The Bull Washers

The bull washers

The Salzburg audio-guided tour tells you, along the Salzach, an old story that earned the people of Salzburg their nickname of "bull washers". A delightful legend, which celebrates the cunning of the inhabitants of the city.

A trick to fool the enemy

In the Middle Ages, Salzburg, rich and powerful, aroused many covetousnesses. An enemy army, unable to cross its fortifications reinforced by the Hohensalzburg fortress, decided to besiege it to starve it. When only a single bull remained, the inhabitants had an idea: they showed it on the ramparts, in good health, then repainted it each night, white, then black, to make it believed that they still possessed several well-fed animals. Discouraged, the assailant, convinced that the siege was useless, finally broke camp.

What there is to see

Once the enemy had left, the people of Salzburg, victorious, brought the bull down to the Salzach and washed it to restore its original colour. It is thus that, since that day, they were nicknamed the "bull washers". Walking along the river, one readily imagines this scene full of humour, which recalls that a city can triumph as much by cunning as by the strength of its ramparts.

Practical information

This legend is told along the Salzach, in the centre of Salzburg, along the walk at the water's edge. The banks are freely accessible at all hours and on the level. It is a pleasant stop to enjoy the landscape and the tales of the city.

Why are the people of Salzburg called "bull washers"?

Because of a legend in which they repainted their last bull to fool the besieging enemy, then washed it in the Salzach after their victory.

What does this legend show?

That a city could triumph over a siege as much by the cunning of its inhabitants as by the strength of its fortifications.