The elf is back from hibernation. This time I met with our mayor’s predecessor for you: Alois Ehrenreich talked to me about Anthering. Specifically about Anthering at a time when “tourism” was still a foreign word. Not that Anthering wasn’t attractive as a vacation destination over 40 years ago – quite the opposite. It’s just that back then our guests weren’t called tourists, but SOMMERFRISCHLER.
Alois is not a native of Anthering – no, it was the search for an apartment that brought him to us. From a small city apartment in Salzburg to a large garden apartment in Anthering. At that time, Anthering was still a small village with a rural focus: few commercial enterprises, no residential areas with housing developments. A housing project was planned and built in Stainachstraße. In 1976, the first residential complex was built, surrounded by green fields. 2 apartment buildings and 4 four-family houses. After that, another residential and terraced house complex was built to the west. This was the beginning of the now very lively and popular LEHEN residential area, the suburb of Anthering, so to speak.
Pristine natural landscape
When I asked Alois what guests love so much about Anthering today, it was immediately the natural landscape, which has remained very unspoiled, especially the floodplain area and the Haunsberg. Guests are looking for peace, comfort and proximity to the town. Ideal as a starting point for excursions into the city, to the museums, to the festival, to various events.
However, tourism in Anthering started because guests from the urban centers – especially in Germany – came to us. The people of Anthering provided accommodation and began to rent out rooms. Back then, the guests were called “summer visitors”. The rooms were simple, the service honest and warm. The guests were not very demanding – and so the economy was certainly there. It was not only farmers who offered rooms, but also the “Häuslleut” of Anthering with, for example, detached houses, who converted small vacation apartments and rented them out successfully. Even then, the proximity to the town was appreciated. Due to their simplicity, the rooms were offered cheaply and guests were happy to stay here in the village for 2-3 weeks.
Legendary home evenings
Then Lois tells me about a very interesting and intensive offer at the time, for guests and locals alike. It was the very popular and legendary local history evenings. These evenings were held in the largest event hall in the village – the Voglwirt-Saal – and were organized in particular by the Heimatverein. They offered folk dancing, rural games, music and good entertainment. The dances were not only demonstrated – no, the guests were also taught a dance or two. A dance school, so to speak, very cheeky and small. The hosts came to the evening WITH the guests. The Voglwirtsaal was always well filled. It goes without saying that this intensive contact led to friendships that continue to this day.
Gastronomy in Anthering
It was only later that gastronomy developed in Anthering. Alois says there is a “split” form of it in Anthering. Small businesses such as Neuwirt, Riederwirt and Reinthal have closed, and other businesses have specialized. Alois particularly mentions today’s Hotel and Restaurant Ammerhauser as a renowned establishment. The Ammerhauser family has worked intensively and diligently to develop the hotel into the best seminar hotel, which is known, appreciated and popular far beyond the borders of Anthering. The 4-star Hammerschmiede seminar hotel also has many regular guests. It is often described as a small paradise in the middle of nature. Forest air, peace and quiet, culinary delights – and the Alte Schmiede is well worth a visit!
The Raggei Bräu is still a young business – created on the initiative of brewers. Today it is a great pub that also successfully trains apprentices. Another very successful restaurant is “Kernei’s Mostheuriger”. This was created with a lot of diligence and care to become a popular pub with rooms for rent.
Social Anthering
Then we talk about Alois Ehrenreich’s career. Shortly after he moved to Anthering with his family, it was like landing. We want to stay here – period. Alois was politically active in the village for a relatively short time. In 1979, his predecessor in office, Federal Councillor Johann Mayer, set him up as a new candidate for mayor. He was then our village leader until 2004.
Anthering is a village of clubs – and therefore also very sociable. If you want to gain a foothold in Anthering, you would do well to join a club. Right in the middle of all the events, so to speak. The sports club in particular does excellent work with young people. This is the quickest way for young families to make friends. And the focus is always on having fun.
Alois’ favorite place
Now I was interested in one more thing: “Alois, what is your favorite place in Anthering when a guest asks you what they should definitely see… what do you say?”
If you want to enjoy the view – then the Salzburgblick near Schmiedsberg is the best place to do so. There you can see the Salzburg Basin and the neighboring Bavarian region in all its splendor and beauty. Alois is a Haunsberg fan – you can’t miss that. Naturally, he has also visited the new VEGA observatory. A special treasure that was opened there in summer 2018. Alois also loves visiting the Sandkuchl on the Voggenberg – although this is not part of the municipality of Anthering.
And when it’s not about the view from the top, Alois also enjoys walking in the Antheringer Au. Enjoying relaxation without exertion, that’s how he describes it. A nice thought – isn’t it!
The Antheringer Schaukelweg is ideal for families. I don’t understand why Alois tells me that he has already gone for a walk there, but he hasn’t used the facilities yet because: Our swings are an experience for adults too. When do you get to swing as a “big kid”? It’s possible here. You can take the children effortlessly through the forest past the stream and into nature. And this year marks the tenth year of this swing trail. Almost unbelievable! For personal reasons, I am particularly pleased that there will be an extension to mark the anniversary. I will of course be happy to report on this.
Finally, Alois tells me how much he likes living here in Anthering. And I do too!
See you soon, your elf