Kastelruther Krampuslauf (Krampus Parade)

The Kastelruther Krampuslauf in Castelrotto

The Kastelruther Krampuslauf, or Krampus Parade, is one of the most anticipated winter events in South Tyrol. It takes place in the historic center of Castelrotto/Kastelruth, the most populous town in the Dolomites, nestled at the foot of the Sciliar massif near the Alpe di Siusi in the autonomous province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige region). The event is organized by the Kastelruther Tuifl association and draws thousands of spectators to the village streets.

The Krampus: Between Myth and Alpine Tradition

The Krampus—known in the local South Tyrolean dialect as Tuifl, or "devils"—are demonic figures from Alpine tradition associated with the Advent season. According to custom, they accompany Saint Nicholas: while the saint rewards well-behaved children, the Krampus, dressed in furs and wearing hand-carved wooden masks and heavy cowbells, chase and playfully frighten the crowds. In Castelrotto, this folk tradition comes alive in an impressive parade featuring about 52 Krampus groups and nearly 1,000 Tuifl from South Tyrol, Trentino, Austria, and Switzerland.

The Parade Route

The event brings the entire center of Castelrotto to life. Festivities begin in the early afternoon with music, food, hot drinks, and the cozy atmosphere of the Christmas market, culminating in the grand evening parade. The procession starts at the middle school, continues along Paniderstraße, crosses the center past the Christmas market, and reaches the performance stage at the intersection with Dolomitenstraße, where the groups showcase their choreography amidst smoke, lights, and sound. The route covers approximately 600 meters.

A Biennial Tradition

The Kastelruther Krampuslauf is not an annual event: it is held every two years, typically on the second Saturday of December in odd-numbered years. The 6th edition took place on December 9, 2023, and the 7th was held on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Visitors wishing to experience the atmosphere of the Tuifl should keep this biennial schedule in mind when planning their trip.

Why It's Worth Attending

• One of the largest and most scenic Krampus parades in South Tyrol.
• A unique setting: the village of Castelrotto illuminated by the Christmas market, beneath the peaks of the Sciliar.
• Dozens of international groups with hand-carved wooden masks and traditional costumes.
• An authentic dive into the folklore and popular traditions of the Alpine region.