Pre-event gathering
Arrive by 17:00 to grab a warm drink and secure a spot for the procession.
~17:00 - 18:30
Steinbach Perchten Demons' Night
Steinbacher Perchtenraunacht
Steinbach an der Steyr, Austria
Jan 5, 2027Confirmed
Each January 5, the village of Steinbach an der Steyr fills with fearsome Schiachperchten. Hundreds of masked demons march through the square with bells, torches, and horsehair whips to drive out winter's evil, in a celebration rooted in the Raunächte folklore of the Twelve Nights.
Key moments
Day 1 · Jan 5
Grand Perchten Run
Find space by city fountain or square edge; expect lots of noise, smoke, and excitement.
~18:30
Perchten Party
Join locals dancing to folk and modern music; admission is free with optional donations.
~20:30
Where it happens
Ortsplatz Steinbach
Steinbach an der Steyr, Austria
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Visitors stay at a respectful distance; they may watch but not enter the Perchten procession
Respect local boundaries
Remain respectful; the Perchten have an important ritual role and may move unpredictably.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Very crowded on the main square during key moments, arrives early for good view
Weather
Very cold winter weather, possible rain/snow; fireworks canceled if high winds
Transport
Regional bus (e.g. bus line from Steyr city); or Steyrtal museum railway from Steyr.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Organized local event with police and safety personnel; well-run tradition
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL SEASONAL CALENDAR
Steinbach Perchten Demons' Night
Steinbacher Perchtenraunacht
Steinbach an der Steyr, Austria
Each January 5, the village of Steinbach an der Steyr fills with fearsome Schiachperchten. Hundreds of masked demons march through the square with bells, torches, and horsehair whips to drive out winter's evil, in a celebration rooted in the Raunächte folklore of the Twelve Nights.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 5, 2027Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
This custom is part of the Raunächte (12 nights between Christmas and Epiphany) folklore, blending pagan and Christian elements. Masked Perchten figures (dressed in goat/horse skins) symbolize forces to be exorcised from the community. In the Ennstal region, these events often involve community dance and bonfires. The Steyrtaler Perchten group, founded in 2000, upholds this annual pre-Epiphany ritual in Steinbach.
Key moments to know
Day 1Jan 54 moments
Day 1Jan 5~17:00 - 18:30Expected
Pre-event gathering
Arrive by 17:00 to grab a warm drink and secure a spot for the procession.
Day 1Jan 5~18:30Expected
Grand Perchten Run
Find space by city fountain or square edge; expect lots of noise, smoke, and excitement.
Day 1Jan 5~20:30Expected
Perchten Party
Join locals dancing to folk and modern music; admission is free with optional donations.
Day 1Jan 5~22:45Expected
Fireworks Finale
Watch from the square or nearby road; stay warm as it will be late and cold.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Visitors stay at a respectful distance; they may watch but not enter the Perchten procession
Respect local boundaries
Remain respectful; the Perchten have an important ritual role and may move unpredictably.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 5, 2027
Confirmed
City / Area
Steinbach an der Steyr
Upper and Lower Austria
Access
Linz Airport (LNZ) · 50 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €50-80/day, Mid: €100-150/day
Atmosphere
High-energy, intense festive atmosphere, Very crowded on the main s...
Very crowded on the main square during key moments, arriv...
Good for
Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Very High visitor welcome
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