Between bells, fur and fire – The Teifis Buam from Radstadt

Outside, it's getting colder, the days are getting shorter, and the streets are getting quieter. There's already that very special smell of winter in the air – and somewhere in the distance, I can hear it: the dull clanging of bells. For many, this sound means fear or nervousness, but for me, it's the most wonderful sign of all. It tells me that the best time of the year has begun – the Krampus are back.

This also marks the return of the Krampus group that we Radstadters look forward to every year – the Teifis Buam. When you hear their bells ringing through our little town, you immediately sense that this tradition is truly alive in Radstadt.

I had the opportunity to speak with Sebastian Öttl, chairman of the Teifis Buam, and learn more about their history and the cohesion of the group.

He leans back, smiles and begins to tell me: ‘The Teifis Buam have been around since 2012,’ Sebi explains. "Most of the members had known each other for a long time, and we had always been good friends. Each of us shared the same enthusiasm for the Krampus tradition. A few of the members were even active in other groups and lived out the tradition there. But then we decided to start something of our own. So, we got together and founded our own Krampus group – the Teifis Buam. The name Teifis Buam means “The Sons of the Devil”. We chose the name because we wanted to use the words “Teifi” and “Buam” from the outset. Put together, you get “Teifis Buam”, and that's how the name came about," says Sebi.

When it was founded in 2012, the Pass consisted of six members. Over time, more and more have joined, and now the Pass consists of three St. Nicholases, two angels, two basket carriers and 13 Krampuses. However, it can also happen that a St. Nicholas dressed as a Krampus joins in. ;)

Every year, I count down the days until Krampus season starts again. Nevertheless, I feel that many people have very different opinions about this tradition. For some, it is wonderful, while for others, it is the worst time of the year.

That's why I wanted to know from Sebi what the custom and the old tradition mean to the Teifis Buam.

The Krampus tradition is very important to us. Everyone from this pass grew up with this custom and wants to continue it as far as possible. We all want this old tradition to be preserved, just like the house visits around St. Nicholas Day, for example. If you would like to be visited by the Teifis Buam, send them an email at
teifisbuam@gmx.at. Provide your name, date, preferred time, number of children, address and telephone number, and you will receive a delightful visit. ;)

I also hope that this tradition never ends. Every year, I am right at the front of many Krampus runs. Question for you, Sebi: What was your best run in all these years, and how do you see the future?

He smiles and thinks for a moment. "Well, the best run so far was our first home run in Radstadt in 2013. Back then, we all had new costumes and everyone made a point of taking time out for this special day. I'll never forget it. The pass should definitely be kept going. The current generation wants to pass on the tradition to the younger generation – maybe our own children will take part one day, which would, of course, be a dream come true."

Thank you, Sebi, for the great insight behind the masks of the Teifis Buam! But you're not getting away from me just yet. There's one thing that interests me, and I think the readers, too. The Radstadt Krampus run. For me, it's the most beautiful Krampus run.

It is organised by the Teifis Buam and is a real highlight of the Advent season. :)

‘We have been organising the Radstadt Krampus Run since 2014. Most of the work usually takes one to two weeks,’ explains Sebi. ‘Over the years, a good basic concept has developed. We use this as a guide every year to ensure that everything runs smoothly again.’

´"It varies from year to year, as it depends on how many participants are in a pass and how large the pass ultimately is. However, we always aim to have around 40 passes in Radstadt. We organise everything ourselves for our home race. For example, we hold discussions with the police and the local council, take care of group registrations, applications, barriers, and many other details that visitors often don't even notice."

Even though the custom mostly has its positive aspects, unexpected situations can arise from time to time. Sebi, what measures do you take in such unexpected situations during the Krampus run?

‘If the participants do not behave appropriately, we would say, “They're going too far,” then these participants will have their start numbers taken away and they will be excluded from the Radstadt Krampus Run for a certain period of time.’

My next question would be: How has the Radstadt Krampus Run changed over time, and what was your best moment?

‘Phew,’ says Sebi, pausing briefly before continuing: "Since the Radstadt Krampus Run has been around for about 30 to 35 years now, a lot has certainly changed. One thing I still remember is that the Krampus run used to go from the Post Office to Stegerbräu.‘ Beautiful moments include positive feedback from the participants and spectators when there are hardly any incidents, and everything goes just as you hoped it would in the end.’

‘So far, you've had the perfect answer to every question. Thank you very much for that!’ I say to him.

I have one more question. What makes the Radstadt Krampus Run special or unique in your opinion?

Sebi looks at me and says with a smile: ‘You know what, that's not for me to answer, but for the groups that come to us every year.’

Great idea, I think to myself, and a few days later I receive the first replies, but read for yourself 😉.

Zott’n Pass Altenmarkt

The Krampus run promotes community spirit. Every year, the Teifis Buam create a festive atmosphere – a cultural experience that keeps the tradition alive.

Teufelspakt Steinabrückl

‘We've been coming regularly since 2010. It's wonderful to see how the whole community sticks together – and we stay until the very end every year.’

Ennstola Gebiagsteifen
This run is no ordinary run for us – it's our home game. Surrounded by the city walls, you can really feel the traditions.

Krenwalder Krampusse
‘A fixed date! The perfect combination of tradition, atmosphere and organisation – a highlight of the Advent season every year.’

I would like to thank Sebastian once again for the interview and wish the Teifis Buam a wonderful and accident-free Krampus season in 2025! 😉

INFO:
• Krampus Run in Radstadt on 27.11.2025 at 7.00 pm
• Information about the Krampus Run Radstadt:

Start is in the Town Square at 7.00 pm with the Kids’ Krampuses
Krampus-free zone
Free parking: Town Pond, Garde Square, Sports Centre, Nagelschmiedstrasse, Judenbühel, Railway Station
Aftershow Krampus Party
Free admission!
• Krampus Get-together at the Arlhofhütte on 15.11.2025 at 6.00 pm

PS: There will be a raffle with great prizes at this year's Krampus run in Radstadt. Tickets can be purchased from the 14th of November 2025 at the Radstadt Tourist Office, from the Teifis Buam themselves or at the Krampus run. The main prize is a hand-carved Krampus mask from Rene Reschreiter.

photo credits: Ennstola Gebiagsteifin, Krenwalder Krampusse, Sebastian Öttl, Teifis Buam, Teufelspackt Steinabrückl, Krenwalder Krampusse, Lorenz Masser