A mischievous legend of the inventiveness and survival of the Salzburgers
The inhabitants of the town on the Salzach have long called themselves "Die Stierwascher" ("The Bullwashers"). This name has its origins in a humorous and cunning legend that dates back to the Middle Ages. Back then, Salzburg was surrounded by an enemy army that wanted to force the city to surrender through a starvation blockade. The strong city walls could not defeat the enemy, so their plan was to occupy the castle entrance and exit.
The idea
The Salzburgers quickly recognised the intentions of the besiegers. If the siege of the fortress lasted any longer, there was the threat of a massive famine. The city commander therefore ordered a strict fast. The situation came to a head when there was only one bull left that had not yet been slaughtered. It was splendidly brown and well-fed, and the city commander came up with the idea of A clever idea.
The city wall
Early the next morning the bull was driven onto the broad city wall, to show the enemies that there was no shortage of food in Salzburg. The following night, the bull was painted white and presented again the next morning. On the third morning, the Salzburgers showed the enemies a pitch-black bull. The besiegers were taken aback and assumed that the Salzburgers must have been well fed for a long time. On a stormy night they secretly departed.
The Sierwascher
Great rejoicing broke out in Salzburg! The citizens led the bull to the Salzach and washed it until it had its beautiful brown spotted coat back. The river was covered with soap scum all the way up to Oberndorf. Since that time, the people of Salzburg have been called "Die Bullwashers". What was once meant as mockery is now considered an honour to come from the beautiful city on the Salzach.
