History Of Grossarl
Early history
Not as historically significant as the Lungau or the Salzburg Basin is the Grossarl Valley. Not a trace of human habitation or activity dates back to prehistoric times. Since the valley was too far and too unreachable for their purposes, the Romans similarly left no trace of their existence. Unlike other districts of Salzburg, Grossarl lacks castle remnants or other medieval defenses.
Still, the valley’s topography reflects the hardworking agricultural people that moved there at the conclusion of the migration era in the sixth and seventh centuries. Germanic in origin, the Bavarian people settled in the area between the Danube and the Alps and discovered ample room in the foothills and the larger major valleys. For hunting and grazing alone, the isolated woodland regions—like the Grossarl Valley—were fascinating. An additional ethnic group, the Slavs, moved from the south and in certain places crossed the main Tauern ridge, resulting in violent confrontations with the Bavarians, who prevailed. Some valley field names, including Slavengraben or Slavensiedlung, still evoke memories of the vanquished Slavs.
To make pastures and fields for their cattle and crops, the early inhabitants in the valley destroyed the mountain trees and drew the soil from the desolate area. Using the plenty of lumber, they also constructed wooden buildings, stables, and homes. Living in lonely farmsteads strewn throughout the valley and the mountains were the Schwaigen. Along with paying their feudal lords taxes and dues, they had to put up with hard winters, natural calamities, and wild animals. Together with a strong feeling of identity and community, they also forged tight bonds with their animals and the natural world.They also maintained their still-viable dialect, traditions, and customs.
Middle Ages
The Grossarl Valley first appears in a historical record in 930, when King Henry I of Germany and Archbishop Adalbert II of Salzburg traded some estates. The region between the present Grossarl and Kleinarl valleys is named after the pre-German stream Arla, according to the record. The Celtic name Arla most likely means “water” or “stream.” Eventually, to set it apart from the smaller Kleinarl, the region was called Michel Arl, Mehrer Arl, and then Grossarl.
Part of its vast property holdings in the Pongau region, the Salzburg Church acquired control of the valley’s woodland and pasture area in the year 1000. The church promoted both using the meadows above the high forest boundary, known as Freiberge, and expanding the area by extensive clearance. As the farmers were given these lands as freeholds, they were free from feudal responsibilities save for making church offerings. Known as Freibauern, or free peasants, these farmers were better off than the Schwaigen farmers, who were required to provide in kind to the estate, particularly cheese, live animals, butter, and lard. The archbishop designated a so-called Käsemeister, or cheese master, to gather these gifts.
The Grossarl Valley’s agricultural development was finished at the middle of the 12th century, and the mountain valley’s economy thrived. The population rose, and new farms and communities were founded. Since several churches and chapels were constructed along the road, the valley also developed into a significant commercial route between Salzburg and Carinthia and a pilgrimage destination. The Hubgut was the most significant religious location; there, a huge chapel was built in 1050. Up to 1400, when a separate parish was founded in Grossarl, the Hubgut served as the headquarters of the parish of St. Veit im Pongau, which was in charge of the pastoral care of the entire Grossarl Valley. Though the present parish church, a single-nave hall structure, was built in 1768–1769, there was a church in Grossarl as early as 1339.
The Middle Ages brought with them battles, famines, plagues, and fires; the valley was not immune to these tragedies. The greatest tragedy was the plague pandemic of 1348–1349, which claimed the lives of almost half the population and left many farms abandoned. It took some time for the valley to fully recover from the profound disruption to its social and economic growth.
The earliest commercial and handicraft enterprises were established close to the Ellmaubach mouth, home of the Kalichgruben, or salt mines, where the stream’s advantageous position prevented it from freezing over considerably in the winter. Since Archbishop Gregor gave market privileges for five free markets yearly as early as 1399, a settlement most likely developed around this shortly. Attracting a large number of traders, craftspeople, and tourists, the market town of Grossarl developed into the administrative and commercial hub of the valley.
