Gastein fever …

For weeks now, Gastein has been in “Krampus fever” again – the first Kränzchen have already taken place and preparations for the Krampuslauf on December 5 and 6, 2016, are underway. Those who did not grow up in Gastein or have a connection to the Krampuslauf as a child might not understand this fanaticism. In our valley, the Krampuslauf is as much a part of the year as Christmas, the smoking rituals during the Rauhnächte, etc., and the people of Gastein are very proud of it. It is an ancient custom that holds a high status in Gastein.

The Krampusläufe on December 5 and 6 are almost like “holidays” for us; many employees in tourism and at craft businesses take time off work to be able to actively participate in the Gastein Krampuslauf.

Then 80 to 100 Krampus groups go from house to house to reward the good and punish the bad. In one group there is a St Nicholas with his basket carrier (Guazltrager) and usually an Engerl (mainly in Bad Gastein). Added to that are at least 4 Krampuses (Klaubauf), who with their imposing and fearsome appearance spread fear and terror among young and old. The hand-carved wooden masks with ram and billy-goat horns are made with great love and effort according to a long-standing tradition and, depending on the district where the group is running, also have different facial shapes. In addition, each Krampus has a thick pelt (usually sheep) and steel bells, the so-called Rollen or Schellen, so you can hear the Krampus groups from far away. This unique sound, together with the loud roaring (devil’s scream), fills the Gastein air on these two days and creates a strange, mystical atmosphere. (Excerpt Gasteinertal.com)

On December 6, the Krampuses go to the more rural areas – including here at the Zittrauerhof; on December 5, they can be seen in the town center.
What is special is that the Krampuslauf is an ancient custom and has been preserved in its original form, especially in the Gastein Valley. The individual Passen, all of which bear a unique name, ensure themselves that the tradition is held high and the living custom is thus passed on from generation to generation.

The Gastein Krampuslauf shapes the population of Gastein; from small children to ancient great-grandfathers, you can see the sparkle in their eyes during these days. Many Krampus runners are already falling into anticipation (“Kramperlnarrisch”) and are meticulously preparing for it with preliminary work and several Krampus meetings.

Many emigrated Gasteiners come “home” from all corners of the world at the beginning of December to be part of the Krampuslauf, whether as a member of a Pass or as a spectator – a testament to the status the custom has in the hearts of Gasteiners and that it clearly and consistently sets itself apart from the trend in other regions as a “performance of a meaningless spectacle”.

You can find lots of info (including excerpts from these farm stories) and videos about the Gastein Krampus Run on Gerhard’s page, where he has lovingly gathered all the details. https://:www.gasteinertal.com