Traditional St. Nicholas Play at the parking lot of the Tauplitzalm Alpine Road

Performance times:
5:00 p.m. Stoffbauer-Tenne in Krungl
6:15 p.m. Gasthof Zauchenwirt
7:00 p.m. Parkplatz Tauplitzalm Alpenstraße in Thörl
8:00 p.m. Hotel Grimmingblick - Terrace
9:00 p.m. Dorfplatz Bad Mitterndorf

Every year on December 5, the Nikolospiel takes place in Bad Mitterndorf, which has been happening for over 100 years, as can be read in the local chronicle. There is still genuine tradition present there. Those who value tradition are right in Bad Mitterndorf. The texts are around 100 years old and have retained their original wording to this day. Even if some of it seems difficult to understand in modern times, the expression conveys to the listener the past of a less hectic world.

The wooden masks are frightening but show human traits. With over 200 years, the oldest mask is that of Bartl. Very special figures are the Strohschab, who tower with their meter-long horns far into the sky, plodding along in time, cracking their whips, in front of the procession. Quartiermacher, night watchmen, and Schimmelreiter open the play. Bartl carries a humpback basket filled with fruits and sweets, which Bishop Nicholas and the pastor distribute to the children. Death appears in the form of the grim reaper and strikes him to the ground. The forces of evil, represented by two Krampuses, drag him out of the tavern.

If Bishop Nicholas has previously preached about avoiding sins and being good, he warns anew but then leaves the spectators in the tavern to the marriage devil. He tells how he ruins marriages. This rhyming text particularly reflects the old and rural way of life. However, care should be taken with the blacksmith and Habergeiß. The Nikolojäger have everything well under control and ensure order. Masks and furs are continuously renewed, but the main figures have remained almost unchanged for several decades.

 A visit to Bad Mitterndorf is certainly worthwhile.