Paths of Resistance: Route 4 - The story of Leopold Engleitner

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to follow National Socialism. Leopold Engleitner was deported to several concentration camps because of his conscientious objection to military service. In the last weeks of the war, he hid from persecution on the Meistereben Alm and in a nearby cave. This easy to moderately difficult hike takes you from Rußbach to Meistereben Alm, Halleswies See and Schwarzensee. 

Approx. 16 km, ascent and descent 820 m, walking time without breaks approx. 5.5 hours. Sufficient conditions, sturdy footwear and suitable clothing are required. Meeting point: Schwarzensee car park. This hike only takes place in good weather. Bad weather dates: 26.05.2024 and 07.06.2024.

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.