PAUL
A Journey Back in Time to the First Ascent of the Trisselwand
An Immersive Hiking Experience
With Theatre, Live Music, Traditional Boat Ride and Culinary Delights
Dates 2026
16, 17, 18 October and 23, 24, 25 October 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – approximately 8:00 pm (Please note: On 25 October, the experience begins at 1:00 pm due to the end of daylight saving time.)
Venue: Seewiese Altaussee, T: +43 3622 71205
Programme
- 2:00 pm (1:00 pm on 25 October) – Meeting point at the boat landing stage in Altaussee (Fischerndorf 158, 8992 Altaussee, Austria), municipal car park. Participants are permitted to drive on the restricted-access road.
- Cross the lake aboard a traditional Plätte, the historic wooden boat of the Salzkammergut, to Seewiese Altaussee. Welcome, headset distribution and introduction.
- Approximately 3:00 pm – Beginning of the immersive hiking experience at Seewiese Altaussee, combining theatre, dance, live music and nature in a truly unique setting. Please note: Parts of the route lead over uneven terrain. Participation is at your own risk.
- Approximately 6:00 pm – Refreshment stop in the lakeside garden of Seewiese Altaussee with a warming seasonal dish.
- Finale – The concluding scene takes place indoors, where guests enjoy a three-course dinner inspired by the year 1911.
- Between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm – Flexible shuttle service back to Altaussee.
€188 per person
Included: Traditional Plätte boat (a historic flat-bottomed wooden boat typical of the Salzkammergut) transfer from Altaussee to Seewiese Altaussee, immersive hiking experience, one beverage during the hike, refreshment stop with a warming seasonal dish, three-course dinner at Seewiese Altaussee (beverages charged according to consumption), shuttle transfer back to Altaussee
PAUL 2025 | Highlights from the Premiere
THE STORY
October 1911
The story follows the Austrian climber Paul Preuß (1886–1913) and the spirit of his time. On the day before the first ascent of the Trisselwand, Paul explores a possible route with friends from Munich and Vienna. Doubt, courage and the imagination of his fellow climbers bring them to the brink of abandoning their attempt. Will they succeed?
Paul, Emmy and the others each choose to continue for their own reasons. Their abilities define the limits of what they dare to undertake.
A story of alpine friendship, hesitation, courage and the cultural spirit of Vienna around 1900, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains.
THE ARTISTIC CONCEPT
by Hubert Lepka, lawine torrèn
Here, at the authentic site of Paul Preuß’s legendary first ascent of the Trisselwand, past and present, reality and imagination merge. Theatre, dance and the dramatic natural setting come together in an intimate open-air alpine performance – immersive, evocative and full of poetry.
And when the journey ends at Seewiese Altaussee, where body and mind find rest, it is not only the simple, honest food that brings warmth. It is also the experience that lingers: the walking, the observing, the wonder.
Read more
The culture of the great city meets the ancient power of the mountains. The mythical spirit of the Alps awakens. In this landscape – at once majestic and gentle – history is not merely told; it is brought to life.
Those who embark on PAUL, the immersive hiking experience, enter a world where perception is heightened and the present moment becomes more vivid. Where the rustling of leaves turns into the whisper of voices from long ago. Where the low afternoon sun dances through the treetops and time seems to slow. Every step across the soft forest floor becomes an act of discovery – of sensing, feeling and awakening. Moss cloaks the rocks like a living green skin. Water murmurs through hidden channels. The wind moves through the trees, carrying words, thoughts, memories and visions.
Between rock and forest, body and sound, two worlds meet: the clear intellectual spirit of Vienna around 1900 and the mystical, untamed world of the Alps.
PAUL is not a performance – it is an invitation.
An invitation to journey inward, to discover depth, and to reconnect with what truly matters. Those who set out on this path return changed.
Cast
Lead actors
- Paul Rudolf Hauser
- Emmy Jeanne Procureur
- Hannah Luisa Heilbron
- Relly Victor Bolzmann
Narrators/Speakers/Voice
- Narrator Frederic Böhle
- Speaker Mina Christiane Warnecke
- Speaker Paul Felix Stichmann
- Voice I Hubert Lepka | Voice II Lewin Lepka
- Voice Barbara Frischmuth Maria Bo Steinitz
How it works
Immersive listening
A miniature transmitter carried discreetly in a backpack creates an invisible connection between the audience and the performers. Through wireless headsets and microphones, you experience every word, every musical nuance and every sound with the immersive quality of a film soundtrack. Voices whisper from afar, dialogues echo through the trees, and sounds weave seamlessly into the landscape – immersive, intimate and, at times, almost otherworldly.
“Paul usually preferred to go alone. It made me uneasy that, of all times, when it came to the west ridge of the Trisselwand, he had invited the women from the city. And Hanni, of all people. Whatever had got into him? But he remained silent. Just stared into the distance. If Paul doesn’t say something of his own accord, you won’t get a word out of him.”
(from the play)
SEEWIESE ALTAUSSEE
An Inspiring Natural Setting for a Timeless Story
Anyone who has visited Seewiese Altaussee knows that this is a place of extraordinary character. Nestled between the tranquil shores of Lake Altaussee and the towering Trisselwand, it possesses a quiet magic that touches both body and mind. Here, nature reveals itself in its purest beauty. Writers such as Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Arthur Schnitzler, Barbara Frischmuth, Hermann Broch and Friedrich Torberg all found inspiration in this remarkable setting.
