Traditional custom

190 years! Preber marksmen celebrate big anniversary

Sandra Etschbacher has presided over the Preber shooters since 2022.(Bild: ROLAND_HOLITZKY)

At least since September 1834, targets have been shot across the water at the Lungau mountain lake. This weekend, the shooters, who are known far beyond the Lungau region, are celebrating "190 years of Preber shooting".

The exact date is not known. But one thing is certain: the oldest target from the Prebersee dates back to 1834, on September 4 to be precise. We are talking about the origins and the first water target shooting on the Preber. This weekend, the 190th anniversary of the shooting club will be celebrated at the lake high above Tamsweg.

Unique: the shots are directed at the target from the water.(Bild: ROLAND_HOLITZKY)

Numerous clubs come to the imposing lake at the foot of the summit to honor the shooting tradition. At the forefront: Sandra Etschbacher, the first female head marksman of the Preberschützen since 2022. Etschbacher is looking forward to the club's anniversary, which is both stressful and wonderful.

"We have no reason to complain about the lack of interest and crowds," says the top markswoman. The ten annual shoots at the lake are already fully booked until 2026. A look into the near future gives Etschbacher hope for something else. In October, it will be decided whether the Preber shoot will be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.