Memorial service on the Krippenstein: Tradition and memory united
Memorial service on the Krippenstein: Tradition and memory united
On October 26, 2024, a very special mountain fair took place at the Krippenstein, which was not only a spiritual event, but also an honorable commemoration for the victims of a tragic snow dead tragedy 70 years ago. Every year on this national holiday, mountain fans from all over the world gather at the Heilbronner chapel, which was built in honor of 13 students and teachers from Heilbronn who died on Good Friday 1954 in a snow storm.
With bright blue sky and mild temperatures, many hikers made their way to the mountains to take part in this special service. The Catholic parish of Obertraun organized the fair at an altitude of 2100 meters. Pastor August Stögner from Hallstatt led the service, which took place in memory of the victims of the tragedy in April. This year it was exactly 70 years ago that these terrible events shook the city of Heilbronn.
a celebration of the memory
The service was deeply and personally kept, whereby Pastor Stögner was not only commemorating the deceased student and teacher, but also to Christian Öhler, the recently deceased pastor from Bad Ischl, as well as Bodo Hell, a writer who has been missing on the Dachstein since summer. The death of other mountain comrades was also recognized, which underlined the importance of this fair.
The musical accompaniment during the celebration was made possible by a talented wind group from Bad Goisern, which created an atmospheric atmosphere. Among the guests was also the Salzburg avalanche and missing dog squadron, which has been active since it was founded in 1954 after their use of the search camp on the Dachstein. Andreas Santner, the honorary president of the dog squadron, emphasized that the memory of the tragedy had to be carried on and it was important to always point out the dangers in the mountains.
After the fair, Pastor Stögner also blessed the rescue dogs of the dog squadron, which are indispensable in operations. This animal blessing, like the fair itself, took place at an impressive 2100 meter height and not only symbolized the belief in protection in dangerous missions, but also the close connection between people and their animal companions in the mountains.
Another highlight of the event was the blessing of a wall carpet by St. Bernhard, the patron saint of the mountain rescuers. This carpet was a gift from the Böhmerwald mountain rescue to the Obertraun local site and has a permanent place in the Heilbronner chapel. The local position manager, Bernhard Danklmayr, expressed the hope that Saint Bernhard should hold his protective hand over the mountain rescuers, while in their often risky operations they ensure the safety of hikers and mountain enthusiasts.
The mountain fair on the Krippenstein is not only a crowning conclusion of the 2024 hiking season, but also a valuable sign of the community and memory of the lost life. Tradition will continue from year to year, and it is to be hoped that future generations will also take part in this moving event in order to never forget the teachings of the past. More information on this occasion can be found at www.salzkammergut-rundblick.at .