The legacy of the freight haulers

”A beautiful horse, a beautiful harness is my joy and the beautiful waitress mostly my woman.” (Mittersill municipal archive; the song is from the book: Josef Pommer: Blattl-Lieder, 1910;)
Horses, markets and danger defined the lives of the freight haulers. So-called“Carters’ tunes” bear witness to the tradition the trading by pack animals in Upper Pinzgau, in which today’s national park capital of Mittersill played a central role already in the Middle Ages. In Felberturm Museum this history comes alive with impressive exhibits. Craftmens’ tools, writings, stories and illustrations recall the life of the freight haulers. It was them who laid the foundation for commerce as a significant economic sector in Salzburg centuries ago. They braved the dangers and difficulties the weather and landscape brought with them and paved the way for Mittersill market to be what it is today: Commercial town and economic centre in Upper Pinzgau.

Until 1803, Salzburg with the former “Windisch-Matrei” in East Tirol as prince-archbishopric was an independent country. Mittersill played a central role in this: The town was known as a trading hub since the Middle Ages until the Early Modern Age – between north and south, but also east and west. In these times, law and order were the highest precept. Administered by officials of the governing prince-archbishop residing at Mittersill Castle overlooking everything, proper trade was engaged in already back then. Duty was levied on the traded goods and toll had to be paid for using the roads. At this time, every citizen had the right to engage in trade. At weekly, annual and cattle markets, local farmers and traders from neighbouring countries peddled their wares. Salt, wine, liquor, honey, precious textiles and animals were haggled over – to ultimately earn a few guilders for oneself. So-called “freight haulers” brought the valuable goods across the borders to Salzburg, Italy and Germany. On foot - in wind and weather - they crossed the mountain passes with their horses and overcame many a danger they faced. Time and again, several freight haulers with their horses and haulers with dossers teamed up for the dangerous trip. Individual farmers and traders also set off on the difficult journey across the mountain passes, often taking several days and weeks – in the hope of returning home with their purses filled. Around 1300 the Tauern Houses were built, the Matreier Tauernhaus by Felbertauern being one of them. The old Tauern Houses in the region are Spital und Schösswend in Felber Valley. Here commercial travellers could find food and accommodation and a safe haven. In return, the hosts were supplied with precious grain by the Archbishop.