Glöcklerlauf - A fascinating, traditional event
The "Glöckler parade" (Glöcklerlauf) -
A Procession of light and sound
The "Glöcklerlauf" is a time-honoured local tradition. This is hardly surprising, as it is believed that the illuminated head decorations and the ringing of the bells bring good luck into the community in the coming year, and that they protect us from unfortunate events. Processions take place on the evening of January 5th. Eager spectators gather to watch the parades of figures dressed all in white. The men carry large bells attached to their belts and wear elaborate head decorations. These are illuminated on the inside by large candles.
These decorations are hand made by those taking part in the procession, with finest attention to detail. The "caps" consist of a wooden frame, securely stuck together and covered in black paper clay. In earlier times, cardboard was used instead of paper. We have records of this dating back as far as 1906.
Motifs are then cut from this outer frame, and coloured paper stuck behind each of the cut-outs. The seams are usually covered by tissue paper fronds. Please join us on this special occasion ...
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The "Glöckler parade" (Glöcklerlauf) in the Salzkammergut
"Glöckler parade" in the Salzkammergut
A unique custom that only exists here
Ancient customs with their secret magic around the winter Raun Nights have a firm place in the tradition of the Salzkammergut. Every year on 5 January, the eve of the Three Kings, "Glöckler" pass (a group of several runners) through the Salzkammergut as light figures with their glowing caps, drive away the evil spirits with their bells and bring salvation and blessings. A unique spectacle for spectators. We have put together the most beautiful runs for you below.
The "Glöckler parade" in white robes from the surrounding villages to the centre and from house to house in the villages. They are Schönperchten, good spirits of light who are supposed to drive away the evil "Rauhnacht"
(that's what a dark and dark night in December in the Salzkammergut is called) spirits once and for all. The run therefore takes place every year on the last winter night, on 5 January.
With their colourful, artistically crafted caps, they offer a wonderful picture when they make their rounds in lockstep, circles, spirals and eights calling the sun and when their hoods - artistic structures such as stars, semicircles, pyramids and drums - shine and illuminate the dark night.
In the center of the picture is the elaborately decorated and illuminated Glöckler cap of a participant of a Glöcklerlauf. In the background, other Glöckler kneel with their brightly coloured Glöckler caps.
They are bringers of light who, according to old pagan beliefs, defeat darkness and cold with light and warmth. The salvation and blessing of the good spirits are to be won and the evil spirits of darkness are to be driven away. The ringing of the bells and the rhythm of their steps are supposed to wake up the grain lying under the snow cover and make it grow.
In many places, they run their laps and carry the light through the night to the fields and into people's houses. The coming year should be all the happier the more "Glöckler" rush through the town.
The origin of the "Glöckler custom"
Ebensee am Traunsee is the origin of this Raunacht custom, which has been declared an intangible cultural heritage of Austria by UNESCO. Tradition is maintained and lived here in an unadulterated way.
Also around Lake Hallstatt, Lake Wolfgang and in Bad Ischl, the bright light figures with their colourful, lovingly self-made caps - each of them a work of art in itself - move from house to house and through the village on 5 January at nightfall - an authentic spectacle worth seeing for locals and guests. Also around Lake Hallstatt, in Obertraun and Bad Goisern, as well as in Bad Ischl, this very special custom has found a permanent place in the calendar of events. Let yourself be enchanted by a very special tradition that only exists in the Salzkammergut
Glückler runs in the Salzkammergut at a glance
Glöcklerlauf in Obertraun
Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 16:45 Town square Obertraun (Gemeindeplatz), Obertraun
Glöcklerlauf “Glöckler Parade“ in Bad Ischl
Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 17:00 — 19:00 Bad Ischl, Bad Ischl
Glöcklerlauf in Bad Goisern
Sun, Jan. 5, 2025 20:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Bad Goisern
Booking Salzkammergut: Free accommodation for the Glöckler runs in the Salzkammergut
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.