Salzburg, Austria Dec 16, 2024

Today, we"re in the Austrian city of Salzburg, a place that never goes out of style. The Advent season here creates a magical atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable time to visit this city. Seen on the hill in today"s image is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, home to the popular Fortress Advent market, brimming with holiday cheer. The streets come alive with parades featuring Krampus and Perchten, unsettling figures central to Austria"s cherished folk traditions. When these fearsome characters storm down the streets, half dancing, half stomping, they leave everyone watching with chills. These parades are unlike anything else and are as much a part of Salzburg"s Christmas spirit as the soul-soothing Advent Singing.

© bluejayphoto/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Let there be lights!
Dec 16, 2023Guild houses of Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
Dec 16, 2025Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Apr 2, 2025Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States
Jul 8, 2025Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
Nov 27, 2023Río Negro, Amazon basin, Brazil
Jan 7, 2026Old Rock Day
Apr 17, 2025Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
Aug 2, 2025Petroglyphs near Fruita in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
Nov 5, 2024Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
The beauty that lies below
Mar 1, 2024The holy city of Varanasi
Sep 20, 2025Oktoberfest begins!
Is anybody home?
Dec 1, 2023Ross Sea, Antarctica
Where is this hidden waterfall?
Mar 11, 2025Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Sep 7, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
A peck between penguins
The top of Tennessee
Jun 18, 2025Asian swallowtail butterfly on a red spider lily
Feb 24, 2024Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
How’s the air up there?
Sep 8, 2023International Literacy Day
Oct 29, 2024Great horned owl
Oct 24, 2024Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland
Black sands in a tropical paradise
Jan 22, 2024Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California, USA
Apr 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
A salty situation
Jul 3, 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States