Tired of Trump? Weary of war? Want to escape the trials and tribulations of modern life by becoming a hermit? A town in Austria may have the answer to your prayers.
ADVERTISEMENTAre you tired of Trump? Exhausted by austerity? Saturated by social media?
A town in Austria may have the answer to your prayers.
Saalfelden (Austria) is looking for a new resident hermit. Would you apply? https://t.co/RY4nHVYdGOpic.twitter.com/quqBmbwbiK
— Culture Trip (@CultureTrip) January 27, 2017
Saalfelden near Salzburg is looking for a resident hermit.
The hermitage was built into a natural cave more than 350 years ago in steep, rocky cliffs above Lichtenberg Castle near the town.
It is currently vacant and the hunt is on for a new occupant.
Interested?
Euronews takes you step-by-step through the application.
The job spec
“We are looking for a self-sufficient person who is at peace with themselves, willing to talk to people but not impose,” said local cleric Alois Moser, quoted on Austrian state broadcaster ORF.
Many people visit the hermitage to enjoy the view, to pray or talk about issues that affect or trouble them.
The successful candidate must:
- have a Christian outlook
- be ready to greet visiting pilgrims and locals
Wanted in Austria: A hermit. Experience not necessary. https://t.co/56VMYgxopP
— Sam Allen Associates (@S_A_Associates) January 20, 2017
Salary
The job is unpaid.
ADVERTISEMENTApplicants are advised to have a private or second income.
Accommodation
The hermitage is unheated and there is no running water.
It is only habitable between April and November.
The selection procedure
Moser, along with Saalfelden’s mayor, Erich Rohrmoser, will select the new hermit.
The winning candidate will be chosen more on the basis of personality than training and professional experience.
ADVERTISEMENTHow to apply
The deadline for applications is March 15th, 2017.
Those interested should send their CV, photo and a cover letter explaining why they want the position to:
Pfarramt Saalfelden,
zH. Herrn Dechant Alois Moser
Lofererstraße 11
5760 Saalfelden
This Small Town in Austria Is Looking to Hire a Professional Hermit https://t.co/hddTuELKk3pic.twitter.com/FDNFcXab6P
— Country Living (@CountryLiving) January 18, 2017
What to ask at the interview
Why is the position vacant?
The last inhabitant – a Viennese pastor and psychotherapist – left last Autumn to return to his old life in Vienna.
ADVERTISEMENTBefore him, a Benedictine monk had lived there for 12 years.
Are there any other applicants?
In 1970, shots were fired at the hermitage doors.
Luckily, the resident hermit was not injured.
However, feeling unnerved, he left shortly afterwards to return to his home in Styria.
The offender had reportedly applied for the job himself but been unsuccessful.