Glöckler runs in the Traunsee-Almtal region

One of the most beautiful and eye-catching traditional events is the approximately 160-year-old Twelfth Night custom of the Ebensee Glöcklerlauf procession. Ebensee is the heart and the origin of this custom, leading it to win UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2010. The idea behind the Glöcklerlauf is to attract the blessings of good spirits and drive away evil ones. The Glöcklerpassen (teams taking part in the procession) meet between 6 and 7 p.m. in the centre of town and then make their way through Ebensee’s districts. The Glöckler wear headgear weighing up to 20 kg, plus large bells attached to leather belts. At 6 p.m. on the dot, a gun salute announces the start of the parade, which takes place whatever the weather. Those interested in how these artworks are made can visit the large Town Hall chamber on 5 January from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to see the headwear of some of the participants. Museum.Ebensee offers a permanent Glöckler headwear exhibition during opening hours.