Beneath the vast sky, the Schwarzenbergkaserne stands a silent witness. It is Austria’s largest military installation. The Schwarzenbergkaserne covers 240 hectares. It is so large it forms its own village within Wals-Siezenheim.
Let’s journey back. After World War II, Austria was split into zones. Salzburg fell under US control. The Americans inherited German military properties. But these spaces were needed for displaced persons numbering 68000 in Salzburg alone. Existing facilities also didn’t meet US troop needs.
As the Cold War intensified, the US decided to build a divisional barracks in Salzburg. Anif, Lehen’s Salzachspitz, and Wals-Siezenheim were considered. Wals-Siezenheim won due to its proximity to the autobahn and airport. The USFA seized the land, then bought it from Austria. Original landowners were compensated generously.
Construction began in June 1951. The aim was completion by late 1952. The Schwarzenbergkaserne included soldier accommodations. It also featured a water plant, a power station linked to the Wiestalstausee and a waste incinerator. Two sewage plants, a large cinema, military training grounds and an industrial area were also constructed. Oddly, ammunition wasn’t stored on site. It remained on trucks, moved frequently.
In December 1951, the Schwarzenbergkaserne was inaugurated. American and Austrian dignitaries attended. Archbishop Andreas Rohracher blessed it. The camp was named after Captain Robert E. Roeder. He died heroically in Italy in 1944.
The Austrian State Treaty in May 1955 signaled the end of the US presence. In October 1955, Camp Roeder transitioned to the Austrian Army. Inventory went to West Germany or was auctioned at Schloss Klessheim. Some facilities like the laundry and bowling alleys were scrapped due to disagreements.
A dark chapter followed. In 1956-57, the Schwarzenbergkaserne became an internment camp. Around 750 Hungarian soldiers were held after the Hungarian Uprising.
In 1967, the Schwarzenbergkaserne received its current name. It honors Field Marshal Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg. He led allied forces at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813.
Today, the Schwarzenbergkaserne has evolved. Land has been repurposed for industry. Despite changes, it remains Austria’s largest barracks. In 2015, it even housed 87 refugees for the Ministry of Interior.
The Schwarzenbergkaserne is accessible via bus line 2 and the A1 highway. It currently houses various units including the Military Command Salzburg, Pioneer Battalion 2, and the Air Surveillance Command. It also hosts the Military Police and a military parish.
The Schwarzenbergkaserne stands as more than just a military base. It is a place of complex history. It reflects war, occupation and Austria’s journey to independence. Its story is etched into its very foundations.