It is here that the immersive hiking experience PAUL unfolds. Seewiese becomes the stage, the Trisselwand the backdrop, and the story becomes part of the moment.
Stay in Style
CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE TAUROA RETREAT FOR PAUL AND LET THE EXPERIENCE LINGER
- One overnight stay including breakfast in your preferred room category.
- One ticket per person for PAUL, including the traditional Plätte boat transfer, wireless headset, one beverage during the hike, a warming seasonal dish, a three-course dinner at Seewiese Altaussee, and shuttle transfer back to Altaussee.
Krenn
Extend the Journey Through Time
At Gasthaus Krenn, everything revolves around warmth, togetherness and the joy of sharing good food. And if you wish, simply stay a little longer. The perfect place to complement your PAUL experience – where the moments before and after unfold at an unhurried pace, filled with authenticity
Landhaus zu Appesbach
Lake, Style & Fine Dining
A hotel with more than a century of tradition, set in an exceptional lakeside location on the turquoise waters of Lake Wolfgang. Distinguished by its refined cuisine, it is the perfect place to begin your PAUL experience – or to savour its lasting impressions afterwards.
FAQs & Safety Information
What's included in your ticket?
The ticket price includes the traditional Plätte boat transfer from Altaussee to Seewiese Altaussee, the immersive hiking experience, including the use of a wireless headset throughout the performance, beverages served during the hike, a light refreshment stop, a three-course dinner inspired by the year 1911 at Seewiese Altaussee, and the shuttle transfer back to Altaussee.
Beverages ordered with dinner are not included and will be charged according to consumption.
Where can I park?
The PAUL immersive hiking experience begins at the jetty next to the Altaussee boat landing stage. Guests may park free of charge at the municipal car park beside the landing stage for the duration of the performance. A parking permit will be provided on site. You are also authorised to use the restricted-access road leading to the car park.
Getting There:
- From Vienna: Take the A1 West Motorway and exit at Regau. Continue on the B145 towards Gmunden, then follow the signs for Bad Ischl. Stay on the B145 towards Bad Goisern, then take the Voglbichl turn-off and turn left onto the L702A to Altaussee.
- From Salzburg: Take the B158 Wolfgangsee Road to Bad Ischl. Continue on the B145 towards Bad Goisern, then take the Voglbichl turn-off and turn left onto the L702A to Altaussee.
What should I bring?
We recommend weather-appropriate clothing. Sturdy walking shoes, sure-footedness and a moderate level of fitness are required.
Is the hike challenging?
The hike is easy and follows well-maintained gravel paths as well as narrow woodland trails. It can best be described as a leisurely walk. The route covers approximately 4 kilometres with around 150 metres of elevation gain. Participation is at your own risk.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome to join the PAUL immersive hiking experience. Please keep your dog on a lead throughout the entire event.
Owners are responsible for ensuring that their dog is kept under control and behaves appropriately at all times.
How long does PAUL last?
The experience begins at 2:00 pm (1:00 pm on 25 October) and concludes at around 8:00 pm. Of course, you are welcome to stay longer and enjoy the evening at Seewiese Altaussee.
The guided hike itself takes approximately 2.5 hours and is seamlessly woven into an immersive performance that engages all the senses.
Will food and drinks be provided?
To keep both body and mind refreshed, a stop at Stummernalm offers warm beverages along the way. We intentionally do not serve a full meal during the hike, allowing space to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and atmosphere of the surrounding nature.
At around 5:45 pm, you will be served a warming seasonal dish – the perfect prelude to a delightful evening, culminating in a shared three-course dinner at approximately 6:15 pm. Throughout the experience, your comfort and well-being are thoughtfully taken care of.
Where can I stay before or after the experience?
Whether you choose to stay for one night or a few inspiring days, TAUROA’s “inspiring places” transform your PAUL experience into a memorable getaway:
- Seehotel Grundlsee, directly on the shores of Lake Grundlsee (approx. 7 km away)
- Gasthaus Krenn, a charming inn in Pürgg (approx. 30 km away)
- Landhaus zu Appesbach, an elegant lakeside retreat in St. Wolfgang (approx. 42 km away)
Weather-related changes
The hike takes place in all weather conditions unless severe thunderstorms or prolonged heavy rainfall make it unsafe to proceed. Your safety is our highest priority, and we reserve the right to cancel or postpone the experience if weather conditions require it.
In which languages is PAUL performed?
As the story is deeply rooted in the region and its history, the performance is presented exclusively in German. However, even without understanding the language, international guests can fully immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere, the live music and the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Is PAUL suitable for children?
A reduced ticket price of € 100 is available for children and young people up to the age of 14 upon request. Please contact us at willkommen@tauroa.at for more information or to book.
Please note: Photographs and video recordings will be taken during this event. These may be used and published by TAUROA GmbH, TAUROA Spielberg GmbH, their affiliated companies within the meaning of Section 189a (8) of the Austrian Commercial Code (UGB), or authorised third parties for the purpose of reporting on the event and for promotional activities (e.g. on websites and social media channels). By participating in the event, you consent to the use of photographs and video recordings in which you may be identifiable for the purposes described above. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform the photographer or the event management on site. Further information on the processing of your personal data and your rights can be found in our Privacy Notice for Photo and Video Recordings: https://www.tauroa.at/en/data-protection-photo-and-video-recordings/
