Legend Trail Station – The Gatterl Ghost

Raven Ferdinand from Kufsteinerland narrates: CAW! The beautiful path between Wieshof and Kranhof was often traversed in ancient times – though not for leisurely strolls, but rather out of necessity. Yet at night, scarcely anyone dared to venture there, for that was when the malevolent "Gatterl Ghost" roamed...Long ago, a farmer trudged from Wieshof to Kranhof before sunrise, either to borrow a yoke for plowing or perhaps in the opposite direction – the details have faded with time. But as the farmer reached the "Gatterl," a small wooden ladder used to cross the fence between two pastures, a deep black shadow rose before him, its arms menacingly outstretched. "The annoying Gatterl Ghost is back again!" grumbled the farmer, reaching for the blessed rosary in his coat and making the sign of the cross. Instantly, the specter vanished. Upon arriving at Wieshof – or Kranhof – the farmer found his neighbor waiting anxiously by the stable door. "Good morning! What's the matter?" asked the farmer, to which the neighbor replied, "I think two of my cows have the murrain!" "Heaven help us," exclaimed the farmer, fearing the contagious livestock disease, "we must inspect this closely, or soon we'll have a valley full of sick animals!" Together, they examined all the cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep at the farm and in the surrounding pastures, but only the two afflicted animals were found, treated with the ancient Thiersee method of "Wasn-Ausstechen," as veterinarians were nonexistent in those days. After all the labor and a few glasses of schnapps, evening had descended by the time the farmer set off for home with the borrowed yoke. Weary, he approached the Gatterl and noticed the sinister shadow lurking once more. Losing his patience entirely, instead of meekly making the sign of the cross, he swung the heavy yoke at the Gatterl Ghost, causing a resounding crash. "Begone, you miserable specter!" shouted the farmer in his anger. "Vanish for eternity!" And so it was: From that night on, the Thiersee Gatterl Ghost was never seen again.During "Wasn-Ausstechen," the animal was led onto the meadow, the grass beneath the sick claw was removed, and this "Wasn" was placed on the kitchen stove. It was believed that when the grass and earth were bone dry, the animal would be cured – or so they thought. Give it a try yourself if you have sore feet... CAW!