For Christmas in Salzburg
A strange vehicle is on the road at Christmas time in Salzburg, in the heart of the Salzburg regionA tractor decorated with fir branches pulls an unusual trailer behind it. A wooden hut is built on the loading area, which, like the tractor, is densely decorated with fir branches. The front also bears the large inscription "Krampus on Tour."
Tip:: You can stay overnight in Salzburg in these hotels.
At Christmas time in Salzburg
Christmas market on Domplatz in Salzburg
Christmas on the fortress Hohensalzburg
Silent Night, Holy Night & Salzburg
Christmas market in Hellbrunn Palace
When the Krampus gets around in Salzburg
How the lyrics Silent Night cast a spell on the world
Krampus on tour at Christmas time in Salzburg
When the train finally stops in front of an inn outside the gates of Salzburg, sinister figures with long, shaggy fur suddenly jump out of the inside of the wagon. It is not so much their bodies that inspire fear, but rather their wild faces, crowned with horns up to two meters long. They immediately create a huge spectacle and make an infernal noise.
While performing leapfrogs, they storm the inn, causing quite a stir. There, the unsuspecting guests look up from their plates in shock and suddenly find themselves face to face with veritable monsters. These creatures, strapped to their backs with large cowbells, cause a wild commotion with their boisterous jumping around.
With distorted grimaces and crooked, terrifying faces under threatening horns, the figures approach the frightened ladies, who then take them in their arms with their furry paws.
While some of the foreign guests take the attack calmly and even smile at the ugly masks, others turn away in shock and refuse to look into the Kramperl's gaping mouths or threateningly staring eye sockets.
But the men of creation do not go unnoticed either: With long ox tails, the Kramperl finally beat the male guests.
When the Krampuss parade in Salzburg at Christmas time
After about half an hour, the haunting finally ends, and the wild creatures disappear as quickly as they came. Shortly afterward, Saint Nicholas follows them. Dressed in a red bishop's hat and white robes, he now moves peacefully from table to table, accompanied by a helper carrying a backpack. From this, he takes out gift packages for the frightened children and then pours the men a shot of homemade schnapps.
Salzburg Krampus Run 2025 Dates
Find a Krampus Run Salzburg for 2025:
- Gnigler Krampus Run
- Date: Nov 29, 2025 (Sat)
- Location: Hauptstraße Gnigl, Salzburg
- Time: 18:30 p.m.
- Krampus run by the Grödiger Krampusse
- Date: Dec 03, 2025 (Wed)
- Location: Old town Salzburg
- Time: 17:30 p.m.
- Krampus Run at the Hellbrunn Advent Magic
- Date: 04 Dec. 2025 (Thu)
- Location: Hellbrunn Palace
- Time: 18:00 p.m.
- Traditional Krampus Run at the Christmas Market
- Date: 05 Dec. 2025 (Fri)
- Location: Cathedral and Residence Square, Salzburg
- Time: 18:30 p.m.
- Children's Krampus Run at the Christmas Market
- Date: Dec 06, 2025 (Sat)
- Location: Salzburg
- Time: 15:30 p.m.
- Maxglaner Krampuslauf
- Date: 08 Dec. 2025 (Mon)
- Location: Stiegl Brewery, Maxglan, Salzburg
- Time: 17:30
Further dates and locations you can find it here, for example.
This, or something similar, is how St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in Salzburger Land, for example. A Krampus run is definitely a very special experience during the Christmas season in Salzburg.
Salzburg in Advent – how to extend your stay to 5 days
Experiencing Salzburg at a leisurely pace during Advent reveals the city's most beautiful side. Away from the weekend hustle and bustle, the air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine, while music drifts from the side streets. We took a few days – and realized: five days is ideal for truly enjoying Salzburg.
Day 1 – Arrival and immersion in the magic of the old town
Walk from the Mirabell Gardens via Getreidegasse to the Cathedral Square.
In the evening, a first visit to the Christmas market with music and hot apple punch is recommended.
Find hotels in Salzburg's old town
Short distances to markets, alleys and cathedral square.
Day 2 – Craftsmanship and Culinary Delights
Visit the Christmas market at Residenzplatz, then go to the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium or a traditional confectionery.
In the afternoon, the climb to Hohensalzburg Fortress is worthwhile.
Book gourmet hotels in Salzburg
Breakfast, regional cuisine and cozy lounges.
Day 3 – Excursion to the Salzkammergut
Day trip to St. Gilgen or St. Wolfgang – both places are particularly atmospheric during Advent. Return journey in the evening.
Hotels around Lake Wolfgang
Perfect for an Advent trip to St. Wolfgang & St. Gilgen.
Day 4 – Wellness & Relaxation
After these experiences, a day at the RupertusTherme Bad Reichenhall or in a wellness hotel near Salzburg is worthwhile.
Wellness hotels near Salzburg
Relaxation after visiting the market – spas and thermal baths are nearby.
Day 5 – Silent Night & Farewell
Follow the trail of the Christmas carol to Oberndorf before you say goodbye to Salzburg – perhaps already looking forward to your next visit.
Salzburg – Enjoy 5 nights of Advent
Plan in a relaxed manner instead of weekend hecticness.
Conclusion for a longer stay in Salzburg during the Christmas season
Salzburg only unfolds its magic when you take your time.
A long weekend is hardly enough – five days, on the other hand, will give you memories that last.
Discover more tips for the Christmas season in Salzburg
The most important Christmas markets in Salzburg
- Three Christmas markets in Salzburg from romantic to noble
- Salzburg for Christmas in the Stiftskeller
- When the Krampus gets around in Salzburg
- Salzburger Christkindlmarkt on the cathedral square
- The most beautiful Christmas tree in Salzburg
- Christmas on the fortress Hohensalzburg
Christmas traditions and more about the Christmas season in Salzburg
Here you can also find Christmas tips for other regions
Travel Arrangements:
Airport parking during the Christmas season in Salzburg
For example, you can reserve your parking space at the airport here.
Arrival at Christmas time in Salzburg
Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and other airlines fly to SalzburgYou can also rent a car there. You can also travel to Salzburg by train. There are also long-distance buses to Salzburg.
rental car:
Cheap rental cars – book here!
Accommodations at Christmas time in Salzburg
Hotels in Salzburg * (advertisement) you can easily book online via booking.com.
Salzburg Excursions at Christmas time in Salzburg
Our travel tips for Salzburg
This Travel Tips We've tested them all ourselves, for example. Maybe there's something for you too?
Source: Christmas time in Salzburg: our own on-site research. Some of this was self-funded, while some information was obtained at the invitation of Salzburg Tourism. We are very grateful for this. However, our opinions remain, as always, our own.
Text Christmas time in Salzburg: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline.
Photo © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash.
Video © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline.
Nice if the report pleases. That was a very special experience, which we were not prepared for on our visit to Salzburg last weekend. The better we enjoyed the spectacle then.
Best regards,
Monika
A really great report about the Krampusse in Salzburg. =) Also the whole blog I like very well, I have a small travel blog myself and in search of good travel guides I am always. ;-)
In Vorarlberg, too, we meet the unequal team of Nicholas and Krampus and small children say their memorized poem so that they get the two sweets.
Greetings!
Christina