Krampus in Austria
In Austria at Christmas, who is on the Naugty or Nice list has a different meaning.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, parades honouring Krampus are held throughout many of Austria’s Alpine villages.
On December 5th, the traditional Krampusauslauf (Krampus run) take place in many alpine villages in Tirol, Salzburgerland and Bavaria.
This is when you discover if you were on the Naughty or the Nice list.
If you have been good, St. Nicholas visits with his angels and distributes gifts. Children normally receive candy, nuts, and chocolates in a jute bag.
But naughty children meet Krampus and receive punishment with birch rods or the really evil children are carried away in their baskets.
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The Tradition of Krampus dates back to the Middle Ages, and the modern-day version is celebrated in the Alpine Villages of Austria.
Krampus is thought to have been part of the Alpine pagan rituals for winter solstice.
Krampus is the devilish companion to St Nikolaus.
He is a goat-footed, half-demon hairy devil figure with horns, carrying heavy bells on a wide leather belt, a thin rod of birch branches, and a basket on their backs. The Krampus swats naughty children (and adults) with the birch branches.
When the Krampus arrive, you will hear demonic cow bells, muffled roars, chains rattling, and smell of fire and brimstone.
What is a Krampusauslauf (Krampus Parade) ?
On December 5th, the Eve before St Nikolaus Day, the Krampus races through the villages, half dancing, half stomping.
A Krampusauslauf is an exciting and traditional Alpine event, although it may be alarming to those who do not know what is happening.
The Krampusauslauf is a parade of Krampus. The Krampus descend on the crowds with the intent to scare, taunt, and ‘punish’ unsuspecting bystanders by flicking them with their birch branches, ruffling up their hair, and stealing their hats (which are returned later).
Austrians find this tradition harmless and are seen drinking Glühwein while watching the parades. Many Austrian children get involved and taunt the Krampus—it’s like a rite of passage to get smacked by the Krampus.
You can expect a large crowd, Glüwein and Punsch stands, and loud music.
Almost every Alpine community has its own Krampusverein (Krampus club), responsible for organising the annual festivities. The heavy costumes are painstakingly handmade, and the hand-carved wooden masks known as “Larven” can cost up to €1000. The fur suit is typically made from goat or sheep skin.
The Krampusauslauf is a ~ two-hour spectacle in which each Krampus club parades down the streets, each trying to outdo the other.
The Krampusauslauf typically has many different Krampus clubs, with hundreds of Krampus participating. The Krampus runs in Salzburg and Innsbruck’s main cities tend to be calmer than those in the Alpine Villages.
There is usually a barrier between the spectators and the Krampus- so if you do not want to ‘participate’ and get ‘whacked’ by the Krampus, you can stand back and watch.
The events are child-friendly and safe. Many Krampus Runs start with a Children’s Krampus run before St Nikolaus arrives.
There are paramedics, security guards, firefighters, and police at the events.
When is the Krampusauslauf (Krampus Parade) held?
Krampuslauf are generally held from the end of Nov to the first week of December. Traditionally, in many villages, Krampus runs occur around Dec 5/6. The dates are usually advertised in November.
In Kaprun, the Krampus run is always on the evening of Dec 5, starting around 6:00 pm with the Kinder Krampus (the children Krampus), followed by the visit of St Nicholas and the Krampuslauf commencing at 7:00 pm. Many local Krampus clubs participate with over 200 Krampus taking part.
Salzburg
- Krampus Run in Getriedegasse December 3, 2024 from 17:30 (5:30 pm)
- Krampus Run at Hellbrunn Advent Market December 4, 2024 from 18:00 (6:00pm)
- Krampus Run in Salzburg Old Town December 5, 2024 from 17:30 (5:30pm) Route: Festspielhaus-Bügerspitalplatz-Getriedegasse-Alter Markt-Sigmund-Haffner Gasse-Festspielhaus
- Krampus Run at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt: Dec 5, 2023 from 15:30 (3:30 pm)
Here is a list of Krampusauslauf throughout Salzburg State (in German). Check for updates
A favourite is the Krampusauslauf in St Johann im Pongau on December 5. Starting at 18:00, and from 19:00 the Children’s Krampus Run followed by the main Krampus Run.
Innsbruck
- Christkindlmarkt Altstadt – December 4 18:30 (6:30 pm)
- Hungerburg Christmas market December 6, from 18:00 (6pm)
- Nordette Krampus Run December 6, from 18:00 (6pm) from the parking lot of the Seegrubenbahn
Here is a list of Krampusauslauf in the State of Tirol
Munich
Munich Mariplatz- December 8, 2024 starting at 15:00 (3 pm)
