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8 Easter Markets and Events in Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace: Schönbrunn Palace, Easter Market
Schönbrunn Palace: Schönbrunn Palace, Easter Market | ©WienTourismus / Karl Thomas

Spring is the season to refresh, welcome new beginnings, and, of course, eat as much chocolate as physically possible. Due to its Catholic influences, Easter is a celebratory time in Vienna, with festivals and markets popping up around the city offering children’s egg painting workshops, classical music, handicraft stalls, and many more seasonal activities that pay homage to harvest. Here is our pick of the best Easter markets and Easter events in Vienna.

Freyung Market

Arranged around a spectacular square containing some of the Vienna’s beautiful Baroque architecture, this market pays homage to age-old Easter traditions. An impressive stack of delicately decorated eggs sits in the center of the market, rumored to be the largest egg tower in Europe, and there is 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. There are plenty of gifts to be found — wicker baskets, seasonally shaped biscuits piped with icing, beautiful handmade toys, and jewelry. The market food on offer is a mixture of Austrian and German cuisine — bratwurst, hot dogs, local wines, cheese, and a wonderful variety of Viennese sweet treats, including all the traditional favorites, such as kaiserschmarrn and apple strudel. The market takes place daily between March 16 to April 2.

Painted Easter eggs at the market

Freyung Market, 1010 Wien

Styria Village Outside the Rathaus

This free, four-day event takes place outside the city hall between the 5th and 8th of April and sees Styrian culture descend on Austria’s capital. Folk dances in traditional Styrian attire and cookery lessons are just a few of the things you can expect – be sure to bring your Lederhosen.

Traditionally clad Austrians enjoy a glass of wine

Vienna Rathaus

Schönbrunn Easter Market

The 16th annual Easter market will take place between March 17- April 2nd outside the splendid former Habsburg summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace – whose daffodil yellow facade makes a perfectly suitable backdrop for spring celebration. Eggs of every ilk arrive on the Imperial grounds for the market — chocolate, painted, ceramic, and even special oval-shaped seats for a truly immersive Easter experience. Summon the spirit of spring by soaking up the wonderfully festive atmosphere with all the fun activities taking place around the courtyard; live music performances, egg painting, and an Easter bunny workshop for children. The stalls sell homemade treats and trinkets — with a variety of ceramics, glassware, and local foods and wine.

Guests admire the stalls at the market

Kalvarienberg Festival

Wave a cheery goodbye to the winter at the Kalvarienberg Festival, an arts and crafts event spotlighting Vienna’s cultural scene with an Easter flair. Viennese and jazz music provide the soundtrack, and the variety of events stretches far and wide. Events include an audience with artist Eva Winter and reading and lectures from senior citizens. Taking place between the 14th March and 1st of April, it is a must-visit for families traveling to Vienna.

Traditional painted Easter eggs hang from a tree

Kalvarienberg Festival

Vienna Blues Spring 2017

Vienna Blues Spring invites musicians to help welcome the new season with some sultry jazz and blues. Acts for this year’s event include the Kirk Fletcher Band, Paul Lamb and The King Snakes and Dede Priest Band. The festival takes place March 20 through April 30th at various music venues across Vienna such as Haus der Musik, Mozarthaus Vienna, and Theater Akzent.

Easter Party in the Prater

Taking place between March 24th and April 4th, when spring has officially sprung, there is much entertainment to be had at Vienna’s park in the second district, The Prater. Alongside plenty of family-friendly activities, there is the opportunity to take advantage of the amusement park, with the offer of a free ride on the liliputbahn and a day ticket for the trampoline. This year’s event will include Gambling booths and a Coconut shy.

The Prater Amusement Park (c) Vienna Tourist Board

Prater, Vienna

Handicraft Market on Am Hof Square

Taking place between March 17 until to April 2, this market specializes in beautifully handcrafted goods from local and visiting sellers. Exhibitors include artists and designers offering modern and traditional collections of paintings and prints, traditionally painted eggs, jewelry, and clothing. Homely and wholesome, it offers the opportunity to browse and pick up a unique item from an independent business owner. Refuel at Spiros, a stall offering Greek delicacies, organic wine, and sweet and savory crepes.

Am Hof Square. Am Hof 1010 Wien

Enjoy Vienna’s Sweet Treats

It’s hard to resist indulging in sweet treats, and Easter gives you a justifiable excuse to give into temptation. Bakeries around the city celebrate the coming of spring with some seasonal cakes, biscuits, and chocolate. One of the most popular is the Reindling Easter Cake, a Carinthian recipe that can be made sweet or savory. Traditionally, the cake is served with ham, smoked sausage, or egg at various Easter events.

Reindling cake in all its glory
An Easter meal in Austria
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