Tourism In Braunau am Inn

Upper Austrian little village Braunau am Inn enthralls visitors with its rich historical and cultural legacy, breathtaking scenery, and plethora of leisure activities. At the German border, the town functions as a cross-border urban hub next to the German town of Simbach am Inn.Adolf Hitler was born at Braunau am Inn, a location rich in historical and cultural legacy.

Renowned for its rich historical and cultural legacy, Braunau am Inn bears witness to its long and varied history. History initially cites the settlement as Prounaw in 1120. It received town rights formally in 1260. The town belonged to the Duchy of Bavaria up until 1779. Then, nevertheless, the Treaty of Teschen made it an Austrian town. Throughout the Napoleonic Wars, sovereignty of the area changed many times before it was finally included into the Austrian Empire in 1816. Over World War I, Braunau am Inn functioned as a major prisoner of war camp as well as a garrison town. After World War II, it was for a short while held by the US Army before being included into the American Zone of Occupation in Austria until 1955.

Many sites and attractions in the town magnificently highlight its rich past and lively culture. These consist of, among others:

• St. Stephen’s Church: One of the most striking structures in Braunau am Inn, this is the primary church there. Among the finest pipe organs in Europe, it has the third-tallest tower in the nation and an amazing Baroque interior.
• Town Hall Square: The old town hall, the fish fountain, the iron horse, and the palm monument are all visible from this historic hub of Braunau am Inn.The town hall has a Renaissance façade and a Gothic entrance from the fifteenth century.
• Braunau Parish Church: Constructed in the thirteenth century, this Gothic church had Baroque restorations later.The burial of Hans Steininger, renowned for possessing the world’s longest beard, is housed there.
• Local Museums: Local museums include the Herzogsburg Museum, the Vorderbad Museum, and the Braunau Contemporary History Museum, all of which highlight the history and culture of Braunau am Inn. The later houses exhibitions on human rights and democracy and is housed in the home where Adolf Hitler was born.
• Stadterlebnisweg: Braunau am Inn’s most fascinating sites and tales are covered on this walking tour.Follow the indications and use your smartphone or tablet to listen to the audio guide.

Apart from its breathtaking surroundings, Braunau am Inn offers a plethora of leisure activities to suit all age groups and interests of guests. Part of the magnificent Alpine foothills, the town is surrounded by the charming Innviertel hills. Inn, a lower river, also forms the town’s boundary with Germany. Parks and gardens abound throughout the town; they include the Stadtpark, Schlosspark, Kurpark, and Rosengarten. These are great spots for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or just taking in the splendor of the trees and flowers. Among the town’s recreational facilities are the Motorikpark, the Erlebnisfreibad, the Mattigtaler Heckenlabyrinth, and the Vorderbad.These places have great chances for playing, swimming, working out, and exploring. The town has a number of sporting facilities, such as the Eislaufplatz, Tennisplatz, Minigolfplatz and Sportzentrum.These are great places to enjoy tennis, golf, ice skating, and a host of other sports.

With so many festivals and events happening all year long, Braunau am Inn is renowned for its thriving cultural scene. The town is charming and lively in part because of these cultural attractions. Among the busiest occasions and celebrations are:

• Braunau Music Festival: Annually, in July and August, Braunau Music Festival presents classical, jazz, and folk music events in a number of municipal locations.
• Braunau Literature Days: Held annually in October, this event includes readings, talks, and workshops with regional and worldwide poets and writers.
• Braunau Advent Market: Held annually in December, this market includes a carousel, a live music program, and vendors offering food and beverages in addition to handcraft items.
• Braunau Peace Prize: Awarded yearly, this medal honors people or groups that have significantly advanced human rights and peace.The award was founded in 1989 to encourage tolerance and peace in reaction to the town’s connection to Adolf Hitler.