über�o�enen a�� THE LEGEND OF
The Hochkönig was not always as grim, inaccessible and snow-covered as you see it today. The sun shone warmer, the wind blew gentler and, instead of a glacier field, there shimmered a green alpine pasture. The jingle of cowbells could be heard far below in the Dienten Valley itself. But other sounds came from those mountain heights: Frolicsome, buxom dairy maids led a boisterous life. They laughed, sang and made merry by day and by night. They had the finest delicacies and wines brought to them from Salzburg by the farm hands. And heavens, did they know how to cook! But their life of abundance led them to become frivolous and impudent. They even plastered the pathway with cheese, bathed in milk and splattered each other with butter. They hung silver bells around the cows’ necks and gilded the horns of their bulls. The people of the village spread the rumor that “the evil one” lived amongst them. One evening an old man appeared at their mountain hut, clad in brown pilgrims’ garb, a hiking stick in his hand, his hat pulled down low over his face, and he politely asked for shelter. But the dairy maids laughed in his face and sent him on his way. On that very same day, the clouds gathered black and powerful around the mountain. And even the eldest amongst them could not remember having ever seen anything like it. Lightning flashed about the summit and the entire Pinzgau region shook beneath the booming claps of thunder. A mighty flood poured across the high pastures and immediately turned to ice. The devils, however, threw themselves, their voices screeching, through holes in the rock wall. And if you should doubt this tale, these “Devil Holes” remain visible to this day. Today’s »ÜBERGOSSENE ALM« has removed itself from the top to the foot of the Hochkönig. The delicacies and wines from Salzburg are still there, as are those high-spirited country girls. Though they have since become quite well-mannered and well-behaved! And if you should happen to come here in search of lodging, you are sure to be welcomed with open arms. So come, enjoy, eat and drink, and celebrate to your heart’s content. And tell your family back at home that the »Übergossene Alm« is no longer a place where you need be afraid of thunder, lightning or flood. That is something we have long since put behind us!