Salzburg's Dark Christmas Secret: The Terrifying Tradition of Krampus

As the holiday season descends upon Salzburg, the city offers far more than just the sparkle of dazzling Christmas markets and the comfort of calming carols. It holds a darker, more thrilling secret: the ancient, thunderous processions of Krampus! This unique, centuries-old pagan tradition of the Alpine region is intrinsically linked with the Christian Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th. While the benevolent Saint Nicholas rewards the good children with gifts, his monstrous, horned companion, the fearsome Krampus, emerges from the shadows to terrify the disobedient.

Grossglockner Alpine Road: A Picturesque Journey Through Austria’s Highest Alps

The Hohe Tauern National Park is undeniably one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. It spans 1,850 square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest national park in Europe. It is only surpassed in size by the parks of Iceland, France, Russia, and Sweden.

The glory of baroque music in Salzburg

The term "baroque" derives from the Portuguese "barroco", meaning "pearl of irregular shape". Italian translates it as "strange" or "bizarre". It is worth noting that the term "Baroque" was first used in relation to music by the musicologist Kurt Sachs in 1919.

Organ concerts in Salzburg

Salzburg is a city of great religious significance as it is an archdiocese governed by an archbishop. The Catholic churches in the city are adorned with beautiful domes and spires that add to its charm. Organ music plays an important role in the Catholic liturgy, and many famous classical composers, including the famous Salzburg native Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, have composed music for the church.

April weather in Salzburg

Each season and each month has its own unique charm. For me, April embodies a sense of anticipation for the soon coming summer. The snow slowly melts in the valleys, filling the air with a rich, fragrant scent.

March stroll from Hellbrunn Palace to Salzburg's city center

March is a beautiful month to visit Salzburg. The ski season is still going strong in the Alps, and the city is basking on sunny days and the beautiful sight of the first flowers blooming. As a tourism professional, it's time for me to shift into work mode.

Ski Resorts Near Salzburg – Expert Guide & Ski Trip Ideas

In this article, I would like to share my experiences with ski resorts around Salzburg. Maybe it will help you find the right ski resort for your skiing level and preferences.

Maypole tradition in Austria

May 1st is celebrated worldwide as Workers' Solidarity Day. However, even before the emergence of trade and labor unions on April 30th, ancient Europe had the tradition of holding triple processions of mummers who, with the sound of pipes, bells, and rattles, chased away evil spirits on Walpurgis or Philippi Night.

Jousting tournaments in the Tyrolean town of Reutte, Austria

Knight festivals, inspired by the Middle Ages, are very popular nowadays. One of the most famous festivals of this kind is the Time Travel Show (die Zeitreise), which is held annually in the charming town of Reutte in Tyrol, Austria.

Salzburg Zoo at the Palace Hellbrunn

The Salzburg Zoo, one of Europe's oldest zoos, was first mentioned in the 15th century as a nursery for animals bred for princely hunting on the hill of Hellbrunn.

Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg – The Tulip Season at Its Best

Mirabell Gardens is a beautiful gateway to Salzburg, offering stunning views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the domes of the Cathedral. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone eager to explore the city and learn about its rich history as the capital of the independent Principality of Salzburg.

My winter walk in Salzburg with a photo camera

Many people love to travel and discover new places, often avoiding revisiting the same areas. However, occasionally we form a strong attachment with a city and feel the need to return. Salzburg is one of those places that captivate the hearts of numerous travelers.

The Eagle's Nest in the post-war years

The Eagle's Nest, which is also called Kehlsteinhaus, is a famous tourist destination in Germany. It was constructed in 1938 on a rock that stands 1834 meters tall. Hitler's mountain house draws up to 500,000 visitors every year and is open to the public from May until the end of October.

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Please send your inquiry via email or the contact form, including the tour name, date, number of participants, and preferred meeting point. I’ll reply promptly with details and pricing.

How much does your service cost?

Estimated prices are as follows: Salzburg walking tours: €200–€300 | Half-day tours (Salzburg and nearby areas by minibus): €350–€450 | Full-day tours: €700–€950 | Final rates vary based on distance, itinerary, and tour customization.

Why do your quotations have price gaps?

I specialize in offering customized and individual tours; therefore, the price depends on itinerary, duration, season, distance, number of participants, and payment method. For example: Salzburg-Hallstatt Tour: 500–850 euros. Duration is from 5 hours to a full day. Either we drive 3 hours and spend 2 hours in Hallstatt, or we add more stops and spend the whole day in the Lake District, including Hallstatt.

What are the payment methods?

I accept payments via bank transfer, PayPal (subject to a processing fee), credit card, and cash. Please note that credit card payments incur an additional surcharge. Let me know your preferred method, and I’ll provide the necessary details.

What is your cancellation policy?

For the peak requested periods, I require a deposit via a payment link. Also, I need a deposit if you want me to pick you up from a location outside Salzburg. For short tours and last-minute bookings, I charge directly after the service. B2B services are managed on a contractual basis.

Can I book a tour by calling you?

