The Krampus Run:

Alpine Nightmare?

With villages throughout South Tyrol bracing themselves for the annual Krampus invasion, it feels like a set of a horror movie. Interestingly, this age-old custom is currently seeing a revival in popularity.

Before sweeping into the villages, the tension on the streets on the night of 5th December is palpable, any little sound rattling the nerves. This event is also commemorated in Naturns/Naturno, when hordes of terrifying ‘devils’ descend on the village. With cattle horns mounted on their heads, their faces covered in grimacing animal masks, the shaggy-cloaked Krampus menacingly rattle chains and clang cowbells as they sweep through the streets chasing terrified youngsters. Those unfortunate enough to find themselves on the streets at that time flee home along the backstreets. Only the Tuifeltratzer (or ‘devil-baiters’ – brazen young males) dare to confront the Krampus. The taunting goes on for a while, and the outcome depends on whether the youthful challenger is able to outrun the “devil”. Most often it ends with a sooty face and a few bruises here and there.

Drawn from old Alpine folklore, the Krampus are demonic figures that precede the arrival of St. Nicholas during the Advent season. While St. Nicholas rewards good children, the Krampus (also known as Tuifl), are there to punish those that misbehave. Although this old tradition has acquired religious overtones, the old custom probably originated in pre-Christian times, representing the purging of the harsh Alpine winters.
The Krampus punishes misbehaving children.
While not as widespread, the Krampus tradition has been gaining in popularity, and is now more popular than ever in the Alpine regions. Following the re-formation in 2006, the Krampus Association in Naturns currently numbers 70 members. But even joining the club comes at a significant cost, with costumes that can cost up to € 2000.

Krampus are usually men dressed up in shaggy outfits, their faces covered by scary masks. While it used to be the preserve of single males, nowadays women may also be a Krampus. During the world wars of the 20th Century, when most of the menfolk were away, women not only kept the farms going, but also donned the Krampus costumes – without any fuss being made!
Being a Krampus is expensive: the price of a costume with fur and mask can amount to several thousand euros.
Even though Krampus night might sometimes still get a little out of hand, Krampus devils nowadays are more constrained in what they can get up to. While the old Krampus runs were a bit of a free for all, and one didn’t quite know who had just doled out a beating, the event has been toned down considerably. Supported by local municipal authorities, this old custom has evolved into a folk spectacle, and is subject to strict rules. The anonymity of the Krampus is also something of the past. Nowadays, each ‘devil’ has to wear an ID number, allowing traceability in the event of malpractice.

Watching the event unfold from a safe distance, those erstwhile scary nights seem just a distant childhood memory, when the unbridled Krampus rampaged through Naturns. With groups of young boys confronting the Krampus before fleeing, this one-time scary event can be experienced as a bonding rite of passage.
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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 17 hours ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

🌸 Frühlingsfest in Naturns – Ein Highlight für die ganze Familie!🌸

Am 12. April ist es endlich soweit – das Frühlingsfest in Naturns findet wieder statt!🌼🎉

Verbringt einen unvergesslichen Tag mit uns und genießt das bunte Treiben im Zentrum von Naturns!🌷
Es erwarten euch:

🌷 Frühlingsmarkt mit verschiedenen Ausstellern der Umgebung
🎶 Musikalische Unterhaltung
🍽️ Traditionelle Gerichte der Bäuerinnen Naturns
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kinderprogramm
🌱 Kräuter-Workshop mit Kräuterpädagogin Melanie Lochmann

Lasst uns gemeinsam den Frühling willkommen heißen! 🌞

📅 Wann? 12. April 2025
📍 Wo? Zentrum von Naturns

Kommt vorbei, bringt Freunde und Familie mit und begrüßt mit uns den Frühling!💛

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🌸 Festa di Primavera a Naturno – Un evento imperdibile per tutta la famiglia! 🌸

Il 12 aprile finalmente arriva – la Festa di Primavera a Naturno è di nuovo qui! 🌼🎉

Trascorri una giornata indimenticabile con noi e goditi l'atmosfera vivace nel centro di Naturno!🌷
Ti aspettano:

🌷 Mercato di primavera con vari espositori locali
🎶 Intrattenimento musicale
🍽️ Piatti tradizionali delle contadine di Naturno
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Programma per bambini
🌱 Workshop sulle erbe con la pedagogista delle erbe Melanie Lochmann

