More Sparkle, Less Routine - Blog Naturparkregion Reutte

For me, Carnival in the Naturparkregion Reutte is simply the highlight of the winter season. It’s much more than just a colorful parade – it’s where tradition, crazy costumes, music, and plenty of joy come together. Whether locals or visitors, kids or teens – everyone celebrates together, laughs, dances, and leaves everyday life behind for a few days. ✨

Dates & Spots

The carnival season runs from January to February and brings a great atmosphere to Reutte, Höfen, and Weißenbach. My personal must-sees this year are:

10.01.:	Gungler Entrance in Höfen
10.01.:	Zuderer Dig-Out at the Village Square & Zuderer Ball in Weißenbach
17.01.:	Children’s Carnival & Gungler Ball in Höfen
31.01.:	Carnival Parade in Weißenbach
01.02.:	Children’s Carnival at Reutte on Ice
07.02.:	Maschgerer Gathering & Night Skating at Reutte on Ice
12.02.:	Carnival Parade in Reutte 🎈
14.02.:	Carnival in Weißenbach, Pflach & Ehenbichl
17.02.:	Zuderer Burial in Weißenbach
17.02.:	Gungler Farewell Parade in Höfen

Traditions & Customs

What I find especially fascinating are the many crazy and exciting carnival traditions we have here:

🎭 Gungler in Höfen

The Gungler tradition has existed for centuries. Masked figures walk through the village with bells, rods, and hand-carved masks, symbolically driving away winter and welcoming spring. They are accompanied by the Scheller in black and the Flachsler with their rustling flax.

🎭 Zuderer in Weißenbach

For more than 100 years, the Zuderer association has organized a large parade through Weißenbach every three years. Traditional figures such as the “Seven Swabians” lead the procession, and the Zuderer monument reminds visitors of this tradition throughout the year.

Carnival Thursday

And of course, there’s also the Carnival parade in Reutte – my personal highlight! 🎊

In 2026, the festivities start on Thursday, February 12 at 14:00, leading from Ehrenbergstraße through the Obermarkt to the roundabout near the Stadtgemeindeamt. The event is organized by the Faschingsgilde Reutte, who have made it a true annual highlight for decades.

More than 50 groups with colorful costumes, creatively designed floats, and lively beats parade through the streets year after year – a visual and musical experience you simply have to see in person. Whether young or old, spectator or participant, the atmosphere is infectious and makes this parade one of the biggest carnival events in the Außerfern.

Whether it’s the crazy costumes, historic traditions, or simply the good mood in the air – Carnival in the Naturparkregion Reutte is a highlight for me every year. Here, tradition meets pure joy for life, and I love being right in the middle of it all: laughing, celebrating, and collecting memories that last long after the festivities are over. 💭