Buttnmandl and Kramperl Run Bischofswiesen

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.