The „Goiserer Lindwurm“
The Austrian Railways needed to fell some trees in the area and a particular maple tree was cut back but never removed. Norbert Scheutz was owner of the tree, and after consultation with him, the tree was gratefully handed over to the parish council. And so work could begin on this wonderful new creation. Chain saw artist Rudolf Schinnerl, who had already been made known for his artistic talents at the Handicrafts and Pottery Market in Bad Goisern set to work with his chain saw to create this beautiful work of art.
And now the Goisern Lindworm watches over walkers and cyclists on the Eastern Bank Trail. This summer it was one of the most photographed sights along the trail.
Mythology and genuine threat
According to European folklore, the lindworm (comes from „lint“ which means „glowing“) frequently appeared in the form of a monstrous snake or other gigantic figure. This mythological creature was known to many other peoples too. He was the mythical embodiment of demonic powers. According to folklore, he holds back the fertile waters and must be killed so that the earth can evolve. The Goisern version of the lindworm also has connections with „water“ and „threat“. Yet this connection is not a mythical one, but a very real one.
Leo Reiter writes about the „Geology of the Goisern Valley“ in the book „Heimat Goisern“. He describes the area between Wurmstein and Sandling as a „disturbed landscape“, in that the geological structure of the area have caused numerous landslides, mudflows and even rock avalanches. It is little wonder, therefore, that in times of mudflow and flooding, people think back to this creature and tell us:
„A lindworm flooded the land with water, and now the king, the queen, their daughter and all the good people have drowned and been sunk“.
The legend has been inscribed on a plaque and is displayed in the local museum. The neighbourhood affected is today known as „Wurmstein“ as the lindworm was such a symbolic creature in the history of the Goisern area. Known as „Lindy“ he is represented in local coats of arms, on a corner of the local parish building, and often as a local mascot. You will also find him on the curtain pole at tourist information in Bad Goisern.
Contact & Service
Tourist information Bad GoisernKirchengasse 4
4822 Bad Goisern at Lake Hallstatt
Telefon +43 5 95095-10
Fax +43 5 95095-74
E-Mail goisern@dachstein-salzkammergut.at
Don’t hesitate to contact the team of local guides at the tourist board Bad Goisern - Petra Wallner and Ulli Hillbrand – for any questions about Bad Goisern and the Holiday Region Dachstein Salzkammergut.