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Festung Hohensalzburg Salzburg & Museum Entrance (Insert) |
By Joe Unger
In July 2022, my wife and I had the privilege of spending some time in Bavaria. We obviously visited multiple World War II sites, which was fine because my wife is a history teacher, but an opportunity arose to scoot across the border and visit Salzburg. This was especially appealing to me since my favorite Great War area of interest is the Austro-Hungarian Empire and I would be able to visit those lands once ruled by the Habsburgs.
Equipment
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| Gas Respirator |
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| An Essential Tool for Mountain Troops |
Unbeknownst to me, there is an ancient castle, the Hohensalzburg Fortress (Festung), built upon the Festungsberg, highest point in the city. It has a most commanding view of the entire area. I didn’t know what to expect when we visited the fort, but I was in for a great surprise.
Dioramas
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| Scenes from the Italian Front Alpine Sector |
Within its massive expanse, the fort contained a most modern and well-appointed museum. It covered all periods of Salzburg, going back a millennium, but the best part was the Rainer Regiment Museum. The Museum had an entire section devoted to Salzburg's home unit: k.u.k. Infantry Regiment No. 59 “Archduke Rainer,” which was founded in 1682.
Artwork
The First World War section of the museum covers the entire war and all of the engagements of this regiment, including Caporetto. The displays of infantry equipment, artwork, individual and unit weapons, artillery, personal items, and uniforms were extensive. There are several dramatic dioramas as well that depict the regiment's deployments on the Italian Front and in Galicia. Also, for those who appreciate medals, badges, orders, and other awards, I don’t think that I have ever seen a more comprehensive and complete record of Great War Habsburg military decorations.
Medals
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| Austrian Order of Leopold |
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| From a Private Collection |
After the war ended in 1918, former Rainer soldiers eagerly assisted the museum construction which continued until it officially and ceremoniously opened in 1924 by the then provincial governor, Dr Franz Rehrl. The regiment has a proud past, and the people of Salzburg strive to keep its memory alive. I had never heard of this museum before, and I highly recommend it.
Uniforms
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| A General in Full Plumage |
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| An Enlisted Man in Marching Kit |
Some additional details about the museum can be found at these sites:
https://www.rainer-regimentsmuseum-salzburg.at/en/node/112/printable/print
While in Austria, do not miss the Tirol Panorama and Kaiserjaeger Museum in Innsbruck. Much on WWI and so well done! Weapons, uniforms, medals. artwork and more. Plus one helluva view from the cafe.
ReplyDeleteThank you Brooke!
ReplyDeleteWe did not make it to Innsbruck but now I wish we would have!! Since you mentioned it, the cafe on the top of Festung Salzburg is also delightful, great views, ancient walls, cold beer and good Austro-Hungarian sausages!
Joe Unger