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 the Zirbenhof Stückelschweiger

Sa., 05.12.2026 from 20:30 o'clock

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

 

Performance times:
5:00 p.m. Bäckerei Schlömmer in Obersdorf
7:30 p.m. Dorfplatz 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 the Ausseerland Salzkammergut. The performances of the Nikologruppe Kumitz take place in the districts of Obersdorf, Pichl, and Kainisch in the municipality of Bad Mitterndorf.

Over time, the Kumitzer Krampus play developed into an integral part of the regional customs. In the past, the various figures appeared in the inns of the region. Today, the performances take place outdoors on specially erected wooden stages. The most important roles include the pastor, the Saint Nicholas, the white Bartel, the lay servants, the night watchman, and the Habergeiß. While the pastor and Saint Nicholas admonish and instruct the children with their sermons, the white Bartel then rewards them with well-filled Nikolosackerln. The procession is complemented by the Schab, who announce the upcoming Rauhnacht with their loud whips.

A special position within the Kumitzer Krampus play is held by Lucifer with his two attendants. His impressive sermon addresses the vices and weaknesses of humanity and never fails to astonish the audience each year.

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

The Kumitzer Krampus play uniquely combines tradition, theater, and regional culture. Together with the traditional Nikolaus play in Bad Mitterndorf, it helps to preserve the inherited customs of the Ausseerland for future generations. 

Photos & videos

Date and time

Sa., 05.12.2026
Starts at: 20:30 O'clock (Duration: 1 Hour)

Event location

Bad Mitterndorf - Zirbenhof Stückelschweiger

Additional Information

FAQ / good to know

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


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


  • Are there any entry fees for the Krampus play of the Nikologruppe Kumitz?
    No entry fee is charged 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 individual Nikolospiele performed in the surrounding towns of Bad Mitterndorf and Tauplitz. Each play has its own character, differing in scope, figures, and tradition, but following the same fundamental idea of the custom.

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