Memorial plate in Gargellen "Flight and Murder"

The crossings from Gargellen into the neighboring Switzerland were among the most important escape routes for those persecuted by the National Socialists. Many escape attempts failed, while others succeeded with the help of escape helpers. Just before the Wehrmacht's advance in 1944, the German medical student Nikolaus Staudt tried to flee to Switzerland via the Gafier Pass. A local guide from Gargellen betrayed him to the national socialist border guard, who captured and executed him. Since 2022, a memorial plaque in Gargellen commemorates Nikolaus Staudt, erected as part of the project "15 Orte – 15 Geschichten".