Buttnmandl and Kramperl Run Bischofswiesen
Ancient Advent custom in the Berchtesgaden region
About Buttnmandllauf
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A Custom Between Paganism and Christianity
The roots of the Buttnmandllauf reach back to Celtic times and were later Christianized by the figure of Saint Nicholas. The "wild figures in fur and straw" are said to awaken winter nature with the rattling of their bells ("Buttn"). The custom is deeply rooted in the Berchtesgaden region (Berchtesgadener Land district, Upper Bavaria) and is one of Bavaria's most distinctive Advent customs.
Buttnmandl, Ganggerl, and Kramperl
The Buttnmandl and Ganggerl are wrapped in long, threshed straw and wear fur masks and large bells. The fur-covered Kramperl lead the groups and maintain order; a birch branch is part of the playful spectacle. Together, they accompany St. Nicholas from house to house – traditionally primarily as a private house-visiting custom.
The Bundeswehr St. Nicholas Parade of the Struber Jäger
A public version has existed since 1962: The Gebirgsjäger ("Struber Jäger") lead a public parade with St. Nicholas, Buttnmandl, Kramperl, Knecht Ruprecht, and angels, who distribute gifts to the children. This parade – unlike the more private Buttnmandllaufen – is a spectacle accessible to everyone.
On Several Advent Sundays
In the municipality of Bischofswiesen, the custom is spread over several dates: on the 1st Advent Sunday in the district of Loipl, on the 2nd Advent Sunday in Winkl, on Christmas Eve afternoon in Maria Gern, and in early December in the main town of Bischofswiesen. Visitors to the Berchtesgaden region in Advent experience one of the region's most original living traditions here.
Buttnmandllauf — edition 2026
During Advent 2026, the custom in Bischofswiesen takes place on several days: on the 1st Advent Sunday in the district of Loipl, on the 2nd Advent Sunday in Winkl, and on December 5th/6th in the main town. On Christmas Eve afternoon, the run takes place in Maria Gern.
The highlight of the public events is the Bundeswehr St. Nicholas parade by the "Struber Jäger" on December 5th: it begins at 1:30 PM at the Gebirgsjäger barracks and reaches Schlossplatz (Castle Square) around 3:15 PM. St. Nicholas, Buttnmandl, Kramperl, Knecht Ruprecht, and angels parade through the town, distributing gifts to the children.
Programme Buttnmandllauf 2026
Dates in Advent 2026
- 1st Advent Sunday — Buttnmandllauf in Bischofswiesen/Loipl
- 2nd Advent Sunday — Buttnmandllauf in Bischofswiesen/Winkl
- December 5th, from 1:30 PM — Bundeswehr St. Nicholas parade of the Gebirgsjäger starting from Gebirgsjäger barracks; arrival at Schlossplatz around 3:15 PM; with St. Nicholas, Buttnmandl, Kramperl, Knecht Ruprecht, and angels
- December 5th/6th — Buttnmandllauf in the main town of Bischofswiesen, connected to the Berchtesgaden Advent market
- Christmas Eve, afternoon — Run in Maria Gern
Highlights Buttnmandllauf 2026
- Bundeswehr St. Nicholas parade of the Gebirgsjäger on December 5th
- Straw-clad Buttnmandl with heavy bells
- Custom on several Advent dates in Loipl, Winkl, and the town
Prices Buttnmandllauf 2026
The public parade is free to attend. The traditional Buttnmandllaufen is primarily a private house-visiting custom.
Practical information — Buttnmandllauf
Getting There
Bischofswiesen is located in the Berchtesgaden region, accessible via the B20 from Bad Reichenhall or Berchtesgaden, and by train (Bischofswiesen station on the Freilassing–Berchtesgaden line). The runs take place in the districts of Loipl, Winkl, and the town center.
Admission
The public Bundeswehr St. Nicholas parade is freely accessible. The traditional Buttnmandllaufen is primarily a private house-visiting custom.
Tip
Dress warmly and arrive early: The parade on December 5th starts at 1:30 PM at the barracks. Check bischofswiesen.de in advance for exact meeting points.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Buttnmandllauf al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Buttnmandllauf
Bischofswiesen / Loipl / Winkl