s
from 144 €
Hotel Sand
Hiking - biking hotel | Kastelbell-Tschars
from 230 €
Alpenpalace Spa Retreat
Exclusive well-being oasis | St. Johann in Tauferer Ahrntal
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from 122 €
Majestic – Unique Spa Resort
Wellness hotel | Reischach at Mt. Kronplatz
from 125 €
Hotel Waldhof
Vitalpina Hotel | Rablà near Meran
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from 90 €
Hotel Saltauserhof
Wellness hotel | St. Martin in Passeier
from 141 €
Vitalpina Hotel Schulerhof
Active hotel | Plaus near Meran
from 220 €
Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier
Sport & wellness resort | St. Martin in Passeiertal
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from 114 €
Green Lake Hotel Weiher
Pleasure & well-being | Issing at Mt. Kronplatz
from 70 €
Alpwellhotel Burggräfler
Wellness hotel | Tisens near Meran
from 110 €
Grand Hotel Bellevue
City hotel | Meran
from 190 €
WINKLER 5-Star Design Hotel
Design hotel | St. Lorenzen at Mt. Kronplatz

St. Nicholas & Krampus in South Tyrol

St. Nicholas with his long white beard, his bishop’s mitre and crozier is loved by all children as he comes with a lot of presents and sweets each year on December 6th as long as they have behaved well. Just as in other regions in the Eastern Alps, St. Nicholas is often accompanied by the Krampus. These dark and hairy creatures are as well-loved by many kids and adults; others however are afraid and do not like him at all.

Originally, St. Nicholas and Krampus always came together. The Krampus, or devil, used to threaten the naughty and bad children with a rod or to take them away in a big chest on their backs. Despite that the Krampus was a frightening creature with heavy chains and loud cowbells, he always had to obey St. Nicholas. This fact symbolises the good triumphing over the evil.

The Krampus’ origins

The Krampus or devil, such as many demonic creatures of the Alpine area – dates back to pre-Christian times. In many regions, the Krampus figure has merged with the Perchten tradition. The typical Krampus has a coat or suit made of fur and hand-carved mask with horns. In South Tyrol, pine wood was and is the most used wood type for these masks. A collection of worth-seeing Krampus, devils and witch masks is for instance also displayed at the Crib Museum Maranatha in Luttach.

Krampus parades

Whereas the Krampus must obey St. Nicholas in former times, the Krampus parades today are majorly just for the Krampus and witches. In South Tyrol, many villages and cities organise Krampus parades, some with over 1000 Krampus. The oldest Krampus parade takes place each year in Toblach, a big parade every two years in Kastelruth with more than 50 groups from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Other parades take place in Sexten, Sand in Taufers and Lana.

Current holiday offers

from 166 €
MIRABELL DOLOMITES HOTEL

Enjoy a special 5 * feel-good time in the heart of Pustertal & unique nature experiences at Mt. Kronplatz in the Dolomites.

To the hotel
from 141 €
LANERHOF Relax & Active Retreat

Relaxing spa retreats, exquisite cuisine, and guided adventures in nature.

To the hotel
from 168 €
SOLVIE Calm Inspiring Getaway

An inspiring panoramic getaway for lovers of peace.

To the hotel
from 100 €
Hotel Tirolerhof

Welcome to Tirolerhof. The perfect place for your active holidays – hiking, cycling and relaxing. Directly at Mt. Kronplatz in Gsies Valley.

To the hotel

Images

St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen
St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen

The krampus accompany St. Nicholas during the parade through the historical centre of Brixen.

Brixen Tourismus Genossenschaft - Helmut Moling
St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen
St. Nicholas and krampus parade in Brixen

During the traditional parade in the historical centre of Brixen, well-behaved kids are given sweets by St. Nicholas.

Brixen Tourismus Genossenschaft - Helmut Moling
Krampus & Devils
Krampus & Devils

During the Krampus parades or Krampus runs in South Tyrol, the Krampus and Devils are among themselves.

IDM Südtirol/Marion Lafogler
Devil processions
Devil processions

Devil procession in South Tyrol

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Krampus in Südtirol/South Tyrol
Krampus in Südtirol/South Tyrol

The krampus in South Tyrol have a very old tradition!

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Krampus
Krampus

Krampus are afraid not only children but also many adults!

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher
Krampus
Krampus

The Krampus is the enemy of St. Nicholas and punishes bad children. On the day of krampus (December 5) in many countries of South Tyrol's are held beautiful parades.

Internet Consulting - Sabine Oberheinricher

Traditions

Selected accommodations in South Tyrol

Hotel Vilpianerhof - Terlan in Southern South Tyrol
  • Central location between Bozen & Meran
  • Wellness area with natural bathing pond
  • Regional specialities
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • Very good transport connections
from 89 € per day
Memorise
Pension Sattlerenglhof - Latsch in Vinschgau

Pension Sattlerenglhof

Latsch in Vinschgau
4.6 Excellent
40 Recommendations
  • Garden with pool
  • Rooms with balcony
  • Breakfast with regional products
  • Convenient location for outdoor activities
  • Cosy, family atmosphere
from 54 € per day
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Hotel Senoner - Spinges in Eisacktal

Hotel Senoner

Spinges in Eisacktal
4.7 Excellent
30 Recommendations
  • With farm & petting zoo
  • Family-run hotel with its own alpine pasture
  • Breakfast buffet with farm's own product
  • Plenty of space for fun & games in the countryside
  • Secure garage parking for cars, motorbikes & buses
from 75 € per day
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Ferienwohnungen Trafoier  Wielander - Latsch in Vinschgau

Quiet and central position, countless outdoor activities in the environs, in the surrounding area of Meran.

from 70 € per day
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Service