Summer
Perceive power and mysticism…
Today only very old people know about legendary spots and they tell gripping and creepy stories they have been told by their ancestors. Getting to these spots it’s initially difficult to see what is so special about them. But the knowledge of the old stories stimulates our fantasy and we can grasp the power and mysticism of these legendary sports.
WILDENSTEIN Castle Ruins
The castle was founded in the 11th – 12th century. It is located along the old railways and is said to have been a robber baron’s castle. It was the only castle of the central Salzkammergut area. In 1419 Wildenstein castle became the domicile of the imperial curators (the Salzkammergut area has been a kingdom, duchy respectively since 1311 – a state in the state). Wildenstein castle is located on a steep rock and consists of a lower and upper castle. When it burned down for the second time in 1715 it was let go to ruin. The legend has it that Wildenstein used to be a robber baron’s castle and tells of an enchanted damsel waiting for salvation in the burnt down castle. Only a youth that withstands the assaults of a nine-headed dragon can release the damsel and is then rewarded with a treasure that is hidden in the castle.
If one continues further into western direction one gets to the Teichwiese pasture, where the fish ponds of Wildenstein castle used to be. The village of Lauffen is said to have been connected with Wilderstein castle with a secret, underground passage. Lauffen used to be an important trade centre then.
BURSTALLKOGEL Mountain
Castle-like hill that used to be connected to Lauffen and Wildenstein castle. Great views and wayside shrine on top of it. This site is said to have been the grazing ground for the horses of Wildenstein castle. Today it is a nice vantage point with a wayside shrine. The legend has it that once the bishop of Salzburg had to flee and hid a statue of a Madonna above Höllbauern farm, Anzenau 6 at Burgstallkogel. He swore to build a church in this area. A shepherd found the statue and took it back home to his hut. But on the next day it was again in the alcove where he had found it the day before. Later on the bishop kept his promise and built a church in Lauffen, in the shadow of the mountain. The Madonna is now located in the church.
HÖLLENLOCH Grotto
Rock grotto near Lauffen at Höllbach brook. The legend has it that the devil in the guise of a hunter appeared to a beautiful forester’s daughter. He is said to have showered her with precious jewels and thus lured her into the grotto. Sometimes woodcutters saw her sitting in front of the cave and waving at them. When they followed her into the cave she showed them precious jewels. The woodcutters never returned from the cave.
previous
print Page
recommend this Page