Here in Austria, we’ll accept any excuse for a festival! It could just be an excuse celebrate the local landscape, such as Zell am See’s Seefest (lake festival). It might be a reason to celebrate Austria’s delicious food and drink, like Seefeld’s annual Strudelfest. Or we might simply gather the village together to greet the cows descending the mountain in the yearly Almabtrieb event.
In Hinterglemm, we are looking forward to celebrating all things ‘Pinzgauerisch’ (from the Pinzgau region of Austria) as the area gets ready for the 36th Hinterglemmer Bauernmarkt. Running from 11 – 13 August, the Bauernmarkt is a farmers’ market, but one with a difference. In fact, this may be the most exciting farmers’ market you’ve ever come across!
To start with, there will be live music nearly all day, every day! We love a bit of live music here in Austria and we’re confident we will find something for everyone. The music ranges from authentic dancing music from Kaprun to thigh-slapping Austrian yodelling. Expect traditional brass bands and the kind of electro-pop you’d find at a winter après bar!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a farmers’ market without local delicacies, and we are excited to sample the hams, sausages, cheeses, and breads for which the region is so well known. There will also be a range of marmalades, jams, honey, and much, much more on offer. If you’re visiting us in August you might want to leave the belt at home – a flexible waistband is required!
We’ve yet to mention the brilliant beverages that will be on offer. As you’d expect from an Austrian festival, there is an enormous variety of Schnapps on available, as well as a beer tent every few metres! Many of the stalls will be selling and demonstrating handicrafts like metalwork, woodwork, and ceramics. It is a fantastic place to pick up a unique souvenir or a present for somebody special back home.
An entertaining programme of events will run from 12pm until late every day. Events include a fantastic parade of local societies and families in traditional costume, as well as a tractor parade down the village high street! A highlight of the festival for us, takes place on the Friday afternoon. Keep an eye open and you will spot golfers taking part in the Bauernmarkt Trachtengolf – a spectacular golf event.
In Saalbach Hinterglemm, there is only one-way to play golf – the traditional way … You can only participate in the Bauernmarkt Trachtengolf if you are wearing your traditional Dirndl dress or Lederhosen! It’s great fun to watch the participants taking on various challenges such as Austrian billiards, and golf in welly boots. The winner of the event claims a beautiful new dress or a pair of trousers.
Make sure you join us this summer for one of the most exciting Austrian festivals. You won’t want to miss out!