Maria Saal Open-Air Museum

The Maria Saal Open-Air Museum is the oldest museum of its kind in Austria, founded in 1974. It is located in the town of Maria Saal, which was a significant religious and cultural center in the Middle Ages. The town served as both the Bishop of Carinthia’s residence and the location of a Benedictine monastery. The museum covers an area of about 7 hectares and displays 38 original buildings that were relocated from various parts of Carinthia. These include peasant houses, farms, mills, workshops, and other structures that illustrate the diverse and rich heritage of Carinthia’s rural society. The museum also features gardens, fences, and animal enclosures that recreate the natural environment of the past.

Highlights

The museum offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the highlights are:

The St. Peter’s House from the 16th century, which is the oldest building in the museum and the only one that was not moved from its original location. It was the home of the parish priest of Maria Saal and contains a chapel, a library, and a collection of religious art.
The Göriach House from the 18th century, which is the largest and most impressive building in the museum. It was a wealthy farmstead from the Upper Carinthian region and features a spacious living room, a kitchen, a cellar, a barn, and a stable. It also has a unique roof construction that allows rainwater to flow through the walls and into a cistern.
The Floder Mill from the 19th century, which is a water-powered mill that was used to grind grain and saw wood. It is one of the few examples of a combined mill in Carinthia and demonstrates the ingenious use of water resources in the mountainous areas.
The Kalkofen from the 18th century, which is a lime kiln that was used to produce lime for building and agricultural purposes. It is a rare and well-preserved example of a traditional technology that was essential for the development of Carinthia’s landscape and architecture.
The Brückenwaage from the 19th century, which is a bridge scale that was used to weigh goods and vehicles on the road. It is a remarkable piece of engineering that shows the importance of trade and commerce in Carinthia’s history.

Activities

The museum also offers a range of activities and programs for visitors to enjoy and learn from. Some of the activities are:

The Treasure Hunter game, which is a fun and interactive way for families to explore the museum. With a map and clues, visitors can search for hidden treasures and solve puzzles in the museum grounds. Those who complete the game can receive a small surprise at the end.
The Themed Days and Workshops, which are educational and entertaining events that introduce visitors to the traditional crafts and skills of Carinthia’s rural culture. Visitors can learn how to make bread, cheese, butter, pottery, baskets, candles, and more. They can also participate in folk dances, music, and games.
The Guided Tours, which are informative and engaging tours that provide visitors with insights into the history and significance of the museum and its buildings. The tours are available for groups of at least 10 people and can be booked in advance. The museum also offers regular tours during the summer months, which can be joined without reservation.

Klagenfurt, Austria