Where Tyrolean nativity scene art began
Every year at Christmas time, there is a very special treasure to admire in three towns in the Hall-Wattens region: The three oldest nativity scenes in the province – and indeed, probably even in Central Europe – are housed in the parish church of Tulfes (1608), the Jesuit church in Hall (1609) and the Maxnhof in Thaur (first half of the 17th century). These special nativity scenes can also be admired during the so-called ‘Krippeleschaug’n’.
The Tulfer Village Nativity Scene: Where Shepherds Wear Lederhosen
The village nativity scene is far more than a biblical depiction; it is a unique piece of cultural and historical heritage. The artfully wood-carved jointed figures impress with their movable arms and feet. A special detail: the shepherd figures are not dressed in Oriental attire, but wear traditional Tyrolean costume, including lederhosen. Over the decades, new figures have been added time and again.
The history of this nativity scene reads like a novel. Originally housed in the Spitalskirche in Innsbruck, it found its way to Tulfes in 1786 for a mere five guilders. Following a mysterious sale to the Ferdinandeum Provincial Museum in 1905, the villagers of Tulfes demonstrated their deep attachment to the village nativity scene after the First World War: using the remainder of the funds raised for new church bells, they bought back their ‘Krippele’.
Village chronicler Otto Zeisler once again emphasises the significance of this historical gem: “The people of Tulfes are proud of their church nativity scene and are well aware of its eventful history.” The Tulf nativity scene is set up every year before the third Sunday in Advent and can be viewed until just before St Sebastian’s Day on 20 January.
Tip: The Baby Jesus in Tulfes parish church can always be admired from 24 December.
The history of this nativity scene reads like a novel. Originally housed in the Spitalskirche in Innsbruck, it found its way to Tulfes in 1786 for a mere five guilders. Following a mysterious sale to the Ferdinandeum Provincial Museum in 1905, the villagers of Tulfes demonstrated their deep attachment to the village nativity scene after the First World War: using the remainder of the funds raised for new church bells, they bought back their ‘Krippele’.
Village chronicler Otto Zeisler once again emphasises the significance of this historical gem: “The people of Tulfes are proud of their church nativity scene and are well aware of its eventful history.” The Tulf nativity scene is set up every year before the third Sunday in Advent and can be viewed until just before St Sebastian’s Day on 20 January.
Tip: The Baby Jesus in Tulfes parish church can always be admired from 24 December.
The three oldest nativity scenes in Central Europe
The origins of these nativity scenes therefore also date back to the Baroque period and the Counter-Reformation. It is therefore hardly surprising that the Jesuit churches and monasteries in Hall and Innsbruck were the first to own one.
From the Tyrolean nativity scene to the Oriental nativity scene
These nativity scenes were created in the Tyrolean style; it was only with the first pilgrimages that nativity scenes in the Oriental style began to appear. Felix Zimmerling, a hermit from Thaur, was one of the first to undertake a journey that would take him to the Promised Land in 1852. The earliest nativity scenes were also found in monasteries or churches. In aristocratic or upper-middle-class households, private nativity scenes were a rare occurrence. The oldest surviving private nativity scene is the one at the Maxnhof in Thaur, the pride and joy of the Huetz family.
Josef Bachlechner the Elder: Tyrol’s ‘Father of the Nativity Scene’
When discussing nativity scenes and Tyrolean customs and traditions, one must not forget a very special man and artist: Josef Bachlechner the Elder (1871–1923). Born in Bruneck, this South Tyrolean sculptor ran a large workshop in Hall; Bachlechnerstraße is still named after him today. The artist, who worked primarily in the Neo-Gothic style, brought nativity scenes into more or less every household in Tyrol.
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: ‘Krippeleschaug’n’
Since 2021, there have been a number of criteria for this: the annual setting up of the nativity scene is akin to a ritual, but also an act of community. This ritual is often accompanied by a communal prayer. At the same time, it is about preserving something of artistic value, which also includes the upkeep and restoration of the figures, the hill and the backdrop.
No less significant is the bringing of people together, the ‘Krippeleschau’gn’. The interactions in churches and private homes, and the shared exchanges amongst nativity scene enthusiasts. More and more people are building their own bespoke nativity scenes; the nativity scene has long since found its way into almost every household and often forms the centrepiece of family Christmas celebrations. Nativity scene-building courses are often fully booked months or even years in advance.
No less significant is the bringing of people together, the ‘Krippeleschau’gn’. The interactions in churches and private homes, and the shared exchanges amongst nativity scene enthusiasts. More and more people are building their own bespoke nativity scenes; the nativity scene has long since found its way into almost every household and often forms the centrepiece of family Christmas celebrations. Nativity scene-building courses are often fully booked months or even years in advance.
Dates for the nativity play
From around 22 December 2026, the nativity scene displays will take place in various locations across the region.
All information and dates can be found atr: www.hall-wattens.at/krippen
All information and dates can be found atr: www.hall-wattens.at/krippen