Accogliamo insieme la primavera!🌞

📅 Quando? 12 aprile 2025
📍 Dove? Centro di Naturno

Vieni a trovarci, porta amici e familiari e festeggia con noi l'arrivo della primavera! 💛

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naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 3 days ago
naturns_naturno

🌟 The wait is finally over! 🌟

The Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun and the VIP Apple Kids Run are just around the corner, and we can’t wait to run through the breathtaking mountain landscapes with you! 🏃‍♂️🏞️

🔥 For all the trail running enthusiasts, we have exciting courses that will push you to your limits – but with a view that makes every kilometer worth it. 🌄💪

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🔜 Join us for a day full of running, exploring, and enjoying! 💥

📅 When? This week! (05.04.2025) 📍 Where? (Naturns)

👉 Registrations are possible on race day! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this amazing event!🔥

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Manuel Pazeller, Jonas Gufler, TheAdventurebakery

#naturns #naturno #trailrun #trailrunner #trailrunning #rockthesunnymountain #mountains #oetzitrailrun #southtyrol #südtirol #berge #sonnenberg #laufen #altoadige #montagne #correre

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 4 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

🌟 Die Wartezeit ist endlich vorbei! 🌟

Der Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun und der VIP Apple Kids Run stehen kurz bevor und wir können es kaum erwarten, gemeinsam mit euch durch die atemberaubende Bergwelt zu laufen! 🏃‍♂️🏞️

🔥 Für alle Trailrun-Liebhaber gibt es spannende Strecken, die euch bis an eure Grenzen bringen – aber mit einem Ausblick, der jedes Kilometer wert ist. 🌄💪

👟 VIP Apple Kids Run – die Kleinsten dürfen sich auf einen unvergesslichen Spaßlauf freuen! 🏅
Hier wird jedes Kind zum Helden!❤

🔜 Sei dabei, wenn es heißt: Laufen, Staunen und Genießen! 💥

📅 Wann? Diese Woche! (05.04.2025) 📍 Wo? (Zentrum von Naturns)

💥 Nachmeldungen sind auch am Renntag noch möglich!

👉 Melde dich jetzt an und sei Teil dieses unvergesslichen Erlebnisses!

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🌟 L'attesa è finalmente finita! 🌟

Il Alpenplus Ötzi Trailrun e il VIP Apple Kids Run sono ormai alle porte e non vediamo l'ora di correre insieme a voi attraverso il panorama mozzafiato delle montagne! 🏃‍♂️🏞️

🔥 Per tutti gli appassionati di trail running, ci sono percorsi entusiasmanti che vi spingeranno oltre i vostri limiti – ma con una vista che rende ogni chilometro degno di essere vissuto. 🌄💪

👟 VIP Apple Kids Run – i più piccoli potranno godere di una corsa divertente e indimenticabile! 🏅
Qui ogni bambino sarà un eroe! ❤

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📅 Quando? Questa settimana! (05.04.2025) 📍 Dove? (Centro di Naturno)

💥 Le iscrizioni sono possibili anche il giorno della gara!

👉 Iscriviti ora e diventa parte di questa esperienza indimenticabile!

📸: Tourismusgenossenschaft Naturns_Manuel Pazeller, Jonas Gufler, TheAdventurebakery

1
naturns_naturno naturns_naturno 5 days ago
naturns_naturno

🌸 Spring in Naturns – Perfect for your next bike tour! 🚴‍

Spring is finally here, and there's no better time to explore Naturns and its beautiful surroundings on two wheels! 🌷🌞 Whether you prefer relaxing bike rides along the Etsch Cycle Path or challenging mountain bike trails in the nearby mountains – there's something for every level.🔥

Nature is coming back to life, flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining – the perfect backdrop for unforgettable biking experiences! 🌄

📸: Vinschgau Marketing_Patrick Schwienbacher

#naturns #naturno #springvibes #spring #biketour #flowerpower #trails #southtyrol #südtirol #frühling #fahrrad #fahrradtour #blumen #frühlingsgefühle #altoadige #primavera #inbici #fioriprimaverili #altoadigedavivere #altoadigedascoprire

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Naturns  I  Naturno Naturns I Naturno 6 days ago
Naturns  I  Naturno

Wir sind bereit!!🔥 Nächste Woche ist es endlich soweit!❤

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Siamo pronti!!🔥 La prossima settimana é finalmente arrivato il momento!❤

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