Modern times
Early in the 15th century, the mining business in the back Grossarl Valley started, and it brought in a new economic heyday. Mainly taken out were copper, silver, lead, and iron, which were treated at smelters and forges. Built as a huge network of tunnels, shafts, and galleries, the Radhausberg was the most significant mining site. In Hüttschlag, the second biggest village in the valley, the most advanced smelter at the time was opened in 1520. Its precursor was located in the Auweil (modern Wolfau), on the Hubalmbach’s alluvial fan.
The mining activity brought a large number of laborers and immigrants to the valley, where they resided in modest homes known as Sölen, constructed on the Freiberge of the “high princely Frei”. The archbishop gave the miners and smelter workers these lands; they were not subject to feudal duties, but they were required to pay a regular rent. The Sölen comprised dwellings, stables, gardens, and pastures; the farmers in the mountain pastures or during harvesting supplied the winter feed. Located half way between Grossarl and Hüttschlag, the Kößlerhäusl is a classic example of a Sölen complex and is still in excellent condition. Now converted into a museum, it educates guests about the lives and occupations of the smelting and mining workers.
Because of the dwindling mineral reserves, the rivalry from other areas, and the local conflicts and crises, the mining industry peaked in the 16th and 17th centuries and then fell in the 18th. In 1827 the final mine was shuttered, and in 1857 the Hüttschlag smelter was dismantled. The mining business permanently altered the valley’s geography, culture, and history in addition to many families’ ancestry.
A time of stagnation and hardship followed the collapse of the mining sector as the valley was forced to depend on its less profitable and productive traditional agriculture and forestry enterprises. In quest of a better life, a large number of individuals moved abroad, particularly to America. The Napoleonic Wars, the 1848 and World Wars, which brought brutality and devastation along with political and social transformations, have had an impact on the valley. At different periods, French, Bavarian, and Nazi forces controlled the valley, and many men were conscripted into the army or the resistance.
Once the American army freed the valley in 1945 during World War II, things got better. The valley became accessible to the outside world as the infrastructure—roads, power, water, and schools—started to be rebuilt and modernized. First attracting summer visitors and alpine clubs in the late 19th century, the tourist sector grew quickly, particularly in the winter when hotels and ski lifts were built. Currently one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in this region of Salzburg is the Grossarl/Dorfgastein ski area, which links the two valleys across the Kreuzkogel and Fulseck mountains. Other things the valley has to offer tourists are hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and cultural events.
The valley’s principal source of revenue and employment, the tourist sector also provided social and economic development as well as environmental and cultural awareness. The valley is renowned for its premium products and has also preserved its agricultural and forestry customs.
Contemporary history
With the impacts of globalization, urbanization, and climate change, the Grossarl Valley has seen tremendous upheavals and difficulties in recent decades. In the valley, democracy, human rights, and European integration have also developed, as have new social and cultural groups and ideals.
The primary economic sector in the valley, tourism, has had to adjust to the evolving demands and tastes of tourists as well as to the growing competition from other locations. The valley offers first-rate services and amenities while attempting to maintain its genuineness and natural beauty. By encouraging year-round pursuits like fitness, culture, and food, the valley has also expanded its tourist offer. In addition, the valley has made investments in sustainability and environmental preservation by putting in place public transportation, renewable energy, and waste management. The Alpine Convention, the Hohe Tauern National Park, and the Ski Amadé are among a few of the international networks and initiatives in which the valley has collaborated.
The primary economic sector of the valley, agriculture and forestry, has also had to deal with the contemporary world’s changes and problems, like the loss of biodiversity, the reduction of the rural population, and market pressures. While raising production and quality, the valley has made an effort to preserve its agricultural and forestry legacy. The valley has likewise helped its foresters and farmers by offering guidance, training, and subsidies. In addition, the valley has promoted direct marketing, regional branding, and organic farming as means of fostering innovation and product diversity. The valley has also honored its forestry and agricultural heritage by planning festivals and events as the Krapfenfest, Almabtrieb, and Harvest Festival.
of keeping with the shifts and fads of larger society, the social and cultural life of the valley has also changed and expanded. Although embracing and integrating immigrants and tourists, the valley has managed to preserve its strong feeling of community and identity. The valley has accepted new concepts and inspirations while also maintaining its traditions and rituals.