I kindly ask that you send me a message first with some basic information about your preferred tour, date and group size. Once we've exchanged the essentials, we can gladly arrange a phone call if needed. Looking forward to hearing from you!

How many people can fit in your minivan? Can our baby sit on our lap?

My minivan comfortably seats up to seven passengers. For safety reasons, children must have their own seats; lap-sitting is not permitted. Child booster seats are available free of charge upon request.

What does your service cover?

Qualified guide service in Salzburg (Professional Austria Guide since 2006). Customized tour planning based on your preferences. Travel in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class 300 minivan with room for up to seven passengers. There are no additional charges for tolls or parking.

What is not included in your service?

Entrance fees, accommodations, meals and drinks.

Can we hire you to be just a driver for us?

Yes, that’s possible; however, it wouldn’t change the price. As a licensed tour guide with extensive knowledge and high qualifications, my time is valued differently than that of a regular taxi driver.

We’ll be driving our own car. Can we hire you just as a guide?

Yes, you can, but I wouldn’t really recommend it. When I’m driving my van, I know exactly where to go, when to slow down, and where to stop, which lets me focus fully on explaining and sharing insights without worrying about navigation. Plus, my van is spacious and offers much better visibility compared to a sedan. The price difference is minimal, so it’s usually worth it to let me handle the driving.

Can you give us a tour in a smaller car for a lower price?

No, I can only provide tours in a van.

There are more than eight of us. Could you assist with booking a larger bus?

Please note that arranging a large coach can be time-consuming because bus companies require detailed information to calculate costs and secure a deposit. For this reason, I usually prefer not to handle tourist bus bookings directly. However, I’m happy to provide contact details for transportation companies or help organize an additional minivan with a professional guide if needed.

Can we hire you for a few days?

I also offer multi-day itineraries tailored to your needs.

Can you give us a tour of just the town of Hallstatt?

I don’t offer tours just of Hallstatt. However, I provide full-day itineraries from Salzburg that cover the Lake District, including Hallstatt, or full-day tours focused specifically on the Hallstatt region.

Can you give us a half-day tour from Salzburg to Hallstatt?

Yes, I can. However, please keep in mind that a half-day usually means about 4 hours. The round trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt takes around 3 hours by car. That would leave you with only about 1 hour to explore Hallstatt itself. Hallstatt is indeed one of the most picturesque towns in the Salzkammergut Lake District, but it’s just one gem among many. Instead of focusing solely on Hallstatt, I’d recommend visiting a few other beautiful towns and lakes nearby. This way, you’ll get to experience the authentic charm of Austria beyond the usual tourist spots.

Is it possible for us to join a group tour with you?

I don’t organize group tours. As a one-person company, my services are focused on private or customized tours only.

Would you be able to take photos for us during the tour we've booked with you?

I really enjoy photography! I’d be happy to snap some photos of you using your own device at no extra cost. However, if you're looking for high-quality, professionally edited images, I can use my Nikon camera and provide expert post-processing. This premium photography service is available for an additional €100.

Contact

5020 Salzburg, AUSTRIA
Tel: +43 650 82 36 890 (Whatsapp/Viber)
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Eugene Gumennikov

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Feed Entries

Salzburg's Dark Christmas Secret: The Terrifying Tradition of Krampus

Grossglockner Alpine Road: A Picturesque Journey Through Austria’s Highest Alps

The glory of baroque music in Salzburg

Organ concerts in Salzburg

April weather in Salzburg

March stroll from Hellbrunn Palace to Salzburg's city center

Ski Resorts Near Salzburg – Expert Guide & Ski Trip Ideas

Maypole tradition in Austria

Jousting tournaments in the Tyrolean town of Reutte, Austria

Salzburg Zoo at the Palace Hellbrunn

Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg – The Tulip Season at Its Best

My winter walk in Salzburg with a photo camera

The Eagle's Nest in the post-war years

Private Salzburg Old Town Tour with Local Guide

Tour to Hitler's Eagle's Nest in the Bavarian Alps

Private Car-Walking Tour of Salzburg

Private Lake District Tour with Hallstatt

Grossglockner Alpine Road - Breathtaking World of Gleciers

Private Ice Caves Tour from Salzburg

Enchanting region of Tyrol - Tour from Salzburg to Innsbruck

Bavarian Versailles on the Lake Chiemsee

World's Longest Fortress Burghausen - Privater Tour from Salzburg

Active Tours in Salzburg. Hiking & Biking.

Tour of the castle Hohenwerfen and the Falconry

Private tour from Salzburg to the Krimml Waterfalls

Private Salzburg-Hallstatt Tour

Tour of the Bavarian Apls - Exclusive Itinerary

KTM / PORSCHE / RED BULL - Technical Museums Tour

Sightseeing transfets from/to Salzburg, Vienna, Munich

Exclusive Tour of Fortress Hohensalzburg

Private Salt Mine Tour from Salzburg

Private Sound of Do-Re-Mi Tour

Private Tour of Dachstein glacier and resort Schladming

Salzburg in Mozart's Footsteps

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