Things To Do In Freistadt

Near the border with the Czech Republic, in Upper Austria, Freistadt is a quaint medieval town well-known for its Gothic cathedrals, old fortifications, and regional brewery. Explore the stunning Thurytal valley, which has a hiking track that leads to the remains of a castle from the thirteenth century. Housed in the town’s old keep, the Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum has displays on Freistadt’s and the Mühlviertel region’s history and culture. Impressive with their Baroque façade and clock towers are the town’s two preserved defense gates, Linzertor and Böhmertor. Learn about brewing and take part in a beer-brewing session at the Freistädter BierAkademie, a brewery that offers samples of its award-winning brews along with guided tours.

All year long, the Gotische Liebfrauenkirche, a Gothic church from the thirteenth century, presents music and cultural activities. Notable sights are the ancient moat pond Frauenteich and the former jail and torture chamber Scheiblingturm. Fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, honey and other goods are available at the farmers market, Genussmarkt am Freistädter Hauptplatz, every Friday. Viewing and buying a range of artwork is possible at the galleries Altstadt – Atelier – Altes Handwerk and MÜK – Mühlviertel Kreativ Haus.

Explore the Thurytal

Explore the Thurytal, a scenic valley with a hiking trail that leads to the ruins of a 13th-century castle. You can enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside and the town’s towers from the hilltop.

Thurytal is a picturesque valley located in the Mühlviertel region of Upper Austria, in close proximity to the town of Freistadt. The area is named after the Thury family, who were the owners of a castle in the 13th century. The castle was destroyed in 1422 by the Hussites, and its ruins are still visible today.

Thurytal is a highly sought-after destination for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. Visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the picturesque rolling hills, lush meadows, dense forests, and babbling streams. In the valley, there is a clearly marked hiking trail that will lead you to the castle ruins. Once there, you will have the opportunity to admire the remnants of the walls, towers, and chapel.The trail also takes you past a small lake, a chapel, and a lookout point.

Thurytal is a destination that boasts not only stunning natural beauty, but also holds great historical and cultural significance. The valley witnessed numerous battles and skirmishes throughout history, including those that occurred during the Thirty Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the World Wars.Along the trail, you will come across memorials and monuments that honor the events and individuals who bravely fought and lost their lives.

Thurytal is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare or endangered species. As you stroll through the valley, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of natural wonders such as wildflowers, mushrooms, birds, butterflies, and other fascinating animals.In addition, you have the opportunity to learn about the rich local traditions and customs of the Mühlviertel people, who have been residing and engaging in various occupations in the valley for centuries.

Thurytal offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm and rich history of the Mühlviertel region, while also enjoying the serene beauty of nature. This location is an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind, discover, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

Visit the Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum

Visit the Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum, located in the former keep of the town’s castle. The museum displays exhibits on the history and culture of Freistadt and the Mühlviertel region, from the Middle Ages to the present day. You can also climb up to the eighth floor of the tower for a panoramic view of the town.

The Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum is a museum that exhibits the rich history and vibrant culture of Freistadt and the Mühlviertel region, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The place is situated within the former keep of the town’s castle, which has a history dating back to the 14th century. Here are some of the highlights you can experience when visiting the Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum:

Climb up to the eighth floor of the tower for a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding countryside. You can see the old fortifications, the Gothic churches, and the Thurytal valley from the top.
Explore the four main sections of the museum, which cover different aspects of the region’s history and culture: Volkskunde, Handwerk, Hinterglasmalerei, and Zoll- und Finanzgeschichte.
Admire the largest and most important collection of Hinterglasmalerei (reverse glass painting) in Austria, with over 500 pieces from the 18th to the 20th century. The paintings are mostly religious in theme and were produced in the nearby villages of Sandl and Buchers.
Learn about the traditions and customs of the Mühlviertel people, such as their costumes, crafts, festivals, and rituals. You can see exhibits on birth, marriage, death, school, leisure, and more.
Discover the art and skills of various crafts and trades that flourished in the region, such as locksmiths, potters, hatmakers, and others. You can also see the tools and products of these professions, as well as the symbols and flags of the guilds.
Find out about the history and development of the tax and customs system in Upper Austria, from the medieval times to the modern era. You can see documents, stamps, coins, uniforms, and weapons related to the financial and administrative affairs of the region.

The Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant heritage of Freistadt and the Mühlviertel region. In addition to appreciating the captivating architecture and ambiance of the historic castle, visitors can delve into the rich and diverse cultural legacy that the museum showcases. This attraction is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about this captivating part of Austria.

Admire the Linzertor and the Böhmertor

Admire the Linzertor and the Böhmertor, the two remaining gates of the town’s old fortifications. The Linzertor dates back to the 14th century and features a Baroque facade and a clock tower. The Böhmertor is older and simpler, but still impressive.

The Linzertor and the Böhmertor are two remarkable and historically significant landmarks in Freistadt, Austria. The gates that remain are the only remnants of the town’s ancient fortifications, which have a history dating back to the 13th century. There are several compelling reasons to admire these magnificent structures.

The Linzertor and the Böhmertor are examples of the medieval architecture and engineering of Freistadt, which was a strategic and prosperous town on the trade route between Linz and Prague. The gates were designed to protect the town from invaders and to control the access and taxation of goods and people.
The Linzertor and the Böhmertor have different styles and features, reflecting their historical evolution and adaptation to the changing times. The Linzertor has a Baroque facade and a clock tower, while the Böhmertor has a Gothic spire and a double-headed eagle. Both gates have traces of the original drawbridges, battlements, and loopholes.
The Linzertor and the Böhmertor offer panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside, as well as the Thurytal valley and the castle ruins. You can climb up to the eighth floor of the Linzertor tower or the third floor of the Böhmertor tower and enjoy the scenery from the windows or the balconies.
The Linzertor and the Böhmertor are also cultural and artistic attractions, as they display various symbols and paintings related to the town’s history and identity. You can see the coat of arms of the Babenbergers, the former rulers of the region, the statue of St. Catherine, the patron saint of the town, and the largest collection of reverse glass painting in Austria.

The Linzertor and the Böhmertor are not only impressive monuments, but they also serve as living witnesses to the rich and diverse heritage of Freistadt and the Mühlviertel region. For anyone who wishes to appreciate the beauty and charm of this medieval town, they are an absolute must-see.

Admire the beauty of Gotische Liebfrauenkirche

Marvel at the Gotische Liebfrauenkirche, a Gothic church that dates back to the 13th century. The church has a beautiful interior with stained glass windows, a carved altar, and a wooden ceiling. The church also hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

The Gotische Liebfrauenkirche is a Gothic church that was built in the 13th century. The location of the place is outside the walls of the town, near the Böhmertor gate. There are several compelling reasons why you should be in awe of this historic and artistic attraction:

The church is a rare example of the original Gothic style in Freistadt, as it was not affected by the Baroque renovation that changed most of the other churches in the town. The church has a beautiful interior with stained glass windows, a carved altar, and a wooden ceiling.
The church has a rich history that reflects the turbulent times of the region. It was first mentioned in 1345 as a hospital church, but it was burned down by the Hussites in 1422. It was rebuilt in the Gothic style, but it also witnessed several wars and conflicts, such as the Thirty Years’ War, the Napoleonic Wars, and the World Wars.
The church hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year, especially during the Freistädter Kultursommer, a summer festival that features music, theater, and art. The church has a good acoustics and a romantic atmosphere that make it a perfect venue for these performances.

The Gotische Liebfrauenkirche is a magnificent place to appreciate the beauty and allure of Gothic architecture. Additionally, it offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Freistadt and the Mühlviertel region. This medieval gem is a must-see for anyone who wants to marvel at it.

Relax by the Frauenteich

Relax by the Frauenteich, a pond that was once part of the town’s moat. The pond is surrounded by a park and a walking path, and offers a tranquil spot to enjoy nature. You can also see the Scheiblingturm, a tower that was used as a prison and a torture chamber in the past.

