Freistadt
Freistadt is a town in the Upper Austrian Lower Mühlviertel area. The population of this location as of January 1, 2022, is 7,972. It has been the Freistadt district administrative headquarters since 1849.About 17 kilometers separate the municipality from the border with the Czech Republic, and 38 kilometers separate it from the state capital of Linz.
Most likely, Leopold VI, Duke of Babenberg, founded Freistadt about 1220 when he passed through the area in 1225. The settlement lay on a significant commercial route that linked the Danube River with Bohemia and provided iron and salt among other commodities. Freistadt gained the status of a market town in 1241 and coinage power in 1277. High degrees of autonomy and self-government were also enjoyed by the town, which answered directly to the emperor rather than any local lord. That explains the term “freetown.”
Given its strategic position and wealth of resources, Freistadt was regularly besieged and assaulted, especially in the Hussite Wars of the 15th and 17th centuries. Twin walls, moats, towers, and gates make up the formidable defense system that the town built and which still encircles the old town today. Once the fortification was mostly completed between 1363 and 1393, it was upgraded and reinforced. One of the best intact examples of a mediaeval fortification in Austria, it is a well-liked tourist attraction.
The old town of Freistadt is charming and full with historical and cultural sites. The main entrance into the old town is the fourteenth-century Linzer Tor (Linz Gate), which has an eighteenth-century baroque façade. Some of the beautiful, vibrant burghers’ houses that surround the Hauptplatz, the city’s main square, date back to the fifteenth century. The main building on the square is the Renaissance-style Rathaus (Town Hall), built in 1574. A weekly market is another feature of the plaza, which also hosts other festivals and events all year round.
At the highest point of the old town stands the parish church of St. Catherine, which was originally built in the 14th and 15th centuries and subsequently refurbished in the Gothic style in 1967 and the baroque style in 1690. The 72-meter-tall church tower offers a wide vista of the town and the surroundings. With a baroque altar, a Gothic organ, Gothic windows and paintings, the church’s interior is as magnificent. At the church and on the town’s coat of arms, St. Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of Freistadt, is revered.
A further notable church in the old town is the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), which is situated outside the Böhmertor (Bohemian Gate). About fifteen centuries ago, the Gothic style church was built. The stained glass windows, also referred to as “pillars of light,” that depict scenes from the life of Jesus’ mother Mary are its most famous feature. In 1484, master glassmaker Leonhard von Freistadt—who had previously worked on the windows of Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral—constructed the windows.
Further, there is Schloss, a 14th-century castle in Freistadt that served as the residence of the administrators and governors. In the 50-meter-tall keep of the castle lies the Mühlviertler Schlossmuseum, a regional museum with a variety of displays on the history, culture, and art of the region. The museum also has a substantial collection of verre églomisé, or glass that has had a gold etch coating. April through October, the museum offers guided tours and courses.
Apart from its rich historical background, Freistadt is a creative and artistic community. The town has several yearly celebrations and events as well. The Freistädter Bierkirtag celebrates the town’s beer culture, the Freistädter Filmfestival showcases independent and experimental films from Austria and elsewhere, and the Freistädter Adventmarkt is a Christmas market with food, entertainment, and handicrafts.
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Tourism In Freistadt
2008 had 25,020 overnight stays in Freistadt, with a two-day average stay. Still, there were only roughly 21,760 overnight stays the next year. Of all the overnight stays in 2009, 12,384 were made by domestic guests, or 57%. Most foreign visitors were Germans, with Upper Austria having the highest proportion at nearly 24 percent.
Two hotels—a three-star and a four-star—are located in the city. In addition, Freistadt offers a youth hostel, a 40-pitch camping park, two three-star guesthouses, and many private room landlords. Remarkably, Freistadt offers agricultural holidays. There are 130 rooms in all, 240 sleeping places split over 11 facilities.
As demonstrated by the precipitous decline in visitors and nights spent in 2020 over 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on tourism in Freistadt, Austria. But things somewhat recovered in 2021 when travel restrictions were relaxed and the tourism industry restarted. Over time, there has been largely no change in the average length of stay or the amount of tourists.
Geography Of Freistadt
South of the Freiwald in the northeastern part of the lower Mühlviertel region, in the Freistadt Basin, is the city of Freistadt.The Thury Valley is the sole break in the 650–700 meter high forested hills that encircle Freistadt to the west, north, and east.Particularly to the south, smaller hills encircle the metropolitan region on every side.The urban area measures 12.88 square kilometers.
This places Freistadt as the second-smallest municipality in the district by land area.The maximum horizontal expanse is 5.7 kilometers measured north-south and 4.9 kilometers measured east-west. The community is located 560 meters above sea level.The main plaza of town hall was used for the measurement.Within the municipal authority, the highest point is 732 meters above sea level.
