Schärding
Schärding is a city in Upper Austria, a beautiful state in northern Austria. Acting as a major port on the River Inn, it is the capital of the district of the same name and enjoys great importance. The city’s architecture demonstrates its rich past under the ownership of the Wittelsbach family. As of January 2023, the population was 5,351.
The territory surrounding the current city has been inhabited for millennia. Roman rule was extending to the Danube and the Innviertel area, which included Schärding, by 15 BC, making astonishing advances. Home to the Celts, the area came under the jurisdiction of the Roman province of Noricum. King Odoacer decided to send his army south in the year 448. About thirty years later, the West German Bavarians began to migrate across the Danube and settled in the region from the Vienna Woods to Lech. Place names ending in -ing, -ham and -heim unequivocally show a change of ownership. The district capital, Scatteringa, is named after Skardo and his family, the first immigrants to the area.
Rich in historical documentation, Schärding (Scardinga) was first mentioned as Passau’s corral in the year 806, almost 600 years ago. Since the 10th century it has been vital as the heart of the county of the counts of Formbach-Neuburg. From the beginning, Castle Rock, near the Inn River, was chosen for its strategic location. From 1160 until 1248, the counts of Andechs in Schärding ruled under the Wittelsbach dynasty. Schärding prospered as a hive of commerce, greatly enhanced by its prime location near the inn. The city acquired a name for its active trade in a variety of products, including salt, timber, minerals, wine, silk, glass, grain, textiles, livestock and others.
The highlight of the city is the well-known “Silberzeile” (Silver Row) which is located on Stadtplatz. Around Schärding’s main square are absolutely fascinating rows of vibrantly colored houses. The pastel-colored facades have a rich background since their tones are related to the professional guilds of the Middle Ages. The blue of the bakers, the red of the butcher and the yellow or green of the hostel owners, for example.
In addition to a beautiful promenade, the area has the magnificent St. George’s Church, a local museum displaying religious sculptures. Surrounded by a very well-preserved wall with several gates that have remained intact since medieval times, Schärding is The large double towers of Linzertor will catch your attention as soon as you turn off the highway. Going down from Stadtplatz, you will reach Wassertor, a small passage hidden beneath the riverfront houses.
Just outside the old city wall, Georg Wieninger built a garden in 1884 that included a small house. The structure, renovated in 2004, now has a restaurant in the middle of a stunning park. Additionally, a trip to the small hill above the river will take you to the Castle Park (Schlosspark), which was once the castle courtyard. The site offers stunning views of the Inn River, which serves as a natural border between Austria and Bavaria.
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Tourism In Schärding
Popular for its rich architecture and history, Schärding is a frequently visited city for urban tourism. Travelers seeking varied experiences and cultural immersion will find the city attractive due to its picturesque Inn River location, restored historic center and cultural relevance.
Shops, cafes and restaurants serving local cuisine and specialties abound in Silberzeile, a row of gable-roofed houses spanning the 15th and 16th centuries. At 76 meters high, the magnificent Gothic building known as the Church of Saint George hosts daily religious services and concerts throughout the year.
The local museum displaying religious sculptures, paintings and artefacts is Castle Rock hill, with a panoramic perspective of the city and river. Popular for leisure activities including cycling, hiking, boating and fishing, the River Inn borders Bavaria.
Famous for its rustic appeal, rich cultural tapestry, gastronomy and stunning natural scenery, the Innviertel region – which includes Schärding and other towns in western Upper Austria – is among the attractions of the Kobernauzzerwald Nature Park, the Altheim Beer Museum, the Bad Füssing Spa Resort and baroque Reichersberg Abbey.
Geography of Schärding
Situated on the banks of the River Inn, Schärding gives its name to the Innviertel area. Schärding has an interesting past that spans from the Roman era to the Celtic tribes. It also acts as an important port and trade center for a wide spectrum of products. As of 2021, Schärding has a population of 5,216 and covers 4.08 km².
Comprising the cadastral communities of Schärding-Stadt and Schärding-Vorstadt, the community together with their respective populations counts as of January 1, 2022: Allerheiligen (870), Brunnwies (199), Kreuzberg (236), Schärding Innere Stadt (567) , Schärding Vorstadt (3004).
Situated 313 meters above sea level in the beautiful foothills of the Alps, Schärding is situated in Innviertel, one of Upper Austria’s four traditional districts. rich ecosystem.
Salzach, Inn, Danube and the Hausruck hills surround the area. With two bridges connecting Schärding to the German city of Neuhaus am Inn, the River Inn naturally marks the border between Schärding and Bavaria. Schärding enjoys a continental climate marked by hot summers and cold winters.
Weather & Climate In Schärding
Schärding has a mild, temperate temperature and fairly high annual rainfall. The average annual temperature is 8.9 °C; the average annual rainfall reaches 1,015 mm. With an average temperature of 18.8°C, July is the hottest month; January is the coldest month in terms of cold, with an average temperature of -1.3 °C.
