Almost every holidaymaker, probably you too, would like to get a little insight into the culture of the respective destination in addition to relaxation. The easiest, but not always the most interesting and best way to satisfy this need is usually a visit to a museum. Fortunately, I can assure you that there are far more diverse options here in Pinzgau to get to know the area and its special features better. Customs as a form of culture and also entertainment has a great importance in our area, so you should definitely experience or discover a small part of it. To make this as easy as possible for you, I will now explain some of the most important parts of our culture.

1. Folklore group
   Those are mostly folk dance groups that have set themselves the task of keeping regional dances and music alive and passing them on to the next generation through intensive promotion of young talent. The "Schuhplattler" is particularly noteworthy, which is characterized by strokes on the thighs and shoes. The dancers also wear traditional costumes in the form of lederhosen or dirndls. You can marvel at what is probably the best-known form of tradition in the Salzburg region, mostly at weekly folk evenings. These events are a small sample of the most diverse dances and also offer great musical accompaniment with typical Austrian instruments such as the accordion. At a local evening, you will also be entertained by alphorns or the rhythmic use of cowbells.
2. Traditional women
   This group of women is responsible for preserving the traditional costume of the region. On festive occasions, it is her job to present the elaborate robe. The costume usually consists of a black dress with a colorful apron, a hat and a black bag.
3. Schnalzer
   A tradition that almost nobody outside of Austria and certainly not every Austrian knows is snapping. This is done with a so-called "Goassl", a pitch-coated hemp rope to which a bast is attached so that it snaps when there is a quick change of direction. You can marvel at this extraordinary tradition at competitions or at autumn festivals. It can also happen that you meet the Schnalzer on a horse that is held during the performance.
4. Ranggeln
   Another must-see tradition is martial arts. The ancient Austrian form of wrestling has Celtic roots and is now practiced as a competitive sport. Here in the Pinzgau, the Ranggeln at the Hundstein is one of the most famous sporting events. Inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2010, you can watch men of great skill and strength compete for the title of Hagmoar. This name means something like leader or master of a settlement.
5. Eisstockschießen
   You will come across this sport in almost every community in Pinzgau, including in Viehhofen. If you've never heard of it, you're probably wondering what the odd name is and how the sport is practiced. Ice stock sport has a certain similarity to curling, but is not carried out on ice, as the name suggests, but on asphalt, so that it can be played outdoors all year round. If you have the time and desire, you will certainly have the opportunity to shoot with a stick.
6. Harvest Festival
   Autumn is celebrated in Salzburg in a particularly varied way, in order to bring the guests closer to customs and their many different facets. This usually happens through many small farmers' markets or larger ones, where there are parades with various clubs. You can also get to know local groups, Schnalzer groups, riding clubs, typical tractors and many other clubs there. You can also test the regional cuisine with dishes such as Bladl or buy all kinds of homemade snacks. The theme or smaller forms of the Harvest Festival can be explored away from the big festivals in almost every place with the help of small Harvest Festival huts.
7. Thanksgiving
   This cultural activity is a church tradition where the village gives thanks for the harvest. This is usually done with a magnificent crop of hay, herbs and grasses, which are still growing at this time in October. In addition, before the service there is a parade including a harvest crown and most of the local clubs (home groups, traditional costume women, etc.).
8. Krampuses, Perchten and Tresterer
   One of the most well-known customs in Austria is the Perchten and especially the Krampuses. Never alone, but organized as passes, you can meet them in winter (the Krampuses around December 6th) accompanying St. Nicholas or alone on so-called Krampus runs. With their terrifying masks, they are supposed to drive out the evil spirit of winter and make sure that it doesn't dare to go back into the villages. A special feature of the Pinzgau, especially the Oberpinzgau, are the Tresterer. So-called Schönperchten, which can only be found at the beginning of the New Year and are entertained by funny dances and New Year's greetings.

These eight traditions in the Viehhofen area are just a small excerpt of all the things that we can experience in terms of customs. When looking for culture and art from the Pinzgau, please never forget our colorful cuisine. Good Kasnock'n, a delicious chanterelle goulash with bread dumplings or a yeast dumpling are just as much a part of it as local groups or Ranggeln at the Hundstein.

How and when you can experience the tradition is best explained to you at the tourist sevice center, where we hope to be able to welcome you soon.

Best regards

Gloria Bumhofer