The market town of Mauterndorf

Source: Lungau Folk Tales - The Market Town of Mauterndorf by Michael Dengg, 3rd and improved edition, page 131

Mauterndorf is not only the oldest market town in the Lungau region, but also one of the oldest settlements in the entire region. It was granted market town status as early as 1212; Tamsweg is first mentioned as such in 1246, and St. Michael even later. The Romans had likely already established a settlement here, which is said to have been called "In muris." Nearby, the two Roman roads converged—one from Styria via Seethal and Tamsweg, and the other from Carinthia via the Katschberg Pass—and from here led as a single road over the Tauern Pass. The Roman provincial administrator is also said to have had his official residence here.

Because Mauterndorf can look back on such a long history, many legendary tales are told about this place. The old Roman road is said to have run through the Neuseßtal valley on the west side of the village, where the St. Wolfgang Chapel stands today, and a Roman blacksmith is said to have practiced his craft on the eastern slope of this hill. Another legend recounts that a Roman temple likely stood in Steindorf, about half an hour from Mauterndorf. With the end of Roman rule, the Bavarians moved into the region. After a brief period of Slavic rule, they permanently settled and cultivated the Lungau. Mauterndorf was given to the Salzburg Cathedral Chapter as a gift from Emperor Henry II (Saint Henry II) in 1002. The castle, the former Roman fort, was rebuilt and expanded, and frequently served as a summer residence for the Archbishops of Salzburg. The castle chapel, dedicated to the holy imperial couple Henry and Cunigunde, still commemorates this gift. Legend has it that the market town of Mauterndorf was once located further east, on the so-called "Dürnfelde" or "Dürnbühel." The nearby cemetery church of St. Gertrude is said to have been the former parish church. Furthermore, the Taurach stream is said not to have flowed eastward as it does today, but rather southward through the Neuseß Valley into the Mur Valley.

*) Mauterndorf must already have been an important place at that time, as the deed of gift mentions numerous inns, toll stations, and the like.

Excerpt from the book "Lungau Folk Tales" by Michael Dengg, which you can purchase from us. Dengg Family Home - Holiday home in Mauterndorf. (German)