Krampus Run in Salzburg: Fascination and tradition combined!
On December 5th, Salzburg residents celebrated Krampus Day with an impressive Krampus run and a traditional atmosphere in the city.

Krampus Run in Salzburg: Fascination and tradition combined!
On December 5th, Krampus Day, a spooky shop-filling tradition stormed the streets of Salzburg. Known as St. Nicholas' dark companion, Krampus inspired both fear and fascination among citizens. However, many Salzburg residents who were interviewed at the Christmas market see Krampus less as a horror and more as an important tradition of the Advent season. Loud meinkreis.at Respondents like Nathalie and Birgit believe that the Krampus contributes to the pre-Christmas atmosphere and is more reminiscent of tradition than of fear. Matthias explains: “The fear of Krampus is present, but somehow it has its charm.”
Krampus Run delights the masses
On the evening of December 5th, around 140 Krampus took part in an impressive Krampus run on Salzburg Cathedral and Residenzplatz. They presented their artistically designed masks and amazed the audience with their exciting performances. These events are not only a celebration of tradition, but also an opportunity for families to get in the mood for the contemplative Christmas season together salzburg24 reported. A customs expert explained to the audience the meaning of the various customs, including “chain pulling” and “bell grinding,” which make the Krampus Run a unique experience that delights young and old.
The deeply rooted traditions surrounding the Krampus and the Perchten show how Alpine customs remain alive even in modern times. While the beautiful Perchten embody light and fertility, the Schiachperchten aim to drive away evil. These unique figures and the lively sounds of the bells create a fascinating atmosphere that captures the hearts of visitors. This means that Krampus Day remains an unforgettable and very special experience in Salzburg.