The Georgiritt of the Traunsteiner St. Georgsverein on Easter Monday is one of the largest and most colorful horse pilgrimages in Bavaria with its historical figures, decorated riders and horse teams as well as thousands of spectators. In addition to the sword dance, the highlights are the blessing in the Ettendorfer Kircherl, which is located in the Surberger municipal area. The church houses one of the oldest organs in Bavaria from 1669 (restored between 2001 and 2005). From the little church you can enjoy a unique view of Traunstein and the backdrop of the Chiemgau mountains. Not far away is the parental home of the retired “Bavarian” Pope Benedict XVI. (2005-2013). Born Joseph Ratzinger in Marktl in 1927, the family moved to Hufschlag in the Surberg community in 1937.
Surberg local history
In the area of today's municipality there were noble residences in Surberg and Hallabruck. Until the administrative reforms around 1800, Surberg belonged to the Burghausen Rentamt and the Traunstein District Court. In 1818 the current political municipality was founded. The official spelling "Surberg" was determined on July 6, 1937. Today, a Jewish memorial near Surtal commemorates the tragic fate of 61 concentration camp prisoners.
Surberger personalities
With Martin Braxenthaler (born 1972) one of the most successful athletes in Bavaria lives in Surberg. During his time as an active competitive athlete with a handicap, the monoskier and ski racer won nine overall World Cups and ten gold medals at the Paralympics in Salt Lake City, Turin and Vancouver. Braxenthaler has won the Sports Prize of the Bavarian State Government (2006), the "Laureus World Sports Award 2007" and the Bavarian State Medal for Social Merit 2008.
