Here, carnival is much more than just dressing up and partying. It is a collective state of emergency full of colour, music and humour. Masks tell stories, exaggerate roles and hold up a mirror to society - directly, ironically and always with a wink. The celebrations are uncompromising, not incidental. If you're there, you're in the thick of it. Don't miss out on the fun.

The Ebensee Fetzen Carnival

When it's carnival time in Ebensee, the whole town is characterised by foolishness. The Fetzen parade is the absolute highlight and has characterised the identity of the Ebensee carnival for generations. The "Fetzen" wear rags and skilfully carved wooden masks, the so-called larvae. Their voices are disguised, their identities concealed - which is precisely what creates freedom. Freedom through disguise.

The masks openly express what would otherwise remain unspoken. They provoke, make people laugh and ensure that rules are suspended for a short time. The celebrations go on for days, loud and boisterous, until everything has been said.

At the end, the carnival is symbolically burnt. The carnival season ends with the burning of the rags, followed by a collective smile at the fact that after all the partying, the wallet is often empty. A funny, honest goodbye to carnival.

Discover Details & Dates

Bad Ischl & the Båder-Jågerl

Bad Ischl also lives carnival with a lot of history, self-irony and humour. The Båder-Jågerl, a traditional carnival character from the 18th century, takes centre stage. Fun fact: he's a quirky mix of doctor and carnival character.

When the Båder-Jågerl and his wife Gertraud are brought out of the museum, carnival is officially opened. They have been leading the parades as the prince and princess for generations and characterise the carnival cityscape. Join the parade and feel the tradition!

The figure combines popular belief, the grotesque and carnival tradition. It is precisely this mixture that makes the Ischl carnival so special. Myth, humour and ritual come together here - and give the Ischl carnival its unmistakable character.

All information and dates for the carnival events in Bad Ischl

Carnival highlights in the wider region

Additional carnival festivals around Lake Traunsee - a little further away, but absolutely worth seeing.

Carnival Saturday, 14 February

Children's carnival parade in Ebensee

→ Info & dates: ebenseerfasching.at

Flinserl parade in Bad Aussee from 13:00

Legendary masks, dramatic figures and centuries-old role models. Loud, playful, intense.

→ Background & report: nachrichten.at → Travelling to Bad Aussee: ÖVV

Carnival Sunday, 15 February

Carnival parade in Ebensee (afternoon)
→ Info & schedule: ebenseerfasching.at

Mordsgschicht in the taverns of Traunkirchen
Local stories, lots of humour and lively storytelling.
→ Event information: Traunkirchner Mords'gschicht 2026

At 2 pm in our Poststube 1327.

Carnival Monday, 16 February

Fetzenzug in Ebensee (afternoon)
The traditional highlight of the Ebensee carnival. Loud, uncompromising and deeply rooted in the town.

→ Info & dates: https://www.ebensee.at https://ebenseerfasching.at/
→ Travelling to Ebensee by public transport

40th anniversary parade of the Altausseer Trommelweiber in Altaussee
A powerful ritual of rhythm, movement and history. The Ausseerland in a state of emergency.

→ Background & insight: nachrichten.at
→ Travelling to Altaussee by public transport

Shrove Tuesday, 17 February

Carnival events and parades throughout the region.
→ Info & dates : salzkammergut.at

Ash Wednesday, 18 February

Burning rags and washing wallets in Ebensee.

→ Info & dates: ebensee.at ebenseerfasching.at

Book Your Carnival Getaway

You don't experience carnival here as an event, but as a living tradition. Not staged, not touristy, but deeply rooted in Upper Austrian culture. In the Salzkammergut, everyday life stands still, masks take over, humour is loud. Raw, honest, and very local.

Here at the lake, you're right in the centre of things and yet still in good hands. Immerse yourself in rituals and a state of emergency during the day. In the evening, come back to a place that provides peace and inspiration. Tradition outside. Clarity inside.

BOOK YOUR STAY ROOMS & SUITES