LFU:online

Examination of the historic and cultural space of the “Salzkammergut” (temporal categorization and local mapping by means of guided tours in museums or by the phenomenon of the so-called “lieux de memoire”), intensification of knowledge about the historic developments from Early Modern Times to present days.

The Salzkammergut is a historical region which - according to its name - represents a specific feature in the Austrian (cultural) landscape due to its rich saltmines. Because of this special economic position, the Salzkammergut was settled early on (cf. Hallstatt period) and was particularly lucrative for subsequent ruling systems - for example, it was directly subordinate to the Habsburg (financial) chamber. In this barren agricultural area, which was therefore limited in other commercial fields, the miners often resisted the ideas and legal requirements postulated by the authorities (e.g. in matters of denomination in the 18th century or later in form of socialist workers' movements). In the 19th century, in the wake of the Habsburg summer stays in Bad Ischl and Bad Aussee, a specific culture of summer tourism developed. Another chapter in the historiography of the Salzkammergut, in particular of Ebensee, was the establishment of a concentration camp as an outpost of the Mauthausen concentration camp and the integration into the National Socialist propagated concept of the Alpine fortress.

In addition, special traditions (e.g. customs, music, folclore events) were established within this strongly rural and geographically limited area, which have a unique character and are still intensively cultivated today. In 1997, the inner Salzkammergut - especially Hallstatt and the Dachsteinstock - was declared a UNESCO cultural heritage, which suffered occasionally from overtourism in pre-Covid-19 times. In 2024, about 20 municipalities of the Salzkammergut will be jointly the "European Capital of Culture".

So there are various historical layers to be uncovered in this area in the framework of this excursion (beyond the landscape advertised by tour operators).

(Guided) tours in the field, presentations of the course instructors, local experts and preparation of historical material about the visited places. Willingness to discuss!

active participation during the excursion, preparation of thematic units and final essay

Michael Kurz, Geschichte(n) vom Salzkammergut. Bewohner, Besucher, Begebenheiten, Weitra 2007.

Further information on literature in the course

Positive assessment of compulsory module 1. The respective proof ought to be produced until the end of March 2021.

The excursion takes place probably in September, 13 – 19, 2021. The attendance of the corresponding course 645.207 is mandatory.