Ebenseer Glöcklerlauf

DESCRIPTION:
One of the most beautiful of the numerous traditional events in Ebensee is the Rauhnachts custom of the Glöcklerlauf, which is approximately one hundred sixty years old. Ebensee is the center and origin of this tradition, which takes place annually on January 5th, the eve of Epiphany and the last Rauhnacht ("feisty Rauhnacht Perchta"). The purpose of the Glöcklerlauf is to gain the blessing and protection of good spirits and to drive away evil spirits.

The Glöckler groups, known as "Passen," gather from the various districts of Ebensee in the town center, where they perform their formations along the section of VW Dorfner/Bahnhofstraße and the main street (in front of the municipal office). It is always a beautiful sight when the "Hoch Berggasse" group makes its way down the steps from the Kalvarienberg into the town center. The brass band playing various Christmas carols from the balcony of the municipal office also adds to the festive atmosphere.

Participating in the Glöcklerlauf is quite a physical challenge for the individual cap bearers, as the Glöcklers carry caps weighing up to 20 kilograms, reaching heights of up to 2 meters and lengths of 4 meters through the town. To ensure that the evil spirits are truly driven away, the Glöcklers are strapped with large bells attached to leather belts, whose dull sound is meant to support the light.

Each cap is essentially a small work of art. Several hundred hours of work are required to create a single cap. Multiple designers create the images, which is not an easy task, as no motif can be used more than once. The motifs are then painstakingly cut out from colored paper, punched, and backed with colorful tissue paper. Inside the wooden framework, several candles are attached to illuminate the Glöckler caps. The traditional shapes of the caps are storm hats, five-pointed stars, and seven-pointed stars. At exactly 6:00 PM, a cannon shot announces the start of the Glöcklerlauf, which takes place regardless of the weather. The collectors request voluntary donations from visitors, which are also used for the construction and redesign of additional caps.

Due to its originality and the preservation of tradition over the decades, the traditional Ebensee Glöcklerlauf was designated as an Austrian intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010.

Program 2026:
For those who wish to take a closer look at the construction and elaborate craftsmanship of such a cap before the actual event, a remarkable Glöckler cap exhibition will be on display in the large town hall from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM on January 5th. In the parish hall (starting at 10 AM), there will also be an exhibition by the Catholic Youth on Glöckler Day.

The Ebensee Museum (open on January 5, 2026, from 1 PM to 5 PM) features a permanent Glöckler cap exhibition on the top floor, which can be visited daily during opening hours until February 2nd. Additionally, on Glöckler Day, there will be a performance of Christmas carols by the Star Singers AGV Kohlröserl from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, along with donuts and punch.

From 4:30 PM to approximately 5:30 PM, the Star Singers' Mass will take place at the Catholic parish church.

Starting at 5:00 PM, visitors can listen to some typical Ebensee Christmas carols performed by a brass ensemble from FMK Langwies from the balcony of the municipal office.

Travel Information: Please note:
There is a parking fee obligation until 6:00 PM on both the back side of the municipality and throughout the entire Trauneck Square.