Freinberg

Freinberg, is a 405-meter-high mountain that offers a panoramic view of the city and the Danube river. The Freinberg is not only a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, but also a historical and ecological site that has been preserved and developed by the efforts of the local community.

The Origin of the Name and the Region

The name Freinberg comes from the Freinberg statistical region, which is one of the 16 districts of Linz. The region was named after the mountain in 1910, when the city was divided into administrative units. The Freinberg region covers the southern slopes of the mountain, where most of the residential and commercial areas are located.

The mountain itself has a long and varied history. The plateau and the wooded ridge to the south were once known as Galgenberg and Jägermayrwald, respectively. Galgenberg means “gallows hill” and refers to the place where public executions were held until the 18th century. Jägermayrwald means “hunter’s forest” and was named after a prominent family that owned the land.

The Role of the Linzer Beautification Association

The Freinberg owes much of its current appearance and appeal to the Linzer Beautification Association, a civic organization that was founded in 1865. The main goal of the association was to provide “recreation of the urban population in the countryside” by securing and creating green spaces in and around the city. The association worked closely with the municipal council and had a significant influence on the urban planning and development of Linz.

One of the major projects of the association was the preservation of the Jägermayr/Freinberg area and its transformation into a public park. The association acquired the land from the Jägermayr family in 1898 and began to plant trees, flowers, and shrubs. They also built paths, benches, fountains, and monuments to enhance the beauty and accessibility of the park. The association continued to maintain and expand the park until 1940, when it decided to dissolve itself due to the political and social changes brought by World War II.

The Features and Attractions of the Park

Today, the Freinberg park covers about 20 hectares and consists of several sections, each with its own character and charm. Some of the notable sections are:

City Park: This is the oldest and most central part of the park, located on the plateau of the mountain. It features a large lawn, a playground, a pond, and a pavilion. It is also the site of the Freinberg Observatory, which was built in 1927 and is still in operation.
Galgenberg-/Freinberg-Plateau: This is the highest and most scenic part of the park, located on the northern edge of the mountain. It offers a stunning view of the city, the river, and the surrounding hills. It is also the location of the Galgenberg Monument, which commemorates the victims of the Nazi regime who were executed on the hill.
Beautiful View: This is a small but picturesque section of the park, located on the eastern slope of the mountain. It has a gazebo, a fountain, and a flower garden. It is also a popular spot for weddings and other celebrations.
Kaiser Franz Josef Park: This is a spacious and shady section of the park, located on the western slope of the mountain. It has a variety of trees, plants, and animals, as well as a picnic area and a barbecue pit. It is also the site of the Kaiser Franz Josef Monument, which honors the emperor who visited Linz in 1894.
Frank Park: This is a modern and colorful section of the park, located on the southern slope of the mountain. It has a skate park, a basketball court, a soccer field, and a graffiti wall. It is also the site of the Frank Monument, which pays tribute to the founder of the Linzer Beautification Association, Franz Frank.
Turmleiten: This is a secluded and natural section of the park, located on the south-eastern ridge of the mountain. It has a forest, a meadow, and a stream. It is also the site of the Turmleiten Tower, which was built in 1903 and is used as a lookout point and a radio station.
Holzmann-/Lärchen Wiese: This is a peaceful and green section of the park, located on the south-western ridge of the mountain. It has a grassland, a pond, and a birch grove. It is also the site of the Holzmann Monument, which honors the former president of the Linzer Beautification Association, Josef Holzmann.

How to Get There and What to Do

The Freinberg park is open to the public all year round and is free of charge. It is easily accessible by public transportation, as the Linz Linien bus route 26 stops at several points along the mountain. The park is also suitable for walking, cycling, and driving, as there are many paths and parking spaces available.

The park offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things that can be done at the park are:

Enjoy the view and the fresh air from the various vantage points and resting areas.
Learn about the history and culture of Linz from the monuments and plaques.
Explore the nature and wildlife of the park from the trails and bridges.
Have fun and exercise at the sports and recreation facilities.
Relax and socialize at the picnic and barbecue areas.
Observe the stars and planets from the observatory.
Join the events and festivals that are held at the park throughout the year.

The Freinberg park is a valuable asset and a source of pride for the city of Linz. It is a place where nature, history, and culture meet and mingle. It is a place where people can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the countryside. It is a place where everyone is welcome and everyone can find something to love. It is a place that is worth visiting and discovering.

Linz, Austria