DEC. 5TH: SAN NICHOLAUS AND THE KRAMPUS

An authentic tradition of the north-eastern Alps not to be missed, which characterizes the night of December 5th, when in many areas of Europe, St. Nicholas (Sinteerklaas - Sankt Nikolaus) brings gifts to good children.

In many Trentino, Friulian, Tyrolean, Bavarian and Slovenian valleys, St. Nicholas is preceded by the parade of Krampus.

• WHERE TO MEET THE KRAMPUS
• WHERE TO SLEEP
• HOW TO GET TO THESE VILLAGES

Who is the Krampus or what are they?

This tradition, which is still very much alive, has various interpretations.

The Krampus represent the spirits of the forest, which on the evening of December 5th, when darkness falls, come out of the woods to reach the villages, armed with whip branches and bells, illuminating their path with large torches.

 Photo Credits Denis Scarpante

"Looking at the upper Friuli we had the honor of entering the Atelier of Mattia, a young sculptor, who also makes masks for the Krampus parade. The tradition of the Krampus is still very much alive in these valleys around Tarvisio, surrounded by severe peaks and dense forests straddling Italy, Slovenia and Austria.

The parade in the various villages is an event awaited by both children and young people, who roam for a few hours representing the Karpus.

The 5th of December is an excellent opportunity to visit these places, combining tradition with nature and the landscapes whitened by the first snow of the season: Monte Lussari, Laghi di Fusine, Val Bruna, Ruska Kapelica and the Christmas fairs of Villach and Kranjska Gora.

Staying at Casa Obericcheter in Malborghetto we were immersed in the tradition of the Krampus, in a unique place entirely dedicated to children."

 Lorenzo, Fabio and Paolo

 Photo Credits Denis Scarpante

According to tradition, the Krampus is only interpreted by young people from the villages, usually wearing animal furs and a mask with long horns, remaining anonymous under their mask, which is made in secret throughout the year.

The Krampus reach the center of the village parading along the streets, usually up to the main square, where St. Nicholas calls them to order, with his pastoral staff.

At this point St. Nicholas gets on a cart pulled by the same Krampus, now under his control, and passes through the homes of children to read what they have done good and bad, delivering small gifts (chocolate, fruit, cookies, puppets).

On December 5, some hotels organize themed stays for St. Nicholas, dedicated to children on holiday.

Don't miss a stay in the characteristic Casa Obericcheter - Fort Hensel in Malborghetto.

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• Photo Credit Denis Scarpante Photo Credit Denis Scarpante
• Photo Credit Denis Scarpante Photo Credit Denis Scarpante
• Photo Credit Denis Scarpante Photo Credit Denis Scarpante
• Photo Credit Denis Scarpante Photo Credit Denis Scarpante
• Photo Credit Denis Scarpante Photo Credit Denis Scarpante
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WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO MEET THE KRAMPUS

ALTO FRIULI: Tarvisio, Camporosso, Fusine, Pontebba.

TRENTINO: Levico Terme, Mori, Primiero, Pozza di Fassa.

ALTO ADIGE - SUDTIROL: Vipiteno, Brunico, Sesto, Dubbiacco, Campo di Tures. 

IN THE VILLAGES:

1.Wait for the darkness, and watch the frightening parade of Krampus.

2. Welcome St. Nicholas and celebrate the evening of December 5 with your children.

3. Walk through the numerous Christmas markets of the Eastern Alps.

4. Visit the villages whitened by the first snow and decorated for the Christmas period.

5. Take the opportunity to taste typical products, Christmas cakes and mulled wine.

IN THE  NEARBY REGION:

1. Reach the romantic Monte Lussari.

2. Don't miss the frozen lakes of Fusine, Carezza, Braies, and Misurina.

3. The ski season begins in the ski areas of the Dolomites, Tyrol and Carinzia.

4. Visit the MMM and the famous museums of the famous alpinist Reinhold Messner.

5. Relax in the Alpine Thermal Baths surrounded by snowy mountains.

6. Take the opportunity to buy and taste Speck and typical alpine cheeses.

WHERE TO SLEEP - HOTELS, B&B, APARTMENTS

The north-eastern Alps is a large area among 3 countries (Italy, Austria and Slovenia) that offers a large number of hotels and holiday houses.

Thanks to pictures, facilities informations and reviews, You can check easly the availability of Hotels, B&B and Holiday Houses in this Area and book the best solution for You, using this link:

BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE SOUTH TIROL

BOOKING - HOTELS B&B HOLIDAY HOUSES IN FRIULI

HOW TO GET TO THE VILLAGES OF TRENTINO AND FRIULI

Located in the north east of the italian Alps these villages are well connected and accessible by pubblic transport. It easly reachble by car from Austria, Italy and Slovenia.

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS: Check here for your flight on: 

TRS - Trieste 2,00h

VRN - Verona 2,00h

VCE - Venezia  2,00h

TSF - Treviso  2,00h

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