The Frauenteich is a pond that used to be a part of the town’s moat. It has now become a popular destination for relaxation and recreation. The location of the place is near the Böhmertor gate, which is one of the historic landmarks in Freistadt. Here are several ways you can relax by the Frauenteich:

Enjoy the natural beauty of the pond and its surroundings, which include a park, a walking path, and a fountain. You can see various plants, flowers, and animals, such as ducks, swans, and fish. You can also admire the view of the town’s towers and the Thurytal valley from the pond’s edge.
Have fun with the water activities that are available at the pond, such as stand-up paddling, pedal boating, and canoeing. You can rent the equipment from the nearby kiosk, or bring your own. You can also practice yoga on the stand-up paddle board, or join a guided tour of the pond and its history.
Experience the seasonal attractions that the pond offers, such as ice skating, ice hockey, and curling in the winter, and concerts, festivals, and fireworks in the summer. You can also join the annual Frauenteichlauf, a running event that takes place around the pond in September .
Visit the Scheiblingturm, a tower that stands next to the pond, and learn about its dark past. The tower was used as a prison and a torture chamber in the Middle Ages, and later as a storage for gunpowder and explosives. You can see the cells, the instruments, and the stories of the prisoners who were held there .

The Frauenteich offers a serene environment where you can unwind by the water, partake in enjoyable activities, and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and rich culture of Freistadt. This destination is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway, offering a chance to escape the stress and noise of the city.

Shop at the Genussmarkt am Freistädter Hauptplatz

Shop for local products at the Genussmarkt am Freistädter Hauptplatz, a farmers market that takes place every Friday on the main square. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, honey, and more, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.

One of the highlights of visiting Freistadt, Austria, is the opportunity to explore the Genussmarkt am Freistädter Hauptplatz. This vibrant farmers market takes place every Friday on the main square and offers a delightful selection of local products for you to discover and purchase. There are several compelling reasons to visit this market.

You can find fresh, regional, and organic products of all kinds, such as meat, cheese, eggs, bread, vegetables, jams, juices, and more. You can also taste and buy wines, liquors, and olive spreads from different parts of Austria and abroad.
You can support the local farmers and producers, who offer their products directly to the customers, without intermediaries or additives. You can also chat with them and learn about their stories, methods, and traditions.
You can enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment of the market, which features live music, performances, and activities for children. You can also join the special events and themes that the market organizes throughout the year, such as the Spanferkelbraten (roast suckling pig), the Countryfest, or the Bio-Rindfleisch (organic beef).
You can explore the historic and cultural attractions of the town, which are within walking distance from the market. You can visit the medieval fortifications, the Gothic churches, the Muehlviertler Schlossmuseum, and the Freistädter brewery.

The Genussmarkt am Freistädter Hauptplatz offers a delightful opportunity to savor the flavors and variety of the Mühlviertel region, while also immersing oneself in the rich heritage and charm of Freistadt. This destination is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway, offering opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Discover Art of Freistadt

Discover the artistic side of Freistadt at the MÜK – Mühlviertel Kreativ Haus and the Altstadt – Atelier – Altes Handwerk, two galleries that showcase the works of local artists and craftsmen. You can see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and more, and even buy some of them.

If you have an interest in the artistic side of Freistadt, Austria, it was recommend visiting two galleries: MÜK – Mühlviertel Kreativ Haus and Altstadt – Atelier – Altes Handwerk. These galleries showcase the impressive works of local artists and craftsmen. These places offer a variety of experiences that you can look forward to:

The MÜK – Mühlviertel Kreativ Haus is a house for Mühlviertler art, craft, and cuisine. It is located in the Samtgasse, a historic street in the old town. The house displays and sells unique paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, books, and selected delicacies from around 100 small Mühlviertler workshops. The house also hosts exhibitions, events, and workshops throughout the year.
The Altstadt – Atelier – Altes Handwerk is a gallery for old crafts and modern design. It is located in the Hauptplatz, the main square of the town. The gallery exhibits and sells products from various traditional and contemporary crafts, such as pottery, glass, wood, metal, leather, and paper. The gallery also offers courses and demonstrations where you can learn and practice these skills.