The Bull Washers

As you continue walking along the Salzach, let me tell you an old story that earned the people of Salzburg the nickname “bull washers.”

It takes us back to the Middle Ages, when, as you know, it was common for kingdoms to try and conquer cities to expand their territories. Salzburg, wealthy and powerful, was no exception, it was a coveted prize. But thanks to its strong defensive system, especially the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress and surrounding ramparts, it wasn’t easy to capture. One day, an enemy army came knocking, determined to take the city from the prince-archbishops.

Unable to break through the walls, they decided to lay siege to the city, cutting off food and water supplies to force its surrender. Inside, the townspeople quickly implemented rationing, but they also hatched a clever plan. With only one bull left to eat, they paraded it along the city walls, healthy and well-fed, in full view of the enemy. The next day, they painted it white and showed it again. “Ah,” thought the attackers, “they have at least two bulls.”

The following day, the bull reappeared painted black. That made three! Convinced the city still had plenty of food, the besiegers gave up and left. To celebrate, the townspeople brought the bull down to the Salzach River and washed it until its natural color returned. And from that day on, the people of Salzburg have proudly carried the nickname “bull washers.”

A clever tale that reminds us that sometimes, brains win over brawn!