Crux with symbols

Summit cross torn down and thrown 50 meters away

Summit crosses can be found on many mountains, here on the Almkogel.

(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart .)

Hikers in Upper Austria are angry because the traditional symbol on the summit of the Gumsenkogel has been torn down. Many summit crosses should not even be there as the landowners were not informed.

"Who is being so nasty?" asks one hiker angrily in a relevant online forum. The reason for his anger: the summit cross on the Gumsenkogel in the Almtal is no longer in its place.

Rather, it was torn down and thrown into inaccessible terrain 50 meters below the summit. The cross had not been there for long. At the beginning of the month, however, it is said to have still been in place.

The reactions to the post were clear: "What kind of world do we live in? Some people have no respect!" or "It's sad how our society is developing."

But the Gumsenkogel is not the only peak that suddenly found itself "topless". The cross on the Weinkogel on Lake Mondsee was also suddenly gone at the end of May. Here, however, not only was the summit cross removed, but the ascent was also closed.

Every summit in the country belongs to someone
The official reason: a wildlife rest zone had been established. However, it is rumored that landowners and hunters felt disturbed by the hikers. In addition, the cross is said to have stood there "illegally" - a problem that Thomas Poltura, Chairman of the Upper Austrian Alpine Association, is also aware of. Alpenverein is also aware of. "Private groups often erect the crosses with the best of intentions, without first clarifying whether the landowner is happy with this," says Poltura. This is because every summit in Upper Austria belongs to someone, often the federal forests or large landowners.

He reckons that a third to a quarter of the crosses have been installed without prior agreement. When problems arise, however, people often turn to the Alpine Association. "Years ago, the summit cross on the Großer Priel was broken off by a storm. It was impossible to find out who had put it up there," says the mountain expert. That's why the Alpine Club had already tried to record all paths and crosses on a list. However, the project came to nothing due to a lack of feedback.

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Durchs Reden kommen d’Leut zamm

The frequency in the mountains is increasing - the Alpine Association, mountain rescuers and tourism all agree on this. While some are looking for recreation and leisure activities, others are concerned about their land and the animals living on it. Conflicts are inevitable here, but many could be avoided.

(Bild: Markus Wenzel, adobe.stock.com, Krone KREATIV)

The idea of mountain enthusiasts mounting crosses on the peaks is a nice one. After all, they are not only popular photo motifs, but also have an emotional significance for many hikers. However, if you agree these plans with the landowners beforehand, you will save yourself a rude awakening afterwards.