Traditional St. Nicholas game on the terrace of Hotel Grimmingblick

Name: Traditional St. Nicholas game on the terrace of Hotel Grimmingblick
Start: 2026-12-05T20:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-12-05T21:00:00+01:00
Location: Hotel Grimmingblick Ges.m.b.H.

Sa., 05.12.2026 from 20:00 o'clock

Traditionally, the St. Nicholas play, an everyman play, is performed annually on December 05. Traditional St. Nicholas game on the terrace of Hotel Grimmingblick

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

Every year on December 5, the Nikolospiel has been taking place in Bad Mitterndorf for over 100 years, as can be read in the local chronicle. There is still genuine tradition present. Those who value tradition are right in Bad Mitterndorf. The texts are nearly 100 years old and have retained their original wording to this day. Even though some of it may seem difficult to understand in today's time, the way it is expressed conveys to the listener the past of a less hectic world.

The wooden masks are frightening but have human features. With over 200 years, the oldest mask is that of the Bartl. Very special figures are the Strohschab, which rise far into the sky with their meter-long horns, ploddingly stepping in front of the procession, cracking their whips in time. Quartiermacher, night watchmen, and Schimmelreiter open the play. The Bartl carries a hunchback basket with fruit and sweets, which Bishop Nikolaus and the pastor distribute to the children. Death appears in the form of the Grim Reaper and stretches him to the ground. The powers of evil, represented by two Krampuses, drag him out of the inn.

If Bishop Nikolaus has already preached before to refrain from sins and to be good, he warns once more, but then leaves the spectators in the inn to the husband devil. He tells how he wrecks marriages. In this rhyming text, especially the old and rural is reflected. One should be somewhat cautious about the smith and Habergeiß. However, 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 worth it.

Photos & videos

Date and time

Sa., 05.12.2026

Starts at: 20:00 O'clock (Duration: 1 Hour)

Event location

Bad Mitterndorf - Hotel Grimmingblcik

Additional Information

Included services

What is the Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf?
The Nikolospiel is a traditional custom and ranks among the oldest rural folk plays in Austria. It takes place every year on the 5th of December and combines a festive procession with play scenes that depict religious, social, and humorous elements.

When and where does the Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf take place?
The Nikolospiel takes place exclusively on the 5th of December. The procession starts in the district of Krungl and leads several kilometers into the town center of Bad Mitterndorf. Scenes are performed at five play stations.

How long does the Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf last?
The entire event with the procession and play stations lasts several hours. It begins in the afternoon in Krungl, and the last scene is performed in the evening in Bad Mitterndorf.

Is there an admission fee for the Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf?
No admission is charged for the Nikolospiel itself. Traditionally, the so-called “Mesner” collect donations during the procession.

Is the Nikolospiel only in Bad Mitterndorf?
In addition to the large Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf, there are also local Nikolospiels held in the surrounding towns of Tauplitz, Kainisch, and Obersdorf. Each play has its own character, differing in scope, figures, and tradition, but follows the same fundamental idea of the custom.