Winter in Europe is a magical time. It is the thing of fairy tale stories—sparkling white snowflakes falling delicately over quaint little Christmas markets, powdering white the high steeples of Medieval churches. Bavarian cities like Munich and Salzburg always have the best Christmas Markets. The smell of Glühwein and cakes dominate the frosty air. Artisans sell Christmas kitsch that will undoubtedly push your suitcase beyond that 23 kg checked bag limit—but you buy it anyways.
Yet, lurking in the cold, a monster—Krampus.
Legend of Krampus
The name comes from the German word Krampen, which translates to “claw.” Krampus is featured prominently in the lore of Bavarian Austria and Germany, along with other European states like Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovenia. This weird history fact typically features St. Nick and Krampus traveling together to judge the children of the villages they visit, distributing either presents or punishment. Krampus is responsible for the latter. The grotesque creature beats and steals naughty children, even eating them according to some legends. While misbehaving American children are fed PG13 stories of fat Santa Claus bringing coal, Bavarian children are terrified with stories of a monster roaming the night streets, coming to eat them alive.
Krampus Today
Every December, there are public parades of dudes dressed up in intricate Krampus costumes that can cost thousands of Euros. Creative woodworkers like Timm Buckley carve gruesome Krampus masks terrifyingly realistic.
Today, Krampus’ popularity is extending beyond the borders of Bavaria. There was even a Krampus movie. While searching for old timey pictures of Krampus, I even found a romance novel entitled, Married to Krampus. The description and reviews on Amazon are epic, it’s linked for your amusement in my blog like everything I mention on these videos.
Difference between a Krampuslauf and a Krampusnacht
In towns throughout Bavaria there are celebrations of Krampus all December long. However, it is very important that you understand the difference between a Krampuslauf and a Krampusnacht—trust.
A Krampuslauf, or a Krampus run, is a tame parade through the Christmas market. The Krampus line up and walk a designated path—often behind ropes—pretending to whack their reed lashes around. Larger Bavarian cities, like Munich and Salzburg will have several days of Krampuslaufen so they are easy to schedule into your visit. These typically happen during the day or right after sunset and remains relatively PG. There is typically the biggest event on or near December 6, St. Nicholas’ Day, where St. Nick and the Krampus walk together through the Christmas markets. Makes for great, family friendly photo options.
Then, there is the Krampusnacht. While the laufen is fun for children to giggle in faint fear, the night runs are a completely different story. I witnessed a few in Salzburg and the Krampuses are very aggressive. They run the streets looking for people to beat with their reed whips. And they do beat you—quite literally. I did not think they would actually hit hard, and so got close to take pictures. Let me just say, I paid dearly for my ignorance. After a few lashes, I learned my lesson and joined the fanatical teens running for their lives, hiding behind cars and in doorways.
So, word to the wize, be ready to run.
When thinking of your next winter wonderland adventure in Europe, why not add some fright? Thanks for reading and happy holidays!
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