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 community square in Pichl

Sa., 05.12.2026 from 19:30 o'clock

The Kumitz Nikolaus play has its origins in the late 18th century and is still performed every year on December 5th in Obersdorf, Pichl, and Kainisch. During this event, Saint Nicholas appears with his entourage, while the Schab announce the upcoming Rauhnachts time 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 the 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 different 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 priest, the Saint Nicholas, the white Bartel, the altar boys, the night watchman, and the Habergeiss. While the priest and Saint Nicholas admonish and instruct the children with their sermons, the white Bartel subsequently rewards them with well-filled Nikolosackerln. The procession is enhanced 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 deals with the vices and weaknesses of humanity, astonishing the audience every year.

The costumes and masks also shape the appearance of the custom. While the Krampuses were once equipped with fur masks, today they wear sheepskin heads with intricately 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, drama, and regional culture. Together with the historic Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf, it contributes to preserving the ancestral customs of the Ausseerland for future generations. 

Photos & videos

Date and time

Sa., 05.12.2026
Starts at: 19:30 O'clock (Duration: 1 Hour)

Event location

Bad Mitterndorf - Community square in Pichl

Additional Information

FAQ / good to know

  • What is the Krampus play of the Nikolagruppe Kumitz?
    A traditional folk play performed on December 5. It combines the traditions of St. Nicholas, folk theater, and the Krampus procession.


  • When and where does the Krampus play of the Nikolagruppe 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 entrance fees for the Krampus play of the Nikolagruppe Kumitz?
    No entrance fee is charged for the Nikolospiel itself. Traditionally, the so-called “Mesner” collect donations during the procession.


  • Are there any other Krampus plays in the Ausseerland?
    In addition to the Krampusspiel of the Nikolagruppe Kumitz, there are also separate Nikolospiele performed in the surrounding towns of Bad Mitterndorf and Tauplitz. Each play has its own character, varies in scope, figures, and tradition, but follows the same fundamental idea of the custom.