The Easter market on the huge Am Hof square is like a modified version of the Christmas market at the same location (just with fewer lights, steamy drinks, and panicking gift buyers).
- Home to a quality art and craft market
- Top place to eat regional specialties
- Close to the Freyung for a double dose of Easter market goodness
- 2023 dates: TBA
- See also:
Ostermarkt am Hof
Many of the stands at the Am Hof Easter market are similar to the Advent version on this square, but without the Christmas flavours and themes that make the December event so magical.
There wasn’t too much explicitly “Easter” about it when I last visited (in 2022), despite the seasonal billing and the occasional decorated egg for sale. If that sounds negative, it’s not meant to be.
This is a quality craft market. So you’ll find the usual mix of clothes, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, leatherware, handmade soaps, and similar. We buy rose and lavender bath salts here each year to send to my mum.
Be sure to browse the Kunsthandwerkmarkt double line of stands on the northeast side of the market.
These arts and crafts booths are great for novel or unusual gifts, whether Klimt-inspired candle holders, beer-bottle clocks, or simply some unique items of clothing.
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The market offers plenty of space to enjoy a glass of wine and a snack, too. My 2022 visit revealed a larger open area than normal at the centre, ringed with food & drink booths.
The variety ran from local favourites, such as apple strudel or Langos, to more upmarket choices like oysters, a prosecco booth, and champagne bar.
The traditional Speckstandl stand, in particular, carries echoes of medieval farmers’ markets with its house beer, pickles, and great strings of sausages hanging down from the rafters. All of which is rather apt, given Am Hof did actually host markets back in the late middle ages.
Conveniently, the Am Hof market is just a tiny walk from the Freyung, home to another Easter market with a greater emphasis on egg decorations. So you can do both very easily.
Take the time, too, to enjoy your surroundings.
The Am Hof square dates back to at least the 12th century, when the first Duke of Austria (Henry II Jasomirgott) set up home here. Earlier, in fact, since they keep finding Roman remains when any building work takes place.
One end of the square has, for example, Palais Collalto: site of Mozart’s first public performance in Vienna. Outside the front of a neighbouring insurance office hangs a golden ball, which turns out to be a cannonball from the 1683 siege of Vienna.
Don’t you love history?
Opening times 2023
I’ll confirm 2023 dates nearer the time, but expect it to open late March. Opening times last time out were:
- 11am to 8pm (Monday to Thursday)
- 10am to 8pm (Friday to Sunday, plus Easter Monday)
- Food/drink stalls served an hour longer
How to get to Am Hof
The market is right in the centre of town and a short walk from several major subway stations:
Subway: U1/U3 (Stephansplatz – 5 mins walk), U3 (Herrengasse – 4 mins walk) or U2 (Schottentor – 7 mins walk).
Bus: Take the 1A to Teinfaltstraße, Herrengasse or Schwertgasse, the 2A to Herrengasse or the 3A to Schwertgasse.
Address: Ostermarkt Am Hof, Am Hof, 1010 Vienna | Website