Corpus Christi Lake Procession

- This colorful and solemn tradition first appeared in historical documents in the year 1623: For more than 370 years, the picturesque Inner Salzkammergut resort of Hallstatt has served as stunning backdrop for an exceptional annual ecclesiastical spectacle: The Lake Procession.

The Facts

The Corpus Christi Lake Procession was introduced in the village of Traunkirchen in the year 1632 by Jesuit priests. And is still celebrated the way they used to do centuries ago: The elaborate feast is celebrated on two ancient boats, known as “Fuhr”. Before the building of the road along the lake, local transport was provided by such sharp prowed boats, propelled by a single paddle at the stern, rather like a punt. During the solemn procession, two “Fuhr” boats ply the Lake with clergymen, fishermen and guilds aboard.

The procession at Hallstatt still uses rowing altar and music boats. This lovely resort occupies a dramatic position on the western shores of Hallstättersee Lake, jutting out into the lake at the base of a precipitous cliff. Like every year, the Corpus Christi Lake Procession takes place on this very holiday, following the festive mass at the parish church.

The holy sacrament is loaded onto an ancient wooden boat, dubbed „Mutze“. During the solemn procession, the boat plies the Lake with monstrance and clergymen aboard.

Course of the Procession:

• 9:00 a.m. High mass in the Catholic parish church


• ca. 10:00 a.m. Blessings at the Marktplatz square of Hallstatt

from ca. 10:30 a.m. Start of the lake procession, duration: approx. 2.5 hours

afterwards Final mass at Marktplatz square

Ships and Boats
You have the opportunity to take part in the lake procession with the”Hallstatt”, "Goisern" and "Dachstein" cruisers. All boats depart at approx. 10:15 a.m. – we advice you to be at the landing places early to secure your place; groups have to book in advance!

Hallstättersee – Schifffahrt
Tel. + Fax: +43 (0)6134 8228,
E-mail: hallstattschiff@gmx.at

There is also the opportunity to rent a festively decorated boat (e-boats, rowing boats and pedal boats…).
These boats should be booked in time. Rates are package rates for the entire duration of the lake procession!


For further information (or bookings) you can contact the Hemetsberger family:
Hemetsberger Cruises
Tel. + Fax: +43 (0)6134 8228
E-mail: schiff@hallstatt.net

Riedler Boat Rentals
Tel.: +43 (0)6134 8320

Hallstatt Catholic Rectory. Tel.: +43 (0)6134 8279

Infos:
Bootsverleih Hemetsberger: Tel. +43 6134 8228
or
Bootsverleih Riedler: Tel. +43 6134 8320.