Going Craft Market

In the town of Going, much of the original charm has been preserved, so it is hardly surprising that a very special tradition has been upheld here for over 35 years. On five evenings in summer, almost forgotten skills are brought back to life on the picturesque church square.

And there’s always a gentle, harmonious tune drifting over from somewhere. The ladies of the Ellmauer Stubenmusig take turns playing the harp, dulcimer, guitar and zither, skilfully alternating their tunes with the Söllander Hoagaschtmusig trio. Genuine folk music that accompanies the hustle and bustle of the market without seeking to dominate it. Similarly, young dancers and Schuhplattler from the region create a lively atmosphere at the Going Craft Market, where there is plenty to see, browse and try out.

Even ancient crafts, which are scarcely practised anymore, experience a brief but impressive revival on this natural stage between the Wilder Kaiser and the village church. For instance, the Wallner brothers get the centuries-old wood-turning wheel spinning again, whilst Hans the blacksmith hammers large iron nails into the embers, and Helga gives visitors a glimpse into how ‘Doggel’ are made.

At 8 pm, the Going Municipal Band marches into the market square and performs a musically sophisticated programme of traditional and modern pieces in the pavilion. All this is accompanied by charming market women, who also treat the audience to a delicious apricot schnapps. The Craft Market, a fixture of Going’s summer events calendar, has long since become a village tradition in its own right.