When Is the Best Time
Krampus Runs or Krampus Läufe, Perchtenläufe and Klausentreiben are ancient Alpine winter traditions still celebrated across Munich, Bavaria and Austria. The atmosphere during these events is intense, loud, and unforgettable — a mix of folklore, fire, bells and handcrafted wooden masks. Many visitors in Munich stumble upon a Krampus Run by accident, not realizing how widespread and fascinating this tradition truly is.
Although the names vary by region, the idea is the same: groups of Krampus figures parade through towns, scaring away winter’s darkness. In this guide, I’ll show you what these events look like, where to find them, and why they’re so much fun to watch. I added plenty of photos so you know exactly what to expect.
Are Krampus Runs Safe for Children?
Despite occasional negative headlines, my experience has been the opposite. The Krampus performers were incredibly kind to children — posing for selfies, handing out high‑fives, and making the event exciting rather than frightening. Every child around us had a blast.
When Do Krampus Runs Take Place?
The next Krampus Run in Munich’s city center will be on Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 3–5 pm. The parade starts in Sendlinger Straße, continues past Rindermarkt, follows Rosenthal through the old town, passes the Kripperlmarkt at Alter Peter, and ends at the Old Town Hall. The atmosphere is fantastic — especially with the Christmas Market in full swing.
Krampus groups usually gather before the start, but they only put on their heavy wooden masks right before the run begins.
In Germany, Krampus Runs often take place around Christmas Markets, so you can warm up with mulled wine and enjoy the festive atmosphere between the parades.
Typical Krampus Run Season in the Alps
Krampus Runs and Klausentreiben take place across the Alpine region from late October to early January. The exact dates vary each year, but here is a helpful overview:
- Sonthofen (Allgäu) — around December 6
- Oberstdorf — December 4 (Bärbele) and December 6 (Klausentreiben)
- Munich — around December 6, usually on a Sunday
- Salzburg — around December 5–6
- Klagenfurt — end of November
- Carinthia — November to mid‑December
- Austria (general) — dozens of events from November to January 7
- Eisenstein (Bavarian Forest) — end of December
These dates shift slightly each year, but they give you a good idea of the Krampus season across Bavaria, the Alps, and Austria.
Different Names: Krampus, Klausen, and Perchten
The winter traditions across the Alps share similar roots, but the names vary by region. In Munich, Bavaria and the Allgäu, the events are usually called Klausentreiben or Krampus Run. Whereas in the Bavarian Forest, especially in places like Eisenstein near the Czech border, the events are known as Perchten Runs. In Austria and Tyrol, the Perchten tradition is even stronger, with dozens of runs from November to early January. Although the names differ, all these events feature masked figures, loud bells, and ancient Alpine folklore — each region with its own style and character.
Where Krampus Runs Are Celebrated
This winter tradition is widespread across Central Europe, especially in:
- Southern Bavaria
- Liechtenstein
- Austria & Tyrol
- Northern Italy (South Tyrol)
- Czech Republic
- Bavarian Forest villages like Eisenstein
Where Does the Krampus Run Come From?
The Krampus tradition grew out of the Alpine regions of Europe, and each area developed its own figures and names. In Bavaria and the Allgäu, people speak of Klausentreiben or Krampus Runs. In the Bavarian Forest and especially in Austria and Tyrol, the tradition appears as the Perchten Run. All of them share one purpose: drive away dark spirits during the long, cold winter.
The costumes make a strong impression — heavy leather or fur suits, carved wooden or iron masks, bent horns, and huge cowbells that the performers shake to chase off evil. The word Krampus comes from Old High German krampen, meaning claw, and you can clearly see those claws in many of the masks.
Last year in Munich, more than 300 Klausen stormed through the pedestrian zone. The whole parade felt wild, loud, funny, and a little scary — exactly what makes this tradition so unforgettable. Stand too close and you might get a quick tap with a rod. It stings, but it’s part of the centuries‑old ritual.
How Much Does a Krampus Costume Cost — and How Heavy Is It?
Krampuses, Klausen and Perchten wear impressive, handcrafted outfits made from sheep or goat skins, carved wooden or iron masks, bent horns and a belt packed with loud cowbells. Men and women take part — in some regions, the female figures are known as Bärbele — and many treat this tradition as a serious hobby.
A full costume usually starts around €2,000, and elaborate versions can cost far more. The weight adds up quickly. The skins feel heavy on their own, but the real load comes from the bells. A single belt often reaches 10–20 kg, and some performers carry even more. When they run or shake the bells, you feel the sound vibrate through the entire street.
History of the Krampus and Perchten Run
The tradition of the Klausen, Krampus, and Perchten reaches back to Celtic rituals more than 2,500 years ago. Early Alpine communities used loud masks, fur costumes and bells to drive away winter demons and protect their villages during the darkest months of the year.
In the Middle Ages, authorities feared these wild figures. Anyone who appeared in a demonic costume risked severe punishment, and many regions banned the practice entirely. Despite these restrictions, the tradition survived in remote Alpine valleys.
By the 17th century, the custom returned openly. Krampus re‑emerged as the dark companion of St. Nicholas, often linked to Knecht Ruprecht. While St. Nicholas rewarded good children, Krampus symbolised the consequences of misbehaviour — a contrast that shaped Alpine folklore for centuries.
Today, the Krampus, Klausen and Perchten Runs thrive again across Bavaria, the Allgäu, the Bavarian Forest, Austria and Tyrol, each region preserving its own style and meaning.
Where to Stay Nearby
The DO & CO Hotel München sits right in the old town, just steps from the Krampus Run route and the Christmas Market. The hotel combines modern design with warm, understated luxury, and its rooms offer the comfort you want after a cold winter afternoon outside. You can dive into the festive atmosphere within seconds and return to a stylish, cosy room just as quickly — the perfect base for a stress‑free long weekend in Munich.
Watch Our Krampus Video
Watch our Krampus Video on YouTube and feel free to subscribe to our channel for more travel stories and seasonal traditions. I took all the photos and most of the footage myself.
If you want to use any of my images, please contact me first. I’m always happy to give permission, but I take action against picture theft.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
The Krampus Run or Krampuslauf in German has different names depending on the region, but all these events are outstanding and unique. They are held in different areas of the Alps in Europe, and I will give you an idea of how funny, scary, and thrilling it is to watch this spectacle at least once in the winter. I added plenty of pictures to give you an idea of what to expect.
