Krampuslauf Bad Gastein 2026: Traditional Krampus Parade in the Gastein Valley

Welcome to the Krampuslauf 2026 in Bad Gastein

On December 5 and 6, 2026, Bad Gastein once again becomes the stage for one of the Alps' oldest winter traditions. During the Krampuslauf, groups of Saint Nicholas, Krampus figures and angels parade through the snowy streets of the spa town, filling the Gastein Valley with the sound of bells, the sight of thick furs and the eerie presence of hand carved wooden masks.

Highlights and Attractions at the Krampuslauf in Bad Gastein

• Up to 100 traditional Krampus groups from across the Gastein Valley
• Hand carved wooden masks with mouflon or goat horns, often passed down through families for generations
• Saint Nicholas and his basket bearer, rewarding well behaved children
• The unmistakable rattle of heavy steel bells that announces each group long before it arrives
• Parades through the town centers of Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein on December 5
• Parades in the more rural outskirts of the valley on December 6
• A custom that has survived in an especially authentic and largely nonviolent form in the Gastein Valley

Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Bad Gastein

The Krampuslauf is not a single staged show but a series of house visits and processions by different groups moving through town over the course of the evening. Krampus groups appear one after another at various points around the center of Bad Gastein. Exact timings for each group are published annually by the local associations and can vary from year to year.

Tickets and Admission for the Krampuslauf in Bad Gastein

The Krampuslauf in Bad Gastein is a public folk event with free admission. No registration or ticket is needed to watch the processions along the streets and squares of the town center.

Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Bad Gastein

• Since December often brings wintry road conditions, arriving by public transport or planning the journey well in advance is a good idea
• Warm winter clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended for the cold evening hours outdoors
• Given the narrow streets in the town center, families with young children should keep a safe distance from the Krampus groups
• Accommodation in and around Bad Gastein is in high demand during Advent, so early booking is advisable
• Visiting the Advent markets in the Gastein Valley pairs well with a trip to see the Krampuslauf