A unique tradition comes to an end …

…. but only for this time. In 4 years the next Perchtenlauf in Gastein will take place and with its 160 participants will bring special joy to locals and guests. The Gastein Perchtenlauf has been documented since the 14th century and is therefore one of the oldest traditional events in the Salzburg region.

The Perchtenlauf in Gastein always takes place on 2 days between January 1st and 6th. Around 160 people participate, including about 30 Kappen-bearers. The Perchten runners have a walking time of about 10 hours per day and cover a distance of 12 to 14 km each. The weight of the Kappen is up to 50 (!) kilos and reaches a height of up to 2.50 meters – an enormous effort! On the website https://www.gasteinerperchten.com/ designed by Gerhard Michel, you have the opportunity to read about the role of each individual Perchten participant and get a “picture” of each one. From Frau Perchta, the Schnalzers, the many beautiful Kappen to the Perchten chairman Andi Mühlberger – everything is precisely listed and explained. A little story about each figure.

I’ll let the pictures from my snapshots at the farm speak for themselves:

According to old tradition, no women are allowed to participate in the Perchtenlauf. For every house, hotel and farm it is a special honor when the “Perchten” come by to pay their respects.

The Perchten are provided with refreshments along the way, one of these refreshment stations was here at Zittrauerhof this morning. Even though the preparations involve some effort, it is a wonderful moment and a unique opportunity to take a closer look at the Kappen and participants.

After the Perchten sausage and drinks, the whole group continued on towards Durzbauer.

The “Nachtanzerinnen” help their Kappen-bearer lift up the Kappe.

My brother-in-law Thomas was also there as a Nachtanzerin, so the nieces and nephews were naturally very happy. And Grandpa Hias got a special interview with ORF.

The report from today is now also online (Gasteiner Perchten) https://:tvthek.orf.at

“True to the good old tradition” we look forward to seeing you again in 4 years.

All the best, your Katharina from Zittrauerhof.