Neumarkt am Wallersee

What if I told you that this seemingly quiet town of Neumarkt am Wallersee once stood as a fortified border town? Neumarkt am Wallersee. It’s a name that echoes with history. Archbishop Eberhard II of Salzburg founded Neumarkt am Wallersee around 1240. He needed a stronghold, a “watcher,” at the northern edge of his archbishopric. The town was originally called “Novum Forum” which means new market. The location was strategically chosen. Neumarkt am Wallersee quickly became a vital economic hub. The archbishop granted the town special privileges. These included the right to collect tolls, hold markets, and trade. This fueled its growth. Businesses thrived. Inns, mills, tanneries, and even five breweries sprang up to meet the local demand. The town prospered. Fast forward to the 17th century. Archbishops Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau and Paris Graf von Lodron further fortified Neumarkt am Wallersee, transforming it into a key defensive bastion. Imagine ramparts and defensive walls designed by Santino Solari, the same architect who worked on the Salzburg Cathedral. This was a period of conflict. Neumarkt am Wallersee played a critical role in protecting the archbishopric. However, the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century took their toll. The town suffered greatly. Adding to the misfortune, devastating fires in 1879 and 1887 ravaged the town. Eighty buildings were destroyed in the 1879 fire. The parish church fell victim to the flames in 1887. Yet, Neumarkt am Wallersee persevered. It rebuilt and recovered. After World War II, the town flourished as a tourist destination. It became a regional hub for services. In recognition of its growth and historical importance, Neumarkt am Wallersee was officially designated a Stadtgemeinde, or town, in the year 2000. And there’s more to discover. In 2021, a remarkable Celtic treasure was unearthed here. This ancient hoard of gold jewelry and silver coins, dating back to the 1st century BC, offered a glimpse into Neumarkt’s distant past. So, as you stand here in Neumarkt am Wallersee, remember. Beneath the tranquil surface of this charming town lies a rich tapestry of history. It’s a story of strategic importance, economic prosperity, devastating setbacks, and enduring resilience.