General information
What can I expect at the Lichterzauber on the Bürgeralpe?
The Lichterzauber transforms the Holzknechtland at around 1,270 meters above sea level into a sparkling winter wonderland. Illuminated paths, light installations, an impressive water show in the mountain lake, and – as an Austrian premiere – the Talking Book ensure a special experience.
How long does the visit take?
You should plan about an hour for the walking tour. Your length of stay on the mountain is unlimited. Additionally, you should allow around 15 minutes for the cable car ride up and down, as well as the short walk to and from the entrance.
Is the Lichterzauber suitable for children?
Yes! The Lichterzauber is an experience for the whole family. Children under the age of 6 travel free of charge on the cable car when accompanied by an adult.
Is the Lichterzauber also suitable for adults?
Of course! The atmospheric lighting, the water show in the mountain lake, and the wintry mountain landscape make the Lichterzauber a special experience for couples and groups of friends as well.
Is there a discount with a disability ID card?
Yes. Upon presentation of a valid disability ID at the ticket office in Mariazell, you will receive the cable car ride at a discounted rate. Unfortunately, there is no discount for the Lichterzauber ticket itself.
Tickets & Admission
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available online in the webshop as well as directly at the cable car ticket office at the valley station in Mariazell.
Do I need a ticket for the cable car?
Admission as well as the ascent and descent are already included in the Lichterzauber combination ticket. Holders of a NÖ-Card (Lower Austria Card) can use the cable car for free once a year and only need a Lichterzauber admission ticket.
Do I have to book a specific time slot?
Yes. For online tickets, you book a time slot for admission. After that, your length of stay on the mountain is unlimited.
Can I also visit the Lichterzauber spontaneously?
Yes. Tickets are also available at the box office, depending on current capacity.
What happens if my desired time slot is sold out online?
If you do not wish to switch to another time slot or day, ask directly at the cable car ticket office or call +43 3882 2555 during the Lichtergarten (Light Garden) opening hours. Depending on capacity, tickets may still be available at the box office.
What happens if I miss my booked time slot?
Please arrive at the valley station as punctually as possible. If you are late, please contact our team on site. Later admission depends on current capacity and cannot be guaranteed.
Are refunds possible? What is the exchange policy?
Date and time changes are possible up to 48 hours in advance. If you would like to make a change, please contact us and provide your ticket ID. Alternatively, you can check for changes directly in the Fever app: Open your ticket in the "Tickets" section and select "Change date and/or time". Then follow the steps provided. A refund is not possible. You can find more information in our General Terms and Conditions (GTC).
Can I cancel my ticket?
Unfortunately, tickets that have already been purchased cannot be canceled.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person?
Yes. Tickets can be transferred to another person free of charge. To do this, tap on "Transfer tickets" in the Fever app. If you need further assistance, please contact us and provide your ticket order number.
Arrival & Cable Car
How do I get to the Lichterzauber?
The valley station of the Bürgeralpe Express is located directly in the center of Mariazell. From there, you can take a comfortable cable car ride to an altitude of around 1,270 meters.
How long does the cable car ride take?
The ascent is short and comfortable. Please also factor in possible waiting times at the valley station and at the entrance to the Lichterzauber.
Do I have to take the cable car back down to the valley after the Lichterzauber?
Yes. The return trip on the cable car is included in the combination ticket.
What happens if the cable car doesn't run due to the weather?
The safety of our guests is our top priority. In exceptional weather conditions, cable car operations may be restricted or suspended. Please check the current situation before you arrive.
Can I take a stroller or wheelchair on the cable car?
The Bürgeralpe Express provides barrier-free access to the mountain. However, please note that conditions on the mountain and in the Lichtergarten can be wintry, and the paths may be bumpy in places (forest and gravel paths).
Winter, Weather & Clothing
What should I wear to the Lichterzauber?
The Lichterzauber takes place outdoors at an altitude of around 1,270 meters. We recommend warm winter clothing and waterproof shoes with good traction.
Does the Lichterzauber also take place if it snows?
Yes. The Lichterzauber is designed as a winter experience. However, changes may occur during exceptional weather conditions.
What happens in the event of heavy snowfall or storms?
In extreme weather conditions, operations may be restricted or altered for safety reasons. Weather-related closures will be communicated promptly on the website. Please check the current situation before your arrival.
What will the weather be like on the mountain?
