Whether in search of food, furniture or simply looking to engage in some general thrifting, Austria will have a market for you. As well as being one of the best places in Europe for hosting festive markets, there are also some excellent flea and farmers stalls worth a visit, as our guide reveals.
Riesenflohmarkt
Market, Park
Open all-year round, this flea market runs every Sunday between 8am and 1pm. In the lesser-known suburban 12th district of Vienna, the Riesenflohmarkt embodies more of a local vibe than the well-established Naschmarkt. Sprawling and cluttered, you’ll be forced to forage and dig deep for gems – and you never know what may be lurking at the bottom of the piles of clothes, toys and bric-a-brac. You won’t have to fight too many fellow tourists for treasures in this market and the prices are as cheap as they come.
In winter, the town of Innsbruck transforms into an idyllic wonderland, seeing Christmas markets appearing in magnificent splendour – rows of cosy, glowing wooden huts selling treats and trinkets. The market on Maria-Theresien-Street is one of the most charming, famed for its festive atmosphere. Taking place beneath the warming glow of a glittering tree, the stalls offer a variety of ornamental gifts and seasonal food and drink. Be sure to warm your hands on a mug of Gluhwein as you browse.
Grünmarkt
Market
This charming Salzburg market takes place every day on the university campus, right outside the church. The name translates from German to mean ‘Green Market’, and that is exactly what it is. Stalls sell bountiful amounts of foodstuff from Austria and around the world, including fruit and vegetables, meat, bread, pastries and wine. The market has been running since 1857 and is frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Naschmarkt is the most popular food and flea market in town. Located along the stretch of the Linke Wien, market sellers can be seen setting up their stalls as early as 4am, giving those who are first on the scene a chance to head over to watch the sunrise over the canal and scour the streets for a trinket or two. The stalls sell everything from junk to jewellery and the food section is a joy to behold, with cuisine from all over the world to tempt visitors. If it all gets a bit much, take a pit stop at Cafe Ando for a coffee and a bite to eat.
Kaiser Josef Platz
Austria has a strong tradition of farmer’s markets and this is one of the finest. Sample fresh produce from all over the country and indulge in local cuisine. Fresh bread, meats, cheese (be sure to try Bergkase) and multicoloured spreads of fruit and vegetables. Join the locals as they scour the stalls, filling their wicker baskets.
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Located in one of Vienna’s most vibrant and multicultural areas, the Brunnenmarkt is always buzzing with activity. As well as the many fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, visitors can find some interesting Turkish cuisine available for low prices. Look out for the stands selling falafel wraps for two euros – they are some of the most authentic and tasty in town. The Yppenplatz, at one end of the market, is a trendy hangout – be sure to check it out once you’ve finished exploring.
Hauptplatz Flohmarkt
Set around the attractive buildings of one of Linz’s city squares, this flea market is a magnet for lovers of antique goods. Many curiosities can be discovered – it just takes a bit of rummaging to uncover some hidden treasures. Toys, books, clothes, and crockery are among the items on sale at the Hauptplatz Flohmarkt – be sure to get there early to catch the very best of the stock.
Arranged around a spectacular cluster of the Vienna’s beautiful Baroque architecture, this market pays homage to tradition. An impressive stack of delicately decorated eggs is rumoured to be the largest egg tower in Europe. This is Vienna’s most romantic Easter market, with an authentic old-fashioned vibe that will provoke nostalgia for Easter Egg hunts and childhood springs. Try your hand at the intricate art of decorating your own egg at the painting stall or browse the splendid spread of traditional and handcrafted native Austrian goods.
Grazer Flohmarkt, Portiunkulamarkt
This flea market is located in the car park of the Grazer Messe and takes place four times a year. The event sees collectors and dealers from all over the country gather to partake in bargain hunting and haggling. Porcelain and ceramics, various antiquities, furniture, toys, books, and postcards are among the treasures that can be picked up.
It isn’t hard to get into the Christmas spirit at this magical winter market in the grounds of Schallaburg Castle in Lower Austria. This wonderfully atmospheric advent event is one of the most picturesque in Austria. Stalls sell all the traditional fare, with lots of nostalgic goods and some delicious seasonal food and drink.
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