St. Nicholas and Krampus – Customs that Get under Your Skin

The Krampus parades in the Lungau region are more than just a tradition – they are a feast for all the senses. Young Lungau locals sustain the 500-year-old ritual and organize it with great dedication. With elaborately carved masks, blazing fires and striking carriages, the Krampus groups parade through the streets and leave an unforgettable impression.

A person dressed as St. Nicholas stands with two Krampus figures in snowy Salzburg Lungau region.

Saint Nicholas takes center stage, going from house to house with a shepherd's crook and a bishop's hat. While he rewards the good children with sweets and nuts, Krampus provides a gruesome balance – at least for the naughty ones. Together, they keep a centuries-old tradition alive, creating excitement and alliance alike.

A person in a fur Krampus costume with horns holds a gnarled staff during a parade in Salzburg Lungau region. Crowd in the background.

Krampus Parades in the Salzburg Lungau Region

Specially constructed carriages, loud music, and fires accompany the many different Krampus groups on their run through the streets of the Lungau villages.

A summary of all Krampus runs in 2025:

  • Great Krampus run of the Prebertoifen in Tamsweg – Saturday, November 29, from 6 pm
  • 30 years of the Weiher Toifen: anniversary Krampus run in Mariapfarr – Friday, December 5, from 6 pm
  • Large Krampus run in St. Michael – Friday, December 5, from 6.30 pm
  • Krampus run of the Leisnitz Toifen in Unternberg – Saturday, December 6, starting at 7 pm
  • Children's Krampus Run in St. Michael – Sunday, December 7, from 4.30 pm

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