Hüttschlag
The mountaineering village Hüttschlag lies at 1,020 m above sea level, ca. 8 km from Grossarl. Hüttschlag itself has an area of 95.18 km². Since 1991, 1/3 of Hüttschlag lies within Hohe Tauern National Park, the biggest national park in the Alps.
Since 2008, Hüttschlag has belonged to “Austria’s Mountaineering Villages”, a project of the Austrian Alpine Association within the scope of the International Alpine Convention, meeting a series of strict criteria in the process. This is clear evidence of Hüttschlag’s competency in all hiking- and mountaineering matters.
In winter, Hüttschlag offers a direct connection by means of a free ski shuttle to the Grossarltal-Dorfgastein ski region. Especially for cross-country skiers, winter hikers and ski tourers, Hüttschlag – at the entrance to Hohe Tauern National Park – is an absolute paradise.
Facts & Figures
| Hüttschlag facts & figures | |
|---|---|
|
Town elevation |
1,020 m |
|
Highest point |
Keeskogel (2,884 m) |
|
Population |
916 |
|
Guest beds |
480 |
Sightseeing Attractions in Hüttschlag
- Hüttschlag parish church
- Valley museum with exhibition “On alpine pastures – between heaven and earth”
| History of Hüttschlag | |
|---|---|
| 400 to 700 |
According to tradition, it was during this period that the Slavs pushed into the valley from Carinthia and the Lungau. Several town names, such as Klettn, Karteis, Schrambach, Tofern, Moritzen etc. are Slavic in origin. The later arrival of the Bajuwarii displaced the Slavs, often resulting in battles between the two groups, especially in the area of today’s Tappenkar and Bundschuh. Nonetheless, the Bajuwarii maintained the upper hand. |
| Church in Hüttschlag |
A wooden chapel is said to have stood here all the way back in the year 1100, expanded a number of years later. In 1675, Hüttschlag was raised to the status of a vicariate, and in 1679 archbishop Maximilian Gandolf von Khuenberg consecrated the new church to Saint Joseph. The vicariate was subsequently raised to parish status in 1891. |
| 1130 to 1137 |
It is said that a first trail through the valley was made in 1130. First mention of place names included: Arla, Arela, Urla, Michel-Arl – various forms of “Arl” in other words. This would then later become “Grossarltal”. In 1137, archbishop Konrad ordered that the hitherto unproductive Tauern valleys be cleared and turned into arable land. Settlers sought out the best, and above all sunniest locations. |
|
Mining in Hüttschlag |
Copper- and sulfur-mining was already underway in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the oldest mines, we still find traces of wooden wedges, pickaxes and other metal tools. Smelting was originally conducted at the Hüttegalm. |
| Lutheranism | Lutheranism was brought to the valley in the 17th century by imported mine laborers, and spread rapidly. During 1731/1732, some 1100 people were forced into exile because of their belief. |
| The Educational System |
Public schooling began in 1755. The Mesnerhaus of that time was originally built in 1735, while first lessons were given in the Mesnerstube in 1755. The first teacher was Max Paumann. New classrooms were added in 1831 and 1905. A new elementary school was built from 1958-1960. Maurach was also home to a small school from 1940-1972. A middle school has been located in Grossarl since 1955. |
History of Hüttschlag
