Paths of Resistance: Route 1 - On the trail of the Salzkammergut partisans

During this hike you will learn the biographies of the 3 main resistance activists Sepp Plieseis, Karl Gitzoller and Alois Straubinger. Why did the three men have to retreat into the mountains? Their background, motives for fleeing and living conditions in the mountains are discussed, as well as the climate, water, cooking, food, fire, poaching, cabin fever, supplies from women, the network in the valley, etc. A hiking guide and a historian will accompany you on the hike and tell you the story of the 3 partisans. 
Moderately difficult hike from the Rettenbachalm via the Beerensattel to the Igel and back the same way. 

Approx. 11 km, ascent and descent 950 m, walking time without breaks approx. 5 hours. Good physical condition, sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are required! This hike only takes place in good weather. Bad weather dates: 22.06.2024 and 23.06.2024.

Landscapes like the Salzkammergut are not only living and natural spaces, they have a political history. In addition to active support for National Socialism, the tradition of resistance against the "authorities" was particularly expressed in the case of Hitler's fascism. Areas of the alpine pastures and high mountains inaccessible to outsiders served as retreats and hiding places for those persecuted for political and religious reasons. Familiarity with the barrenness of the surroundings, with the harsh climatic conditions, but also the cohesion of the inhabitants in local collectives enabled the persecuted to survive. The objective of the walks in the Salzkammergut landscape is to anchor the memory of the women and men in the resistance in the collective memory.

More about the project at salzkammergut-2024.at