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When mist drifts through ancient walls and torches illuminate the courtyards, a special season begins at Aggstein Castle.
Four atmospheric weekends of darkness and shimmering lights await, starting with a thrilling Halloween opening and followed by three weekends devoted to the approaching Advent season.
Fragrant punch, hot roasted chestnuts and regional culinary specialties warm hands and hearts amid vibrant medieval market life and captivating music. Between mysticism and the anticipation of Christmas, more than 100 exhibitors transform the historic walls into an enchanted castle and invite you to discover extraordinary gifts, from natural products to lovingly handcrafted one of a kind pieces.
First weekend from 30 October 2026
Unique and unforgettable, the opening weekend begins in mysterious style. Eerie guided tours through the castle’s darker corners, masked figures in the glow of firelight, mystical music and an impressive fire show bring the shadows to life. Fairy tale stories offer children gentle thrills, exciting and family friendly. Who has the coolest Halloween outfit?
Special Halloween culinary temptations, spooky punch variations and of course the outstanding range of exhibitors make these days truly exceptional.
The atmosphere becomes increasingly festive. Fire baskets and warm light illuminate the market, artisans demonstrate their skills in blacksmithing, glass blowing and spinning, and medieval music drifts through the ancient walls. Find gifts at a relaxed pace, without time pressure, yet full of atmosphere and a legendary setting.
At 6 pm every Friday, the sky above Aggstein bursts into color as the popular fireworks light up the castle in spectacular hues. Together with Pinto Feuerwerk, we proudly present the Green Line Plus series, a display that proves tradition and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Less fine particulate matter: the charges burn into water soluble mineral salts.
Less plastic waste: biodegradable cardboard casings replace plastic components.
Less noise: low noise effects certified with the Green Line Plus label.
Lower CO₂ emissions: optimized production and processes.
Tickets
Secure your admission and shuttle bus tickets in advance and benefit from our online price advantage.
At the parking area in Aggstein, shuttle tickets are available on site, while admission tickets for the Castle Advent Market can be purchased directly at the castle. Several ticket counters ensure short waiting times.
In the event of very high visitor numbers, temporary access restrictions may be implemented in order to guarantee all guests a relaxed and enjoyable stay at the castle.
Shuttle Bus to the Castle
Our shuttle buses take you comfortably from the parking area in Aggstein up to the castle and back again. Price: XX € per person for both journeys. Tickets for both the market and the shuttle bus are also available in our online ticket shop.
Please have your online shuttle ticket confirmation ready and board the bus without queuing. The buses run continuously at short intervals until 20:30.
Parking
Parking facilities are located in Aggstein on the B33 opposite the Aggsteiner Hof. During the event, direct access to the castle by car is not possible.
Arriving by Public Transport
Train connections are available to Krems an der Donau or Melk, followed by onward travel on regional bus 720. Stop: Aggsteiner Hof.
When mist drifts through the ancient walls and torches illuminate the courtyards, a special season begins at Burg Aggstein:
four weekends of Darkness & Glow – opening with a gently spooky Halloween atmosphere, followed by the quiet mood of All Saints’ Day and three further weekends dedicated to welcoming the approaching Advent season.
Fragrant punch, roasted chestnuts and autumn specialities warm hands and hearts, while artisan crafts, candlelight and music transform the castle into a place suspended between mystery and festive anticipation. Numerous exhibitors invite you to discover exceptional gifts – from natural products to lovingly handcrafted treasures at the medieval market in front of the castle.
The opening weekend turns delightfully mysterious:
legend-filled guided tours through the castle, costumed figures, fire shows and hauntingly beautiful music let the shadows dance. Children can enjoy a gentle Halloween programme with pumpkin carving and fairy-tale storytelling – exciting, yet family-friendly.
Sunday is devoted to calm and contemplation:
a candle-lit trail winds through the castle, visitors may light remembrance candles, and readings accompanied by soft music create moments of reflection – a quiet transition into the coming Advent season.
Festivity gradually takes centre stage:
lanterns, fire bowls and warm lighting frame the market atmosphere, craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills such as blacksmithing, candle-making and incense preparation, while gentle folk music creates an early seasonal mood – not yet full Christmas, but rich in ambience.
Fairy-tale readings on the castle terrace
Blacksmithing in the well courtyard
Herbal and incense stations
The Wolves of Dunkelstein guarding the castle in historical armour
Nostalgic children’s carousel and archery
NEW! At 6 p.m. each Friday, the popular fireworks display lights up the sky above the castle, bathing it in spectacular colours. With Pinto Fireworks we rely on the “Green Line Plus” range – showing that tradition and sustainability go hand in hand:
less fine particulate matter thanks to water-soluble mineral salts,
less plastic waste through biodegradable cardboard packaging,
reduced noise levels with certified low-impact effects,
and lower CO₂ emissions thanks to optimised production processes.
Secure your admission in advance and benefit from reduced online prices.
Shuttle bus tickets are available at the Aggstein car park, while admission tickets may also be purchased directly at the castle – several ticket counters ensure shorter waiting times.
During periods of high visitor numbers, temporary entry restrictions may apply; visiting in the morning is recommended.
Continuous shuttle services operate between the Aggstein car park and the castle. Tickets may be purchased online in advance – present your confirmation and board without queuing. Services run into the evening.
Parking areas are located in Aggstein along the B33 opposite the Aggsteiner Hof. During the event, private vehicles are not permitted to drive directly up to the castle.
Train connections run to Krems an der Donau or Melk, followed by regional bus services to Aggstein.
From Aggstein: approx. 40 minutes via the steep “Eselsteig” trail
From Maria Langegg: family-friendly route, approx. 60 minutes
(Please note: hiking paths are not illuminated. Along the way you can discover our new puzzle trail ADVENTURE QUEST!)
Some exhibitors accept card payments, but visitors are advised to bring sufficient cash. The nearest cashpoints are located in Melk, Gansbach and Mautern.
For safety reasons, we kindly ask that dogs are not brought to the event due to music and show elements.
Let yourself be enchanted by Darkness & Glow – we look forward to welcoming you!
Available for download:
→ List of exhibitors