Krampus Festival

We went to a Krampus Parade in Salzburg. It's a unique event and one I'd recommend. I'd do a Google search to find the 2016 date if you're going to be in Salzburg (or other city). As an example, two years ago the parade we attended was on December 8.

These typically take place in early December. When is your trip?

A simple "google search" turned these:

http://www.im-salzkammergut.at/events/bad-goisern/world-heritage-advent-salzkammergut-krampus-parade/

http://www.salzburg.info/en/art_culture/advent_new_years_eve/krampus_percht

https://www.graztourismus.at/de/sehen-und-erleben/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungskalender/krampus-+und+perchtenlauf_ev-6158

Check out some of the videos on YouTube before you commit.

If you go, be safe!

Calling it a "festival" is an interesting way to describe it. If you go, be safe.

Almost any village has Krampus' running around on the eve of St. Nick. However, I would not advice going out in small village on that night unless you want to try to run and avoid getting whipped (yes this still happens).

The cities are totally fine, in Innsbruck the Krampus' just walk through the city center and look scary. But they all have to register with the city so there's no worry of any crazyness. Even in the other "large" Tirolean towns (Brixen, Hall, Bozen, Meran, Sterzing) I would be weary about going out on Krampus night.

On a side note, the Christmas Markets in Tirol and Südtirol are all very nice. They can be a little busy during advent as many Italian tourist visit Tirol, South Tirol, Bavaria.

Thanks to all for the information. It was most helpful and definitely gave me a better idea of what to expect, along with locations.

The event at Hallstatt appears to be fun. Check on YouTube.