Arrive early if you want a good view.
The more popular city-center runs can get busy, and the organizers themselves recommend arriving in good time.
Event
Krampus Tradition
Krampus in Salzburg: Where to See the Krampus Runs in 2026
Krampus season is one of those Salzburg traditions that is hard to ignore. In late November and early December, bells, masks and fur costumes take over streets and squares around the city. Here are a few 2026 runs worth knowing about.
- 05 Dec 2026
- Various locations in Salzburg
-
When
Late November through December 2026, mainly around St. Nicholas Day. -
Where
Salzburg city and surrounding towns including Viehhausen, Hellbrunn and Siezenheim. -
Highlights
Traditional Krampus runs with costumed groups, bells, masks and St. Nicholas. -
Admission
Many public runs are free; check the individual event before going.
Krampus season is a very Salzburg kind of December tradition
If you're new to Salzburg, Krampus season can be slightly confusing at first. One minute you're drinking punch at an Advent market, and the next you hear an enormous amount of bells coming down the street and a group of terrifying figures appears.
That is the Krampuslauf.
Around Salzburg, Krampus runs traditionally take place around St. Nicholas Day on December 6. The figures wear carved wooden masks, heavy fur costumes and large bells, and the atmosphere can range from a fairly family-friendly local tradition to something genuinely intimidating. Salzburg's official tourism information describes Krampus and Perchten runs as a long-established part of the region's Alpine customs.
For anyone living here, I think they are worth seeing at least once. They are also one of those traditions that makes much more sense when you see them happening in a local neighborhood or village rather than just reading about them.
Highlight Table
| Date | Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 27, 2026 | from 6:30 PM | Viehhauser Krampuslauf | Viehhausen |
| Nov. 28, 2026 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Gnigler Krampuslauf | Gnigler Hauptstraße |
| Dec. 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Großgmainer Krampusse | Hellbrunner Adventzauber |
| Dec. 5, 2026 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM | Krampuslauf at the Christkindlmarkt | Domplatz & Residenzplatz |
| Dec. 7, 2026 | From 5:30 PM | Siezenheimer Krampuslauf | Village square, Siezenheim |
| Dec. 8, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:30 PM | Krampuslauf Maxglan | Stieglbrauerei |
So, what exactly is a Krampus?
The simplest explanation is that Krampus is the frightening companion of St. Nicholas. While St. Nicholas brings gifts, Krampus is the wild, horned figure associated with punishing or frightening the naughty.
The modern Salzburg tradition is much more colorful than that simple story, though. Different groups, known as Passen, have their own masks, costumes and ways of performing. Some runs include St. Nicholas, witches, Perchten and other figures as well.
It is also worth knowing that Krampus and Perchten are not simply two names for the same thing. They belong to related Alpine customs but have different traditional roles and contexts. Around Advent, however, you will often see the figures appearing together at public events.
And one small correction to the usual internet explanation: I would avoid describing Krampus simply as a "pagan winter ritual." The history of the custom is more complicated than that, with Christian St. Nicholas traditions and older Alpine folk customs becoming intertwined over time.
Where I'd look for Krampus in Salzburg in 2026
There are plenty of smaller runs around the Salzburg region, but you don't have to travel far to experience one.
The Viehhauser Krampuslauf on November 27 is one of the early options. It takes place in Viehhausen near Wals-Siezenheim from 6:30 PM and is organized by the Teufelsgraben-Pass. The event also includes St. Nicholas and food and drinks, making it a relatively approachable introduction to the tradition.
On November 28, the Gnigler Krampuslauf takes over Gnigler Hauptstraße from 7:00 PM. It is the 51st edition, according to the Salzburger Schiachpercht'n and Krampusse events calendar.
For a more atmospheric setting, I like the idea of seeing the Großgmainer Krampusse at Hellbrunn on December 4. Their run is part of the Hellbrunner Adventzauber and starts at 6:00 PM. The organizers specifically recommend standing in the courtyard near the stairs if you want to get a close look at the performance.
Then there is the big one in the center: the Krampuslauf at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt on December 5. The current schedule lists the run at Domplatz and Residenzplatz from approximately 7:00 to 8:30 PM, although the organizers warn that the time or location can change and recommend checking again on the day.
If you want something a little outside the center, the Siezenheimer Krampuslauf is scheduled for December 7 at the village square in Siezenheim. The event starts from 5:30 PM and brings together groups from the surrounding area.
What is a Krampuslauf actually like?
The short answer: loud.
The bells are the first thing you'll notice. Then come the masks, fur, shouting, smoke, fire and theatrical performances, depending on the particular group.
Some runs are designed very much as community events, with children, St. Nicholas and food stands. Others put much more emphasis on the dramatic side of the tradition.
That is why I wouldn't assume that every Krampuslauf is suitable for small children just because it happens during Advent. If you're going with kids, check the particular event first and consider standing farther back from the action.
The Salzburger Schiachpercht'n and Krampusse, for example, explicitly point out that their performers have limited visibility under the masks and ask spectators not to touch the masks, horns, fur or bells. They also recommend staying out of the first row if you're nervous.
Honestly, that is good advice for everyone.
A few things I'd know before going
Don't stand too close unless you're comfortable with it. Some runs have barriers, but not all do. The Christkindlmarkt run, for example, is listed as an event without barriers by one of the participating groups.
And if you're taking children, I'd definitely explain beforehand that the scary figures are people in costumes. That doesn't necessarily make the first encounter less dramatic, but it can make the whole experience much more fun.
Dress for standing outside.
This sounds obvious, but a Krampus run in early December means cold feet while standing around waiting for the action.
Don't grab the costumes.
It might be tempting to get a photo or touch a mask, but the people underneath are performing in heavy costumes with restricted vision. Let them come to you for photos rather than grabbing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most public Krampus runs take place from late November through early December, especially around St. Nicholas Day on December 6. Some related Perchten events continue later into December and the Rauhnächte.
It depends on the event. Some runs specifically include children and St. Nicholas, while others can be loud and quite frightening. For younger children, check the individual event and stand well away from the front of the crowd.
Many public runs are open events without advance booking, but this is not universal. Check the organizer's current information before going, especially for events connected with Advent markets.
They are related but not identical Alpine traditions. Krampus is traditionally associated with St. Nicholas around December 5 and 6, while Perchten are more strongly connected with the Rauhnächte and winter customs. Modern public runs can include both.