About 38 km southwest of Freistadt is Linz, the regional capital. Comparably, 60 kilometers north of Freistadt is the Czech town of Ceské Budweis (Budweis).The federal capital of Vienna lies 180 kilometers to the east and may be driven to in around two hours.Roughly 17 kilometers north of Wullowitz is the state boundary with the Czech Republic.
Weather & Climate In Freistadt
The placement in a valley and the creation of a cold air lake make Freistadt’s climate sometimes difficult.In rare cases, morning frost might happen as early as September.The middle part of Upper Austria and the southern Mühlviertel have different weather patterns than the Freistadt Basin. In the Freistadt Basin, there is usually more snowfall and far less high and low fog.
At a comparable elevation on the northern border of the Alps in Upper Austria, the precipitation level reported today is lower.Climate-wise, the basin is considered one of the most continental regions in Upper Austria. It was around 2.5 degrees Celsius colder on average every day between 1971 and 2000 than in the state capital of Linz. Besides, Freistadt’s temperature was 6.9 °C.
The annual precipitation averaged around 700 millimeters.Together with 50.7 summer days and 8.3 hot days, there are 75.5 frost days and 21 ice days.On average, 74.2 days a year see snowfall. The snow depth is more than 20 centimeters for 10.5 days; the highest snow cover was recorded in February at 65 centimeters.Freistadt receives 1741.1 hours of sunshine year, with a notable decrease in sunshine hours from November to January.
Demographics Of Freistadt
According to 2011 survey results, 15.8% of respondents were 65 years of age or older and 15.6% were under the age of 15. In all, 51.7% of the population was female. At the 2001 census, Freistadt had 5,952 adult residents, of whom 7.6% had completed their studies at an academy, technical college, or university.Ninety-nine percent of people had completed high school.
East Central Bavarian, sometimes known as Danube Bavarian, is the German dialect spoken by most Upper Austrians and in the Freistadt area.The East Austrian branch of Central Bavarian originated from the dialect spoken in the Babenberg realm of Ostarrichi when Bavarians came in the eastern part. Ninety-three percent of people in Freistadt reported that their first language was German.
The percentage of foreign residents in Freistadt in 2011 was 5.7%, lower than the Upper Austria area average.Out of the 427 people who were not citizens of Austria, 39.3% were Turkish, 30.6% were citizens of other EU members, and 22.7% were citizens of other EU members.What 7.4% is left is dispersed throughout the continents.
Economy Of Freistadt
The main economic centre of the area is Freistadt.Workplaces rose by 20.9% to 510 over the last two censuses, in 1991 and 2001.Local tax receipts in Freistadt rose by 11.5% between 2001 and 2004. This rise suggests that the economy of the city is strengthening. Thirty-four new companies were founded in the Freistadt area in 2007.
The home appliance manufacturer Gorenje relocated 64 employees in August 2007 when kitchen manufacturing was closed. About 4,600 people, or 1.2% of the working population, were employed in the agricultural and forestry industry, according to the 2001 census. In addition, 19.8% of those in employment were working in the industry, trade, and construction sector; 79.0% of them were employed in the service sector.
Much higher than the percentage in neighboring districts, Freistadt’s population works for the municipality, at about 25%. The majority of those still working for the company commute to work, with headquarters located in Linz. Though women work in Freistadt at greater rates than men, it is important to note that males make up the bulk of commuters. Typically, employed persons made 1,659 euros a month in 2006.
History Of Freistadt
Upper Austrian town Freistadt lies close to the border with the Czech Republic. Originating in the thirteenth century, Freistadt has a rich and culturally significant past. Before 1220, Babenberg family Duke Leopold VI built the town of Freistadt. Historical records state that Duke Leopold VI investigated the area in 1225 and established a fortified town on the commercial route that connected the Danube and Bohemia regions.
Most of the fortifications of Freistadt, which of twin walls, moats, towers, and gates, were constructed between 1363 and 1393. Remarkably well, these buildings have endured to this day. The remarkable preservation of these Austrian fortifications makes them among the finest examples of medieval architecture in the nation. Freistadt has had several sieges and assaults during its history.
Distinguished episodes include the Hussite invasion in 1422, the Swedish invasion in 1645, the French invasions in 1805 and 1809, and the Nazi occupation in 1938. Numerous well-known artists, sculptors, musicians, and playwrights have called Freistadt home throughout its rich cultural and artistic past. The museum also has a sizable collection of reverse glass paintings that represent the regional traditional craft of the Mühlviertel area.
Best Time To Visit Freistadt
Upper Austrian Freistadt is a charming, old town steeped in natural and cultural heritage. Anybody interested in adventure, history, art, or the outdoors should definitely visit. August and September are the best months to visit Freistadt due of the lush, verdant surroundings and warm, comfortable weather. But you may also appreciate Freistadt in other seasons, based on your preferences and interests.
