Krampus Parade in Alpine Landscape | © Übelbacher Gleinalmpass | Übelbacher Gleinalmpass Krampus Parade in Alpine Landscape | © Übelbacher Gleinalmpass | Übelbacher Gleinalmpass

The Krampus and Perchten Processions

If things suddenly get loud in the peaceful time of the year, it could mean that they aren’t far away: in the Graz Region, the Krampus and Perchten are an age-old winter’s tradition which lies somewhere between masked spectacle and darker customs.

While the Advent season fills the streets with the light of Christmas, in some places in the Graz Region, things can be a little darker – at least visually. The Krampus and Perchten Processions are age-old traditions that refuse to die and that trigger both fear and fascination at the same time. Fur, horns, smoke and bells are the order of the day, as wild-looking characters make their way through the villages and towns.

What once served as a defence against the darkness of the winter is now a living part of regional culture – loud, impressive and deeply rooted. Whether it’s a Krampus or Perchten procession, an eerie spectacle for both young and old is guaranteed when Advent shows its “wilder” side in the Graz Region.

Grim Reaper Figure in Traditional Costume | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Grim Reaper Figure in Traditional Costume | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Fearsome Krampus in Styrian Tradition | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Fearsome Krampus in Styrian Tradition | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Behind the Scenes of the Krampus Tradition in Graz | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Behind the Scenes of the Krampus Tradition in Graz | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Krampus in Traditional Costume | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Krampus in Traditional Costume | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
© Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
© Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Behind the Krampus Mask – Tradition in Graz | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Behind the Krampus Mask – Tradition in Graz | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
„A hand-carved mask doesn’t come cheap. The masks usually start at € 650. And there is no maximum price.“
Gruam Teifl – Krampus Group in the Mystic Forest | © Gruam-Teifl

Companion of St. Nicholas

Krampus

The Krampus is probably the most famous scary character in the Alpine region: with his shaggy fur, terrifying mask and clanging bells, he traditionally accompanies Santa Claus. While Santa brings gifts, Krampus stands for restraint and good order – at least symbolically. These days, the Krampus Procession, which is usually at the beginning of December, is a spectacular traditional event with special effects, pyrotechnics and music – and one which is deeply rooted in Christian tradition.

Strange winter characters

Perchten

The Schiachperchten

The Schiachpercht is one of the darker characters in alpine winter tradition: with their wild masks, long hair and accompanied by rattling sounds, they make their way through the local villages and towns. They are reminiscent of the olden rituals that were supposed to banish winter and evil spirits.
The Schiachperchten embody chaos, darkness – and the untamed spirit. Although they look frightening, they are part of a deeply-rooted tradition between myth and morality, spectacle and faith.

Schönperchten

The Schönperchten are the friendly counterpart to the members of the more sinister masquerade. With their elaborately designed, bright robes and magnificent headdresses, they symbolise blessings, fertility and the victory of light over darkness. Their procession is solemn, almost magical – and often accompanied by bells and mystical dancing. Particularly popular in the Alpine region, they herald the coming of spring in the dark time of year.

Devilish Duo – Two Perchten in Fur and Masks | © Croce und WIR | Croce & WIR
Perchten Group on Alpine Meadow at Sunset | © Übelbacher Gleinalmpass

What is the difference?

The Krampus and Perchten

While the Krampus is firmly connected to the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas between 5 and 6 December, the character of the Percht goes back to pre-Christian, Alpine winter traditions. The Perchtenlauf procession usually takes place between Christmas and epiphany.
There are also clear differences in their appearance:
The Krampus usually have a pair of horns, a shaggy black coat, an outstretched tongue, and a rod – the mountain rod, often decorated with a red ribbon. Their procession is also accompanied by the sound of bells that have a deep tone.
The Perchten on the other hand, are more archaic: their masks are often heavier, more artfully carved and they have several horns. Other characteristics are the horse’s tail and the loud bells which sound to the rhythm of the procession. The Perchten appear as Schönperchten (bright, blessing) or Schiachperchten (wild, scary) – and both combine ancient tradition with impressive symbolism.

 

„When visiting the processions, it’s essential to follow the local instructions to avoid endangering either yourself or the Perchten and Krampus.“
6 results

St. Nicholas, Kinderkrampuslauf & Perchten

Frohnleiten
08 Nov. 2025
from 18:00 o'clock
Over 300 hellish devils parade through Frohnleiten. The atmospheric Krampus run inspires with genuine customs in the...
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Symbol image Percht | © Graz Tourismus-Harry Schiffer

Premstätten Perchten Run

Premstätten
15 Nov. 2025
from 17:30 o'clock
Numerous Perchten groups are up to mischief in Premstätten.
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Krampus & Perchtenlauf Vasoldsberg

Vasoldsberg
15 Nov. 2025
from 18:00 o'clock
Experience the Perchtenlauf in Vasoldsberg – fearlessly eerie in the Graz Region!
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Home run of the Übelbach Gleinalm Pass

Übelbach
15 Nov. 2025
from 18:30 o'clock
Experience the first home run in Übelbach with a unique Perchten spectacle and a visit from St Nicholas!
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Freundlicher Percht | © Kesselfall-Pass

Perchten run in Semriach

Semriach
22 Nov. 2025
from 18:00 o'clock
Customs with goosebumps guaranteed - experience this in the Graz Region at the Perchtenlauf in Semriach!
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Köflacher_Krampuslauf_02 | © Wabi Gruam Teifln

Köflach Krampus Run

Köflach
22 Nov. 2025
from 18:00 o'clock
Immerse yourself in the Graz Region - things get wild at the Krampuslauf Köflach in Styria!
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Graz Region

Those eager to make the most of winter can enjoy a variety of activities – from scenic walks and fun sledging adventures to simply unwinding in the beauty of nature.

Snowshoeing in the Graz Region
Festively lit Christmas train rides through Graz Old Town at night with warmly dressed passengers