Eerily beautiful Christmas spectacle: Krampus runs in the Salzkammergut
When the scary fellows parade through the streets
Then, when the curtain of the long winter night stretches over the Salzkammergut, the mouth of hell opens up among us little people and sinister fellows take over. On one of the many Krampus runs in the Salzkammergut.
For centuries, the Krampuses have spread fear and terror, chasing us through the darkness and reminding us of all the sins we have started throughout the year. And for which we are now to pay bitterly. But wait, the Kramperl are not that bad here. And it's fun to watch them run.
Krampus goes America
And the Krampus has even made it to America thanks to an appearance by Oscar winner Christoph Waltz on Jimmy Fallon's talk show. This and much more is tradition of its most beautiful kind.
Who is this Krampus?
The actual Krampus day is 5th December but in the period between the end of November and St. Nicholas, the Krampus are up to mischief in the Salzkammergut. However, the "Tuifl" are not real devils, but they are a frightening figure that goes back to pre-Christian times. Nowadays, the Krampus can often be seen accompanied by St. Nicholas and takes over the part for the naughty children. Elsewhere, the Krampus parade is celebrated in a big way with pyrotechnic effects.
A Krampus is equipped with a wood-carved mask - especially the woodcarvers of the Tauferer Ahrntal are famous for this handicraft - as well as a goatskin, which often still exudes a beguiling scent. Bells are tied around the belly to make as much noise as possible, and a rod or iron chain is also included. Since the Krampus sometimes showed themselves a little too wild in their activities, today everyone who takes part in the parade as Krampus is registered and has to wear a license plate.
Kra,us at a glance
You can find a selection of our favourite and most beautiful Krampus runs between Bad Ischl and Lake Hallstatt in our list below. Have fun out there. And make sure they don't catch you.
Krampus parades at a glance
Unforgettable holiday memory: Children's Krampus run on Hallstatt’s Market Square
Fri, Dec. 4, 2026 17:00 — 20:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Hallstatt
Krampus Run in Hallstatt 2026
Sat, Dec. 5, 2026 18:00 — 23:00 Market square Hallstatt and idyllic streets, Hallstatt
Goisern, ghouls, goosebumps: Salzkammergut Krampus Run 2026 - Highlight at Christmas time
Mon, Dec. 7, 2026 19:00 Marketplace Bad Goisern, Bad Goisern
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Salzkammergut booking - Are you still looking for accommodation?
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.