Images: Altwiener Märkte Betriebs GmbH
The Freyung – one of Vienna’s most beautiful squares, hosting a colourful array of events
Located right outside the doors of the Benediktushaus, the Freyung plays host to a number of markets throughout the year. From the annual Altwiener Ostermarkt (Easter market) to the farmers’ markets held on Saturdays through to the charming Altwiener Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market), they are well worth dropping by.
Artisans from all over Austria and neighbouring countries have been coming to the Altwiener Ostermarkt to display their wares every Easter since 1990. Visitors can also look forward to sampling tasty Easter goodies and observing Easter traditions such as “Palmbuschbinden” (binding plants for Palm Sunday) and “Ratschen” (“ratcheting” – a noisemaking tradition). Don’t miss the now-legendary Eierberg (“Europe’s largest pile of Easter eggs”) in the centre of the Altwiener Ostermarkt.
It is impossible to imagine the Freyung now without its annual Altwiener Christkindlmarkt; Christmas markets have been going on here since 1772. Today you can buy handicrafts, glass decorations, traditional nativity sets and ceramics – and of course delicious Christmas treats are also part of the fun.
All through the year, organic specialities from Austria are on display at the Freyung Organic Farmers’ Market. Every Friday and Saturday (between 9 am and 6 pm), you can browse numerous market stalls offering a wide selection of goods: from bakery items to fish specialities, hams and meats, fruit and vegetables, cheese and other dairy products, wine and juices, honey and preserves – feel free to take one or two products home with you as a culinary souvenir! And that’s not all: art works, wood carvings and basketry items are also there to be admired.
A festive start to the new year on the Freyung
People in Vienna’s city centre gather together to celebrate New Year’s Eve with plenty of music and entertainment along the famous “Silvesterpfad” (“New Year’s Eve Trail”). The party begins on the Freyung and continues via the Platz Am Hof, Graben, Stephansplatz and Kärntner Straße right up to the Neuer Markt. (More information available here.)