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Nature, fun and well-being.

St. Nicholas & Krampus in South Tyrol

St. Nicholas with his long white beard, his bishop’s mitre and crozier is loved by all children as he comes with a lot of presents and sweets each year on December 6th as long as they have behaved well. Just as in other regions in the Eastern Alps, St. Nicholas is often accompanied by the Krampus. These dark and hairy creatures are as well-loved by many kids and adults; others however are afraid and do not like him at all.

Originally, St. Nicholas and Krampus always came together. The Krampus, or devil, used to threaten the naughty and bad children with a rod or to take them away in a big chest on their backs. Despite that the Krampus was a frightening creature with heavy chains and loud cowbells, he always had to obey St. Nicholas. This fact symbolises the good triumphing over the evil.

The Krampus’ origins

The Krampus or devil, such as many demonic creatures of the Alpine area – dates back to pre-Christian times. In many regions, the Krampus figure has merged with the Perchten tradition. The typical Krampus has a coat or suit made of fur and hand-carved mask with horns. In South Tyrol, pine wood was and is the most used wood type for these masks. A collection of worth-seeing Krampus, devils and witch masks is for instance also displayed at the Crib Museum Maranatha in Luttach.

Krampus parades

Whereas the Krampus must obey St. Nicholas in former times, the Krampus parades today are majorly just for the Krampus and witches. In South Tyrol, many villages and cities organise Krampus parades, some with over 1000 Krampus. The oldest Krampus parade takes place each year in Toblach, a big parade every two years in Kastelruth with more than 50 groups from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Other parades take place in Sexten, Sand in Taufers and Lana.

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from 110 €
Familienhotel Bella Vista

Experience holiday with the whole family in Vinschgau: hiking programme, childcare, caressing ponies and time for relaxation.

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from 138 €
Vitalpina Hotel Schulerhof

A dream holiday - for active guests who enjoy relaxation, culinary delights, and friendly interactions.

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from 100 €
Hotel Tirolerhof

Welcome to the Tirolerhof at the gateway to the Gsieser Valley. Your perfect place for active holidays and pure relaxation!

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from 122 €
Hotel & SPA RESORT Majestic

TOP hotel ****s in Pustertal - large garden with swimming pool, natural bathing pond, saunas, guided hikes and much more!

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Images

St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen
St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen

The krampus accompany St. Nicholas during the parade through the historical centre of Brixen.

Brixen Tourismus Genossenschaft - Helmut Moling
St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen
St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen

During the traditional parade in the historical centre of Brixen, well-behaved kids are given sweets by St. Nicholas.

Brixen Tourismus Genossenschaft - Helmut Moling
Krampus & Devils
Krampus & Devils

During the Krampus parades or Krampus runs in South Tyrol, the Krampus and Devils are among themselves.

IDM Südtirol/Marion Lafogler
Devil processions
Devil processions

Devil procession in South Tyrol

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Krampus in Südtirol/South Tyrol
Krampus in Südtirol/South Tyrol

The krampus in South Tyrol have a very old tradition!

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Krampus
Krampus

Krampus are afraid not only children but also many adults!

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Krampus
Krampus

The Krampus is the enemy of St. Nicholas and punishes bad children. On the day of krampus (December 5) in many countries of South Tyrol's are held beautiful parades.

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher

Traditions

Selected accommodations in South Tyrol

Hotel & Residence Johanneshof - Tscherms in Meran and environs
superior
Hotel & Residence Johanneshof
Tscherms in Meran and environs
4.5 Excellent

Comfortable rooms & spacious apartments, rich breakfast buffet or bread service, garden with heated pool, sunbathing lawn and garden house with whirlpool.

Pension Felsenegg - Tisens in Meran and environs
Pension Felsenegg
Tisens in Meran and environs
4.7 Excellent

Inviting B&B in the environs of Meran with comfortable and cosy rooms, a delicious breakfast, dreamlike garden & wonderful view of the vineyards.

from 35 € per day
Tirolerin rooms & suites & breakfast - Tramin an der Weinstraße in Southern South Tyrol
superior
Tirolerin rooms & suites & breakfast
Tramin an der Weinstraße in Southern South Tyrol
4.3 Very good

Inviting rooms and suites, excellent breakfast, heated outdoor pool in the garden & unlimited possibilities for active guests.

from 65 € per day
Glögglhof - Girlan in Southern South Tyrol
Glögglhof
Girlan in Southern South Tyrol
4.9 Excellent

Farm holidays in the wine village Girlan and in cosy apartments – ideal for active travellers and for those who are looking for regeneration!

from 105 € per day
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