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Advent in the mountains of the Pyhrn-Priel Holiday Region

Stroll along and enjoy
What would Advent be without all the lovely Christmas bakery? Lovingly decorated „stalls” on festive Advent markets do not only offer crafted master pieces as Christmas gifts, but offer delicious Christmas cookies, soft gingerbread, tasty Christmas cakes and fruity breads. Crafts from all walks ensure a wide range of goodies on offer, made from wood, clay, textiles or glass. Guests and locals love this time of year and enjoy the festive atmosphere as well as the local customs going along with it. A warming glass of Glühwein while soft snow flakes fall are unbeatable to get that real Christmas feeling.

Scary figures and mystic sounds
The time of Advent is the time of old customs and next to the beautiful Advent markets you will hardly find a more traditional custom than the running of the fur covered beasts , the so called “Krampus” or “Perchten” – half animal, half human - strolling and roaring through the villages accompanied by the sounds of bells. According to custom their purpose is to scare away all evil in the area as well as in the houses and farms. Today they attract hundreds of spectators with their wild show and the Hell Night of Spital (Spitaler Höllennacht) or the Beast Run in Windischgarsten (Krampus- und Perchtenlauf) or the Rough Night of Hinterstoder ( Perchtenrauhnacht) are among the largest events. The run of the beasts is quite a physical exercise and the young men participating have to run many kilometres dressed up in the heavy furs and head masks with horns and heavy bells, carrying a weight of more than 20 kg.


Advent Events at the Pyhrn-Priel Holiday Region: