The Lungau

Source: Lungau Folk Life | Customs and Traditions, Stories and Descriptions from the Lungau by Michael Dengg, 3rd edition.

In the southeast of the state of Salzburg lies a region enclosed by high mountains, the Lungau, which, in its isolation, almost forms a world unto itself. It opens only to the east, and it is to this direction that its waters flow. These waters are joined by the Mur River, which rises in one of its side valleys, the Murwinkel, and then becomes the main river of Styria.

When, in 14-15 BC, Drusus and Tiberius, the stepsons of Emperor Augustus, marched north with a significant army and subjugated everything as far as the Danube, the land of the Taurisci also came under Roman control and was incorporated into Central Noricum. The Lungau region gained increased importance when the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211) commissioned the construction of a new road, the new Roman military road, to facilitate the rapid transport of Roman legions from south to north, from Italy to the Danube, then the border of the Roman Empire.

A strong military presence along the northern border of the Roman Empire was necessary because the Germanic tribes constantly attempted to invade by force. During one of these campaigns against the Germanic tribes, the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) died in Vindobona (Vienna).

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Slavs arrived and inhabited the region for several centuries until they were displaced by the newly established Germanic tribe, the Bavarians.

The Lungau region experienced its golden age during the Middle Ages. Trade and mining brought prosperity to this region, rich in natural resources, and for centuries the trade caravans traveling between Trieste and Salzburg passed through it. Nobility and knights owned numerous castles and manor houses, and citizens and farmers alike enjoyed a certain degree of prosperity.

However, this golden age passed, and trade gradually took a different direction, especially after the discovery of the East India Route and the voyage to America. The mining industry declined, most castles and fortresses were largely destroyed, particularly in the bloody battles of the 15th century, and so the Lungau was gradually abandoned and forgotten. The Napoleonic Wars also left their mark on the Lungau, which was occupied by the French several times.

This was a difficult period for the region. But despite these adverse circumstances, the Lungau did not lag behind in its development; rather, it kept pace with the times and made particular use of the advancements of the era.

Tourism is steadily increasing, with numerous city dwellers spending their summer holidays in the Lungau region. The mountains of Lungau are also becoming increasingly popular for skiing.

But Lungau is not only rich in natural beauty and treasures; it also boasts many ancient monuments, particularly from Roman times. Many a venerable castle, which has defied the passage of time, stands proudly from its heights, a reminder of the iron-clad Middle Ages.

Lungau also possesses many original folk customs and traditions that have been better preserved here than elsewhere. I have attempted to describe these in detail, and some of them are included in this booklet.

Into Lungau's legendary land,

Where springs the Mur River's silver ribbon,

Where the mountain gnome's house guards the treasures,

Where legends and fairytale splendor abound.

Up to the sun-drenched heights,

To the sunny meadows, crowned with flowers,

Into the valleys' lovely meadows,

Enclosed by mountains, a friendly sight.

To the still, tranquil alpine lakes,

Enchanting and beautiful with their sparkling colors,

Where the rocks, entwined with rhododendrons,

The edelweiss greets the snow, bright and fine.

Into the deep, shadowy darkness of the forests,

With their emerald-green twinkling lights,

There the streams murmur silvery bright:

There you will find healing in body and soul.

Michael Dengg

Excerpt from the book "Lungau Folk Life" by Michael Dengg, which you are welcome to purchase from us. Dengg Homestead - Holiday home in Lungau. (German)