Gruppenbild der Nikologruppe Kumitz auf der Einfahrt zum Kumitzberg. In der ersten Reihe stehen die lichten Gesellen des Nikolaus, dahinter die dunklen Krampusse mit ihren unterschiedlichen Masken. | © Lebensbilder - Christine Struz Gruppenbild der Nikologruppe Kumitz auf der Einfahrt zum Kumitzberg. In der ersten Reihe stehen die lichten Gesellen des Nikolaus, dahinter die dunklen Krampusse mit ihren unterschiedlichen Masken. | © Lebensbilder - Christine Struz

Krampusspiel of the Nikologruppe Kumitz at Bäckerei Schlömmer

Sa., 05.12.2026 from 17:00 o'clock

The Kumitzer Nikolospiel has its origins in the late 18th century and is still performed annually on December 5th in Obersdorf, Pichl, and Kainisch. During the play, Saint Nicholas appears with his entourage, while the Schab announce the upcoming Rauhnachts season with their loud Goaßlschnalzer. A special highlight of the play is Lucifer's impressive sermon about the vices and weaknesses of humanity.

Performance times:
5:00 p.m. Bakery Schlömmer in Obersdorf
7:30 p.m. Village square in Pichl
8:30 p.m. Stückelschweiger in Kainisch

The Kumitzer Krampus play is a traditional custom that is deeply rooted in the regional culture of Ausseerland Salzkammergut. The performances of the Nikologruppe Kumitz take place in the districts Obersdorf, Pichl, and Kainisch of the municipality Bad Mitterndorf.

Over time, the Kumitzer Krampus play developed into an integral part of the regional customs. In the past, the various figures performed in the inns of the region. Today, the performances take place outdoors on specially constructed wooden stages. The most important roles include the priest, the Nicolaus, the white Bartel, the grave diggers, the night watchman, and the Habergeiß. While the priest and Nicolaus admonish and instruct the children with their sermons, the white Bartel later rewards them with well-filled Nikolosackerln. The procession is complemented by the Schab, who herald the upcoming Rauhnacht with their loud whip cracks.

A special position within the Kumitzer Krampus play is held by Lucifer with his two attendants. His impressive sermon deals with the vices and weaknesses of humanity and amazes the audience every year.

The costumes and masks also shape the appearance of the custom. While the Krampuses used to be equipped with fur masks, they now wear sheepskin heads with artfully carved wooden masks and goat horns. Lucifer stands out distinctly from the other figures with his sheepskin head without a wooden mask and his red-painted face.

The Kumitzer Krampus play uniquely combines tradition, performance, and regional culture. Together with the long-established Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf, it contributes to preserving the transmitted customs of the Ausseerland for future generations. 

Photos & videos

Date and time

Sa., 05.12.2026
Starts at: 17:00 O'clock (Duration: 1 Hour)

Event location

Bad Mitterndorf - Bäckerei Schlömmer

Additional Information

FAQ / good to know

  • What is the Krampus play of the Nikolaus group Kumitz?
    A traditional folk play that is performed on December 5. It combines the Nikolaus tradition, folk theater, and the Krampus parade.


  • When and where does the Krampus play of the Nikolaus group Kumitz take place?
    The performances take place annually on December 5.
    There are three performances: at 5:00 p.m. at the Bäckerei Schlömmer in Obersdorf, at 7:30 p.m. at the Gemeindevorplatz in Pichl, and
    at 8:30 p.m. at the Zirbenhof Stückelschweiger in Kainisch.


  • Are there any entry fees for the Krampus play of the Nikolaus group Kumitz?
    No admission is required for the Nikolospiel itself. Traditionally, the so-called “Mesner” collect donations during the parade.


  • Are there other Krampus plays in the Ausseerland?
    In addition to the Krampus play of the Nikologruppe Kumitz, there are also independent Nikolospiele performed in the surrounding towns of Bad Mitterndorf and Tauplitz. Each play has its own character, differs in scope, figures, and tradition, but follows the same basic concept of the custom.