You can find the weather forecast for the next few days here. You can see the current conditions on the mountain on our live webcams. We recommend checking the weather shortly before your arrival and choosing your clothing accordingly.
Food & Drink
Is there food and drink available at the Lichterzauber?
Yes. You can enjoy warm meals and warm up with hot drinks at the Berggasthof (mountain inn) and at the Arche des Waldes (Ark of the Forest).
Is vegetarian food available at the Lichterzauber?
Yes. Vegetarian alternatives are also offered. The current offering may vary seasonally.
Is there a combination offer including the cable car ride, a visit to the Lichterzauber, and food?
Yes. With the Winterzauber (Winter Magic) ticket, you can combine the Lichterzauber with the ascent and descent, as well as a meal at the Berggasthof.
Dogs & Animals
Am I allowed to bring my dog to the Lichterzauber?
Yes, dogs are welcome. A separate dog ticket is required for the cable car ride up and down. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Is my dog allowed on the cable car?
Yes. Dogs are permitted to ride the Bürgeralpe Express in accordance with the applicable conditions of carriage. Leashes are mandatory here as well.
Trail & Experience
Is the Lichterzauber a circular trail?
Yes. The circular path leads through the illuminated Holzknechtland and past various light installations and experience areas.
Is the path illuminated?
Yes. The light installations provide atmospheric lighting. However, since this is a winter mountain experience, we still recommend good footwear with traction.
Is there seating available?
Yes. There are places to take a break in the dining areas and along the experience trail.
Are there toilets?
Yes. Toilets are available in the area of the mountain station and at the dining facilities. The Berggasthof is located outside, while the Arche des Waldes is inside the Lichtergarten.
Photos & Special Effects
Am I allowed to take photos and videos at the Lichterzauber?
Yes. Photos and videos for private use are very welcome. Please be mindful of other visitors while doing so.
Are there special installations?
Yes. Highlights include the water show at the mountain lake and the Talking Book, which tells a story.
Parking & Directions
Where can I park?
The valley station is located directly in Mariazell. Please use the available parking options in the local area, including paid parking lots and parking garages. Afterward, you can easily take the Bürgeralpe Express up the mountain.
Can I travel by public transport?
Yes. Mariazell is also accessible by public transport. The Bürgeralpe valley station is centrally located in the town. We particularly recommend arriving and departing with our partner, the Niederösterreichbahn (Lower Austria Railway).
Night Tobogganing
Can I combine the Lichterzauber with night tobogganing?
Yes – provided that night tobogganing is taking place and the toboggan run is open. This way, you can round off your visit with a toboggan ride under floodlights.
Can I take a toboggan up the mountain with me?
Transporting winter sports equipment is possible within the framework of the applicable conditions of carriage. Depending on the offer, a toboggan rental service may also be available as an alternative.
Miscellaneous & Good to Know
Is there an age restriction?
No. The Lichterzauber is generally suitable for visitors of all ages.
Is the Lichterzauber also suitable for older people?
Yes. However, please note that this is a wintry mountain experience at around 1,270 meters above sea level. Paths can be slippery in snow and ice.
Can I combine the Lichterzauber with the Mariazeller Advent market?
Yes! This combination is highly recommended: First, visit the Mariazeller Advent market in the town center, and then take the Bürgeralpe Express up the mountain to the Lichterzauber.
Is there a Lost & Found?
If you lose something, please contact the Bürgeralpe staff or the valley station.
Can I visit the Lichterzauber as a group or club excursion?
Yes. For larger groups, we recommend contacting us in advance so that tickets, the cable car ride, and, if necessary, catering can be optimally organized.
Can I give a visit to the Lichterzauber as a gift?
Yes. A visit to the Lichterzauber makes an excellent Christmas or Advent gift.
Where can I find current information?
Up-to-date information on opening times, cable car operations, weather, and possible changes can always be found on the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe website.
Special: Gruselglanz – The Halloween-Themed Light Trail
Learn more
In October 2026, the "Gruselglanz" will take place for the first time. The Holzknechtland area will be transformed into a spooky adventure. A separate section of the circular trail will be designed to be particularly eerie. In principle, the same information and guidelines apply to the Gruselglanz as to the Lichterzauber.
Family-friendly 
At 1,267 m 
Magical 
Light Trail 
Water Show 
Winter Fun for Young and Old 