Salzkammergut Krampus Run (Bad Goisern)Salzkammergut-Krampuslauf

The Salzkammergut-Krampuslauf in Bad Goisern is a dramatic Krampus parade held annually on St. Nicholas Eve (early December). Organized by the local volunteer firefighters, this event draws dozens of "Krampus and Perchten" groups who march through the Marktstraße in hand-carved masks and shaggy robes. For example, the 25th Salzkammergut-Krampuslauf on Dec 7, 2025 featured 94 passes (groups) and attracted countless spectators from Austria and abroad 1. The festival blends Alpine pagan tradition with the Christian St. Nicholas celebration: St. Nicholas and angels distribute gifts to children while Krampuses playfully scare the crowd. The custom dates back centuries to rites driving out winter spirits, and continues as a living folk tradition today 2 3.

Rooted in pre-Christian Alpine rites, the Krampus tradition symbolizes banishing evil winter spirits with noise and scary masks. Over time it became joined with the Christian feast of St. Nicholas (Dec 6), a time when well-behaved children are rewarded and the Krampus punishes the naughty. 1 2