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Mauthausen Guide: Johann Gutenbrunner

Just back from a trip through Austria and Germany and happy to begin leaving some tips for future travelers!

We traveled to Linz, Austria, where we were met at the train station by Johann of Limello Tours. We only stopped here in transit between other locations so it was perfect that he was able to pick us up at the train station and drop us off in plenty of time to catch our next train. His car was lovely and clean, and the drive to Mauthausen was about 20 mins.

While at the town of Mauthausen and the camp, I felt comfortable to ask any question that came to mind and felt that we had the flexibility to ask for extra stops or to explore different areas. As Rick mentions in his book, Mauthausen is an incredibly moving experience and having a guide at this site was one of the best decisions we made on this trip - it helped us gain better insight not only into the camp itself, but also in the mind of an Austrian and how his county continues to deal with it's National-Socialist past. His stories about the "neighbors" of Mauthausen will stick with me forever.

Johann was also very open to talking about his country and his life. My husband and he chatted about politics and life in general for a good portion of the driving time.

Overall, a highly recommended experience.

Posted by
14976 posts

Hi,

"...about the 'neighbors' of Mauthausen...." Undoubtedly, he must have told you about the event called "Die Hasenjagd" and the Russian officer POWs.

Posted by
36 posts

It sounds like there were multiple incidents, with Nazi officials, actual "neighbors" (townsfolk), and eventually the Soviets.

Posted by
14976 posts

Hi,

On this past trip a month ago, I saw the memorial to the Hasenjagd incident in 1945 on the road, written only in German....just grim.