Hans Steininger

 Another well known Citizen of Braunau was Hans Steininger.

Hans, was not only the Mayor of Braunau, but he could boast about the longest beard in this place and at this time.  It was well over 5 feet long.

Unfortunately, this beard became his literal "downfall."

One day, to be precise, on the 28th September 1567, there was a fire somewhere downtown. The alarm bells were rung and Hans, being a conscientious leader of his people tried to rush to the scene of the fire.

In his haste, he had forgotten to roll up his beard and to tuck it into the little leather pouch, hanging around his neck.

Having arrived at the top of the stairs in the Town Hall, he stepped on his beard, tripped and fell and, would you believe it, Hans fell all the way to the bottom of stairs, broke his neck and was dead on the spot.

On the front elevation of City Hall, just above the balcony,

from which speeches were given and parades watched,

is, for ever displayed, the likeness of Hans Steininger.

On the side of the North wall of the Church,

a similar  sculpture shows Hans and his beard.

I would estimate the length of his beard to exceed 5 feet.