Four distinct seasons and moderate rainfall all year round characterize Freistadt’s temperate marine environment.See Freistadt in April, May, June, or October to avoid crowds and pay less. The shoulder seasons are those when the temperature is still pleasant and bright but not as hot as it is in the summer. Viewing trees and flowers blossom is best done in the spring.
Visit Freistadt in December, January, or February to enjoy a winter wonderland. These are the winter months, when the town and the neighboring mountains are covered with snow. In a historic inn, you may unwind with a good drink and a fireplace or engage in winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding. But shorter days, lower temps, and more likelihood of rain or snow are to be expected.
How To Get To Freistadt
You may get to Freistadt by train from leading Austrian cities including Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna. Depending on the route and the amount of modifications needed, a train trip typically takes two to four hours. Walking distance to the main attractions is made easy by the rail station’s favorable location close to the town center. Buses connect Freistadt with Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Around an hour passes during the bus travel.
It is easy to drive to Freistadt from Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, or any other nearby city. Depending on traffic patterns and state of the roads, the travel time might take two to three hours. The S10 expressway is a handy and direct route to Freistadt; first take the A1.The town centre has public parking available for visitors.
The closest airport for traveling to Freistadt is Linz. One practical approach to get there is to fly into Linz Airport. About 38 kilometers (24 miles) from town, the airport provides service to Frankfurt, London, Vienna, and Zurich among other European cities.There are plenty of choices open to passengers who want to go from the airport to Freistadt.
How To Get Around In Freistadt
There are around 7,000 people living in Freistadt, which is in Upper Austria. It is easy to move about Freistadt because most of the attractions are close enough to stroll to one another.The best approach to enjoy Freistadt’s picturesque and historic appeal is to go for a walk. To reach the major sites—the market, churches, museums, and fortifications—follow the designated pedestrian paths.
An additional method to travel about Freistadt is by bike, especially if you want to go outside of town and take in the surrounding countryside. Bicycles may be rented at the train station or tourist office and used to travel the bike lanes that link Freistadt to the other towns and villages in the Mühlviertel area. There are also themed and skill-level guided cycling excursions available.
Though it is sporadic and inconvenient, public transit is available in Freistadt. Buses travel to various regional places such Linz, Gmünd, and Sandl in addition to the town and the nearby train station. Still, the buses have restricted timetables and only operate throughout the week. Tickets may be bought online or at the bus station.
Attractions & Landmarks In Freistadt
Near the border with the Czech Republic, in Upper Austria, is the charming and historically significant town of Freistadt. Famously, the city boasts 13 towers, a moat, two magnificent gates, and well-preserved medieval walls. With so many museums, churches, and historic buildings that so eloquently capture its rich past and beloved traditions, Freistadt has a strong cultural legacy.
Known by most as the Linz Gate, the Linzertor is a well-known Freistadt relic. The old town is entered from the west via it. Constructed during the 14th century, the gate blends elements of baroque facade, Gothic arch, and clock tower architecture. A other noteworthy entrance on the eastern borders of the town is the Böhmertor, sometimes called the Bohemian Gate.
An interesting attraction that visitors to Freistadt should not miss is the Mühlviertel Castle Museum, sometimes referred to as the Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum. Housing it is the town’s old castle. Constructed in the fourteenth century, the castle functioned as an administrative hub as well as a defense strongpoint. The castle is now a museum exhibiting the rich cultural, artistic, and historical legacy of the Mühlviertel area.
Things To Do In Freistadt
Lovely medieval Freistadt, located in Upper Austria on the border with the Czech Republic, is well-known for its Gothic churches, ancient defenses, and regional brewery. Open to visitors is the Thurytal valley, a picturesque valley with a hiking trail that leads to the remains of a castle from the thirteenth century. The Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum has displays on the history and culture of Freistadt and the Mühlviertel area.
The two surviving defense gates of the town, the Linzertor and Böhmertor, are magnificent with their Baroque façade and clock towers. Attending a beer-brewing session and learning about brewing may be done at the Freistädter BierAkademie, a brewery that provides guided tours and sampling of its award-winning beers. Concerts and cultural activities are held all year round at the 13th-century Gothic church known as the Gotische Liebfrauenkirche.
A mediaeval moat pond called Frauenteich and a former jail and torture chamber called Scheiblingturm are further attractions. Fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, honey and other items are sold at the farmers market Genussmarkt am Freistädter Hauptplatz every Friday. Local painters and craftspeople’s creations are on display and for sale in the MÜK – Mühlviertel Kreativ Haus and Altstadt – Atelier – Altes Handwerk galleries.
