Derelict buildings near Seefeld

Desolate “ghost houses” become a meeting place for young people

Although the former "Waldruh" inn is dilapidated and in ruins, observers say it is anything but peaceful. Inside, the buildings are badly vandalized.

(Bild: Philipp Neuner, zVg)

Two derelict houses near Seefeld in Tyrol - one of which is called "Waldruh" - are currently causing unrest among the local population. It's not just children playing and young people partying in the dilapidated buildings. Drugs are also likely to be consumed there. But the municipality can do nothing. 

Many children and young people on the Seefeld plateau have long since discovered the "ghost inn" directly on the Wildsee lake as an adventure playground and allegedly have the odd party there. However, few people seem to be aware that the ruins also harbor a wealth of dangers.

For decades, two former restaurants in a prime location directly on Seefeld's Wildsee lake have been left to decay. Hundreds of visitors pass by here every day as they stroll along the idyllic promenade around the Wildsee.

As we passed the empty houses, we saw two children playing on the roof at a great height.

Der Vater, der anonym bleiben will

"I love going to Reith bei Seefeld at the weekend to enjoy the nature around Seefeld's Wildsee lake with my two children," reports one father about his recent experience and sounds the alarm. "As we passed the empty houses 'Waldruh' and 'Drei Tannen', we saw two children aged around twelve playing at a great height on the roof - it was an estimated ten meters. As I am a father myself, I was worried and got the children off the completely desolate roof," reports the father, who wishes to remain anonymous.

One of the two houses near Seefeld's Wildsee lake.

(Bild: Philipp Neuner)

"An eyesore for the tourist resort of Seefeld"
On this occasion, he also took a look around the run-down property: "As all the doors were kicked open and all the windows were smashed, I first saw what a ticking danger it was: there were around 15 people, including children, in the completely filthy houses, which were covered in broken glass everywhere."

Friends have been meeting there for months, especially at weekends. "It's only a matter of time before something bad happens, as the children have also been smoking and drinking alcohol! I don't understand why the municipality isn't doing anything. It's also an eyesore for the tourist resort of Seefeld, which thousands of guests see every week when they go for a walk."

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"Krone" on site inspection
The properties in question are located in the municipality of Reither on the border with Seefeld in a prime location directly on the lake. The former restaurants have been left to decay for more than 30 years. Spruce trees and shrubs are overgrown on one terrace, as a "Krone" site inspection shows. Nowhere is there a barrier fence or a "no trespassing" sign. Everyone seems to be able to do what they want here. So it's no wonder that children and young people from the surrounding region have discovered this "lost place" as "their adventure playground".

It can be assumed that the place is also used as a drug transshipment and consumption site. Spoons lying around indicate this.

In principle, the owner is liable, but it is a different matter if you are on the property illegally.

Dominik Hiltpolt, BM Reith bei Seefeld

Buildings are dilapidated, municipality can do nothing
"The buildings are dilapidated," says Reither BM Dominik Hiltpolt, but emphasizes that the municipality cannot intervene as long as there is no danger from falling parts. The property is the private property of an Austrian who is mainly abroad. Who is liable in the event of an accident? "In principle, the owner is liable," says the village chief, who is also the building authority of first instance, "but it's different if you are on the property illegally. That is ultimately a question of civil law."

The last time he spoke to the owner was about a year ago. He has not commented on what he plans to do with the ruins.