TRADITIONS & CUSTOMS

Original charm - living tradition - in Bavaria and Tyrol

Because Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol moves you - with its originality, its vitality and its charm, a perfect Bavarian-Tyrolean combination. A region that has defined the people and culture, where typical Bavarian and Tyrolean traditions can be found in their most authentic forms. A unique region against an awe-inspiring mountain backdrop - with the Zugspitze in the centre of it all. Anyone who loves traditions and appreciates lively customs will feel good in Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol. Numerous events provide you with opportunities to experience this warmth and sense of attachment to home and to immerse yourself in village life.

The Corpus Christi processions in late spring are a sight worth seeing,  and are particularly colourful in Grainau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. 

You really should experience this once:
"Mountains in Flames": On 20 June of each year, the mountains are lit up by impressive Feuerbilder (fire pictures) on the Tyrolean side of the Zugspitze. Over 10,000 fire sites create motifs from various thematic areas such as faith, culture or music.
In Bavaria, the St. John's Fire on 23 June in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Grainau is truly impressive. On 23 In June, on the eve of St. John's Day, young men climb up Kramer, Wank, Kreuzeck, Alpspitze, Waxnstein and Zugspitze to light a huge mountain of fire. A sparkling chain of light shines through the dark night from the mountains around the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

In the summer, things get really going: Those attending the popular folkloric evenings and park festivals in Grainau, organised by Volkstrachtenvereins D´Höllentaler traditional costume association, yodel, perform the "Schuhplatteln" shoe-slapping dance, saw and tap for all they're worth.

These Heimatwochen (folkloric weeks) in July and August have been one of the highlights of the year for more than half a century. Look forward to festive parades, groups in traditional costume, Schuhplattler (traditional shoe-slapping folk dancers), Goasslschnalzer (traditional whip-crackers) and Steinheber (traditional stone lifters). And of course to the celebrating and dancing. Just allow yourself to be infected by the good mood! The traditional Böllerschießen (gun salute) announces the beginning of the festival. In the beautifully decorated festival tents, you experience genuine, authentic traditions: the traditional costumes, songs and dances of the local inhabitants. Accompanied by hearty beer and wholesome snacks.

Festival week in Garmisch: 29. July- 06. August 2023

In Winter - From 6 January, it's finally that time again: Rhythmic stamping and whooping sound through the streets. Comic figures with hand-carved wooden masks parade from one hostelry to the next accompanied by music and noise. The Maschkera are underway. With plenty of noise and wonderfully grotesque masks, they drive the winter and the evil spirits out. The foolish behaviour on 'Unsinnige' (Silly) Thursday and on Carnival Sunday and Tuesday is particularly cheerful.

Find out more:

Fasching in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Fasching in Grainau 

Fasching in der Tiroler Zugspitz Arena

All dates you can find here.