Traditions & cultural events

You might say the Lungau region is a little of the pace of time. Guarded by big mountains the only way to get here for centuries was by passing high cols. As a result of this you can't find big industries here. Towns are small where everybody knows everybody. This affects the cultural life in a huge way and at participating on such events you can easily get in touch with the local people who are themselfes responsible to carry out and live their traditions.

Read about some of the events during summertime in and around Mauterndorf below.

Samson

One of the most representing events of Mauterndorf and the Lungau region is the Samson dance. Basically it is a big puppet, made out of wood and fabric that gets carried around by a man which dances to the music of the local band. If the figure wasn't 5 meters tall. The spectacle takes place just a few times a year. Accompanished by two draf figures, the local brass band and the traditional guard troops dressed in uniforms of the time of Napoleon the Samson walks through the town and shows his dance on certain places. Most towns in the Lungau have their own Samson which all look different. If you are lucky they meet all together on a separate festival.

17. July 2011 - 13.30 h - The march starts on the square in front of the castle.

15. August 2011 - 18.30 h - Castle square to town center at the church.

02. September 2011 - 18.30 h - Center square in front of the church.

Medieval Festival Mauterndorf

The festival takes place every year at the beginning of july in the old town center. Knights showing their skill at battle and their authentic lifestyle, traditional handcraft of that period of time invite to visit as well as archers invite you to try your luck with arrow and bow. Participating and experience medieval live is the main focus of this event. Have a nice day by exploring the ancient castle and strolling through the town. View pictures of last years events and gain more information on the medieval festivals website.

Bartholomäus Kirtag & Rösslmarkt

The biggest festival in Mauterndorf. Once a year farmers and horse breeders meet to a big foal auction. It starts early in the morning for register and weighing the foals which are assigned to be sold. Living in our house on that weekend you can experience this on the closest possible way. The road to the auction is directly in front of our hotel, as is the auction place just behind the building in front. After the auction you want to enter the town, which then is basically a big market where you can get everything. Local barbecue specialities, cotton candy and people, people, people. An event you should have seen.