"Millstätter Lichtweg" during advent Light Art & Winter Magic at Lake Millstätter See

Pre-Opening: Open Air Disco mit OchoReSotto - 27 November 2026, from 6.00 pm, Seepark

Millstätter Lichtweg 29 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

• Opening: Sunday 29 November 2026
• Friday–Tuesday, 4–8 December 2026
• Friday–Sunday, 11–13 December 2026
• Friday–Sunday, 18–20 December 2026
• Friday–Sunday, 25–27 December 2026
• Friday–Sunday, 1–3 January 2027

Time: 4.00 pm–8.00 pm each day

Tip: Advent event organised by the Stiftshof Women’s Association on 28 November 2026 

The Millstatt Light Trail transforms the area around Millstatt Abbey into a luminous Advent walk combining art, tranquillity and the lake. Along the lakeshore and through the town centre, light installations, sound stations and storytelling spots weave a narrative of hope, warmth and togetherness.

No, the Millstatt Light Trail is not a traditional Advent market: there are no stalls in the centre, but rather a stroll through light art, history and atmospheric places to stop and rest around the centuries-old Millstatt Abbey. If you’re also looking for a traditional Christmas market in the region, you’ll find one at the Kirchheimer Advent in Bad Kleinkirchheim – and for those who wish to travel further through Carinthia’s Advent landscape, also on the Katschberg (Katschberg Advent Trail) or in Mallnitz (Mallnitz Mountain Advent).

The Millstätter Lichtweg is free to visit. The only charges apply to individual additional activities, such as the Tahmina guided tour (€17), the winter boat trip on the MS Porcia (€15) or the ‘Wunschschiffchen’ (€8).

The Millstatt Light Trail runs for around 2.4 km through Millstatt. The walk itself takes 40 to 60 minutes; if you include the stops, refreshments and photo opportunities, you should allow 2 to 3 hours.

Insider tip: If you’d also like to go on a boat trip or join the Tahmina guided tour, it’s best to set aside the whole afternoon – that way, you’ll still have TIME for a punch in one of the Advent huts afterwards.

The Millstätter Lichtweg is at its most atmospheric during the blue hour, shortly after dusk at around 4.30 pm, when the sky above the lake is not yet completely black. The Lichtweg is open — complete with lighting, Advent huts and a reception area — from Friday to Sunday (as well as on 7 and 8 December) between 4 pm and 8 pm. 

Most of the Millstätter Lichtweg route follows paved village paths and promenades and is generally easy to navigate even with a pushchair. In wintry conditions (snow, ice), we recommend sturdy, non-slip footwear.

Dogs on a lead are very welcome on the Millstätter Lichtweg.

Yes — the Millstätter Lichtweg is regarded by many couples as one of the most romantic walks by the lake during the Advent season. 

Insider tip: Sending a wish boat out onto the lake together is one of the most popular activities for couples on the Millstätter Lichtweg.

Yes, the Millstätter Lichtweg is also suitable for groups. Group bookings for the Tahmina guided tour can be arranged on request (Tel: +43 4766 20220); coaches can park in Seepark and in the town centre (see ‘Getting Here & Parking’).

A smartphone is required to enjoy the audio experience along the Millstätter Lichtweg. Once you have downloaded the free Locandy app, you can scan the QR codes at the storytelling stations (or in advance: - iOS - Android) scan them to start the stories. Headphones are recommended for a more immersive experience.

The Millstätter Lichtweg is not a traditional Advent market. Instead, the route takes you past squares illuminated by light displays, artistic installations and atmospheric resting spots that give you space to take your TIME. If you’d like to discover traditional Christmas markets in Carinthia, visit the Kirchheimer Advent or find inspiration through the regional Advent events in Carinthia – ideal as a complement to the experiences along the Millstätter Lichtweg.

When passionate people come together at the right TIME and in the right place, something magical can happen. This was certainly the case when author Monika Peitler, ‘fairy tree’ artist Thomas Schüssler-Kalt and the representatives from millstART joined forces to develop the idea of bringing light to the Advent season by the lake. Contacts with OchoReSotto were quickly established. This internationally active artists’ collective is renowned for its large-scale projections, which have already transformed the façades of St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Semper Opera House in Dresden, amongst others, into impressive experiences. In 2026/2027, they will be inviting visitors to immerse themselves in their otherworldly realm for the fourth time along the ‘Lichtweg’ in Millstatt.  

The Koralmbahn takes visitors from Styria and Carinthia to the Millstätter Lichtweg in record time: from Graz in just 1 hour 32 minutes, and from Klagenfurt to Spittal/Millstättersee in around 50 minutes. From the station, bus route 180 runs directly to Millstatt am See every half hour or every hour. If you’re coming from Bad Kleinkirchheim, take bus route 184/180 – the total journey time is around 40 minutes. Check timetables and connections in real time

Insider tip: For holidaymakers in Carinthia, travel on the Kärntner Linien to the Millstätter Lichtweg is free of charge. Find out more about free travel with a guest card. 

The Millstätter Lichtweg is easily accessible by car via the A10 Tauern motorway (Seeboden exit) and then along the B98. Parking is available in Seepark, at Millstatt Abbey and in the town centre.

Insider tip: Coach parties and larger groups will find plenty of space in the Seepark and in the town centre — advance booking is not required, but for the Tahmina guided tour, it is advisable to book a group slot on request.