Winter customs in the Chiemgau

Rough nights

The Rough Nights, also known as the "Twelve Holy Nights", are a mysterious and magical time between Christmas and Epiphany on 6 January. These twelve nights, which traditionally begin on 25 December and last until 5 January, are considered a threshold time when the boundaries between our world and the spiritual world become more permeable. This offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection, letting go and reorientation for the coming year.

Origin and meaning of the Rauhnächte

The tradition of the Rauhnächte dates back to Celtic, Germanic and Nordic customs , in which this time was seen as a special phase of transition. In the past, it was a time when rural life came to rest and people focussed on family, community and the divine. The twelve nights symbolise the months of the coming year, and each day offers an opportunity to "shape" the corresponding month spiritually and mentally.

Rituals and customs during the Rough Nights

There are numerous rituals and customs during the Rough Nights that serve to consciously bring the old year to a close and set a positive mood for the new year. The best-known rituals include

• Incense burning: many people use the Holy Nights to cleanse their living spaces with fragrant herbs such as frankincense, sage or juniper. This incense ritual is intended to dispel negative energies and create a harmonious atmosphere.

• Diary and dream interpretation: It is recommended to keep a diary and pay particular attention to dreams, as these are regarded as messages from the subconscious during the Holy Nights, which can give clues about the coming year.

• Manifest wishes: Some people write their wishes for the coming year on small pieces of paper and burn a wish every evening without knowing which one it is. The last wish that remains is said to be the task that you must actively tackle yourself in the coming year.

The Rauhnächte in Chiemgau - a living tradition

In Chiemgau in particular, this ancient custom is still celebrated with devotion and deep respect. Here, burning incense in the house and yard is a firm part of the tradition, as is coming together as a community to celebrate the Rauhnächte and get in the mood for the coming year. In Chiemgau, where nature and ancient customs play a special role, the tradition of the Rauhnächte has been preserved in its original form. Families and friends come together to celebrate rituals, tell stories and experience this time of reflection together.

Events in Chiemgau during the Rauhnächte

Every year, special events are organised in Chiemgau for those interested to take part. For example, the guided Rauhnach hikes at the winter solstice in Reit im Winkl or the Ruhpolding Rauhnachtsmarkt. These events offer the opportunity to experience the tradition up close and to celebrate the mysterious atmosphere of the Rauhnächte together. Anyone who is interested in the magic of the Rauhnächte can become part of this special tradition and immerse themselves in the spiritual significance of this time.

How to celebrate the Rough Nights

Everyone can celebrate the Rough Nights in their own way, whether you want to immerse yourself in the ancient rituals or simply reflect in silence. It is worth creating little islands of peace during this special time, trying out rituals and consciously experiencing these magical nights. Use this time of the Rauhnächte to let go of the old, form new visions and enter the new year with renewed vigour.

Discover the power of the Rauhnächte and let yourself be touched by their magic - especially in the traditional atmosphere of Chiemgau!

Origin and tradition of the Perchten and Krampus runs

The Krampus runs in Chiemgau look back on a long tradition. The Krampus, the sinister companion of St Nicholas, is regarded as the bringer of punishment for naughty people and is firmly rooted in the Alpine region in particular. With loud bells and sometimes hand-carved masks, the Krampus parade through the streets and spread an atmosphere that oscillates between fascination and awe . The skilfully crafted masks and costumes of the individual Krampus groups, the so-called "Passen", make each run a unique experience.

When and where: Dates and highlights

Various Krampus runs take place in Chiemgau during the Advent season. Villages and towns such as Traunstein, Inzell and Ruhpolding organise their own runs every year and invite visitors to experience the tradition up close. The exact dates vary each year, but they usually take place between the end of November and mid-December. In addition to the spectacular performances by the Krampuses, visitors can often expect a colourful supporting programme with mulled wine stands, Advent music and local specialities.

The fascination of the scary: Why the Krampus run is so popular

The Krampus runs in Chiemgau offer a fascinating mixture of mysticism and tradition that is hard to beat in its uniqueness. The intricately carved masks, the elaborate fur costumes and the menacing sounds of the bells create an atmosphere that invites you to marvel and shudder in equal measure. For many families and visitors, the Krampus Run is an integral part of the Advent season and an opportunity to experience the traditions and magic of the region.

Tips for visitors

• Get there in good time - the runs are very popular with locals and visitors alike
• Dress warmly - standing outside for so long can otherwise make it very cold
• Bring courage - the Krampuses are not only visually impressive, but also very loud! The sight can be particularly frightening for children, but most Krampuses are considerate of their little spectators

Klöpfeln

Klöpfeln is an old custom in Chiemgau that is deeply rooted in the Advent season . The name comes from the Alpine word "klöpfeln", which means"to knock". This custom traditionally takes place on the three Thursdays before Christmas and is particularly widespread in rural areas of Chiemgau and Salzburger Land.

Groups of children or young people - often dressed in simple, historical costumes - go from house to house. They knock on doors, sing songs and say traditional sayings, proclaiming the imminent birth of Jesus and asking for gifts such as fruit, sweets or small amounts of money. The texts and songs that are recited during the "Klöpfeln" are usually deeply religious in nature and are intended to remind people of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter. The songs and verses often express the request for shelter and charity, which has a special meaning during Advent.

The custom of "Klöpfeln" probably has its origins in old winter customs, in which "parading" from house to house symbolised the arrival of winter. Over time, the custom became increasingly Christianised and became a kind of living Advent carol singing.

In Chiemgau, not only singing and praying are important, but also the community. Klöpfeln strengthens togetherness in the community and reminds people to uphold the value of community and sharing, especially in the run-up to Christmas. For the children and young people who take part in Klöpfeln, it is an opportunity to experience Christmas in a traditional way and at the same time build an important connection to old customs and regional identity.

Traditional saying: We are two little dumplings and have a big sock and because we don't have anything in it, we ask for a gift.

Carol singing

Star singing in Chiemgau is one of the most beautiful and meaningful traditions in our region, which is particularly popular at Christmas time. Children and young people dress up as the Three Wise Men and go from house to house to bring the blessing "Christus mansionem benedicat" - Christ bless this house. They sing songs, recite blessings and collect donations for charitable causes, which primarily benefit disadvantaged children around the world. The tradition of carol singing brings people together, strengthens the community and is a living expression of faith and charity.

In Chiemgau, carol singing has a special significance. The children in their colourful robes and shining stars not only bring joy into the winter darkness, but also keep the Christmas message alive. This tradition teaches children and young people important values such as charity and a sense of responsibility and enables them to experience the preservation of cultural customs. At the same time, the donations collected send a strong signal of solidarity and are intended to help make the world a little bit better.