Krampus Parade Austria – Saint Nicholas’ Wild Helper

There are traditions you don’t learn from books – you grow up with them. When the days in Austria get shorter, the air turns icy, and people warm themselves with mulled wine, a season begins that is deeply rooted in our culture: the world of Perchten and a Krampus parade.

But what exactly is behind these wild, fearsome figures, and why do thousands of spectators in Austria willingly let themselves be whipped every year? What is the story of the Krampus?

Origins of Krampus – His History

Before you find yourself in the middle of a roaring Krampus parade, it’s good to know who Krampus actually is.

Historically, he accompanies Saint Nicholas on December 5th – the dark counterpart, equipped with horns, shaggy fur, and a birch rod. In old stories, and even in my own childhood home, we always heard: “If you’re not good, the Krampus will get you.”

“Have you been good, my child?”

The figure likely dates back to pagan winter rituals, where noise and terrifying masks were used to drive away evil spirits. Only later did Krampus become the official partner of Saint Nicholas – good and evil united as one duo. While Nicholas hands out sweets, Krampus ensures the necessary respect. And yes, as a child I really couldn’t understand why Nicholas always had to bring the Krampus along.

Today, however, I stand in the front row voluntarily, and with a huge grin, whenever a Krampus parade or Perchten parade comes through town. That feeling when the ground shakes under heavy boots, bells clang, and a massive horned creature charges toward you – you never forget it.

Krampus vs. Perchten – Similar but Not the Same

Although they’re often confused, there are clear differences:

Krampus → part of Advent; active around December 5th & 6th
Perchten → part of the “Rauhnächte”; active between Christmas and January 6th

A Perchten parade is less about punishment and more about symbolically driving away winter spirits. Still, Perchten wear frightening masks and heavy furs and can easily be mistaken for relatives of Krampus.

How a Krampus Parade Works

As a born-and-raised Austrian, I’ve experienced countless Krampus parades and Perchten parades – from Upper Austria deep into the Alpine regions. And trust me: standing in the front row is its own kind of adrenaline kick.

Krampus Parade in Styria – Authentic, Loud, Brutal

A Krampus or Perchten parade usually starts long before the actual event: people arrive about an hour early to secure a good spot at the barricades. While waiting, announcements echo from the speakers – that’s usually when we get ourselves a warm mulled wine.

When the parade finally begins, everything suddenly gets loud. The first figures appear: terrifying masks, shaggy furs, clanging bells. Different Perchten and Krampus groups march through the blocked-off streets, often gesturing wildly or running around in seemingly chaotic ways. They frequently whip the ground or smack the barricades – the cracking sound jolts right through your bones every time.

Each group is announced over loudspeakers, usually with their club name and often accompanied by booming music. Every troupe has its own style.

City vs. Countryside – Two Completely Different Perchten Parades

There’s often a world of difference between parades in cities and those in rural mountain regions.

📍 Cities like Graz:

Organized, modern, tourist-friendly. Less brutal, more distance between performers and spectators, lots of families watching.

📍 Villages, alpine valleys, and small communities:

A whole different atmosphere: the rules are looser, and everyone knows each other. Many Krampus performers, Perchten, and spectators are friends or relatives – often already “pre-heated” by mulled wine, which makes everything wilder.

And yes, many Austrians love this mix of chaos, humor, and tradition.

Whipped, Chased, Hit with Birch Rods

A Perchten parade often becomes a small test of bravery. Young men like to jump over the barricade straight into the street with the Krampusse. And even standing in the front row can mean feeling tradition quite literally on your own skin.

If you want authentic folklore and don’t mind a dose of adrenaline, the countryside is the place to be.

How to Prepare for a Perchten Parade (with My Personal Tips)

As beautiful and exciting as a Krampus or Perchten parade is, it almost always takes place in freezing cold. And depending on the region – especially in rural areas – you should expect that the birch rod might hit your leg.

I speak from experience: one single pair of jeans reminded me painfully last year that this is a terrible idea. The blows feel like tiny knife cuts.

To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, here are my personal recommendations:

What You Absolutely Should Wear or Bring

1. Multiple layers of clothing
Truly, multiple. There’s no such thing as “too many layers.” The cold is deceptive, and the extra padding protects you from the hits. After my jeans disaster, I never go without extra layers.

2. The warmest socks you own
Your toes will thank you.

3. Hat & gloves
Without them, you’ll freeze faster than your next mulled wine heats up.

4. Enough cash
The stands selling mulled wine, punch, and snacks almost NEVER accept cards. And paying cash is simply part of local tradition.

5. With kids: look for a family zone
Many events offer safe areas where Krampus and Perchten don’t use their rods – perfect for children or for adults who prefer a more relaxed experience.

6. Stay alert in the front row – whips and horns
Krampus performers often have terrible visibility inside their masks. In the heat of the moment, a strike can easily go off target. Perchten also love climbing over the barricades, and those horns can get dangerously close.

Extra tip: Warm up with a mulled wine before or after the parade. It makes standing in the snow much cozier as the Perchten sprint past.

Current Perchten Parades in Austria

Online you can find updated schedules for Perchten and Krampus events in Austria – for example, regional programs for Styria or the Ried district in Upper Austria. These websites list dates, locations, and groups so you can easily find the right event.

Experiencing Austria at Christmas Like a Local

If you want to experience Austria in winter the way locals do, consider Housesitting in Austria. I recently discovered it and love it – not just because you can stay somewhere for free.

You take care of someone’s house and animals and live in their home. This gives you a genuine insight into local life. And for traditions like Krampus or Perchten parades, it’s perfect – you’re right in the middle of a community and experience everything naturally.