM onward), cable car: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM (on October 16 & 23, open only from 3:00 PM onward)
✨ Magic of Lights (Advent and Winter)
📅November 19 through December 20, 2026, Thu–Sun (as well as Mon, Dec. 7, and Tue, Dec. 8) + daily from December 20, 2026, through January 6, 2027
🕛Open from 4:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.; cable car: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (during the Christmas break, starting at 9:00 a.m.)
For your hike at an elevation of 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.).
Mariazeller Bürgeralpe