With an average rainfall of 128 mm, June is the wettest month; February is the driest month with an average of 58 mm. Situated 313 meters above sea level, Schärding’s position at the foot of the Alps shapes its climate. Furthermore, affecting temperature and humidity is the influence of the Inn River.
From hot, sunny summers to cold, snowy winters, Schärding experiences many seasons. The transition seasons, spring and autumn, are characterized by temperature changes and sporadic storms. Schärding’s climate can be quite irregular, as it depends on elements such as wind direction and atmospheric pressure.
The easterly wind brings cold, dry air from the Eurasian continent; the west wind carries mild, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean. Every now and then, a pleasant, dry breeze called a Föhn can blow from the south, rapidly increasing the temperature and producing a cloudless sky.
Demographics Of Schärding
The 2021 census estimates the population of Schärding to be 5,216. With 95.6% of the population having Austrian citizenship, the majority of Austrians are Germans (1.5%), Turks (0.7%) and Bosnians (0.6%), making up the largest minority groups.
The official language is German; some people also speak Bavarian dialects. The Roman Catholic Church is the most used religion in the region; 82.3% of people identify with him. 3.2% of the religious population is Protestant; followed by Islam with 2.1% and Eastern Orthodoxy with 1.4%.
Schärding has an aging population demonstrated by a fairly high average age of 44.9 years. The age structure is as follows: The population follows this pattern: Children under 15 are 15.8%; between 15 and 64 years old it is 60.5%; and 23.7% are over 64 years old.
With 100.8 women for every 100 men, the gender ratio is a little off. The average family size is 2.1 people; the average number of children per woman is 1.5. Although commerce, tourism, industry and public services mainly drive the economy, the unemployment rate is commendably low at 3.4%.
Economy of Schärding
With almost 70% of the workforce working in sectors including personal, social, public and tourism, the economy is mainly driven by the services sector. Among the city’s most important companies were the Schärdinger Dairy Association and the Kapsreiter Group.
Still very important in the food sector are the Jos brewery and Baumgartner. Another company worth noting is Hennlich. Built between Schärding and Neuhaus am Inn, opposite each other, the 96 MW Schärding-Neuhaus plant was built in 1961.
The Schärding biomass heating plant began construction in 2011. Reaching up to 17,000 MWh, the system is coupled to a district heating network that spans 5,000 meters and provides a significant volume of bioheating. The biomass plant was opened in 2014.
With an eye on commerce, tourism, industry and public services, Schärding has a varied and dynamic economy. The city’s good location on the banks of the River Inn guarantees easy access to several markets in Germany and Austria.
History Of Schärding
From ancient times, people have lived in the surroundings of the current town. Celts seized Schärding, once under Roman control as part of the province of Noricum, as the Romans were migrating to the Danube and the Innviertel in 15 B.C. King Odoacer decided to send his army south in the year 489.
About thirty years later, West German Bavarians crossed the Danube and founded their colonies near the Vienna Woods and Lech. Nameplaces ending in -ing, -ham, or -heim imply a change in ownership. The district capital, Scatteringa, was named for Skardo and his family.
Thanks to its great proximity to the Inn River, Schärding developed as a hive of trade. The town grew well-known for its wide range of goods, including salt, lumber, ores, wine, silk, glass, grain, textiles, and cattle. Towards the end of the 13th century the town was granted market rights.
After several ownership changes during the 14th century, including a transfer on January 20, 1316 (to the Wittelsbach), Rudolf IV of the House of Habsburg took over on September 24, 1364. Schärding’s peace was disturbed in 1369, so aggravating the conflict between Austria and Bavaria to the Tyrol region.
Best Time To Visit Schärding
With mild and pleasant temperature, spring is a great time to explore Schärding. This is a wonderful place to visit since the average temperatures in this period span 5 °C to 16 °C. Engaging in outdoor pursuits including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and golfing is best done in spring. The crowds are under control and the rates are fair.
With summer’s pleasant and sunny conditions, visiting Schärding is the best time. This season’s average temperatures run from 14 to 24 degrees Celsius. Discovering the Inn River and its environs, together with the nearby towns and cities, is best done in summer. There is a notable turnout of people and the rates are rather high.
With its cool and refreshing temperature, averaging between 8 °C and 18 °C, autumn is a great time to visit Schärding. One of the great seasons to savor cultural and gastronomic events is autumn. To improve your experience, tour galleries, museums, theaters, and restaurants.
With average temperatures between -2 °C and 4 °C and cold, snowy conditions, winter in Schärding presents a comfortable environment. The streets are glowing with a rainbow of lights and cheerful decorations, which lends magic to the environment. Winter offers a great opportunity for romantic and festive activities.
Transportation In Schärding
By car, bus and train, Munich Airport (IATA: MUC) (about 90 minutes by car) and Linz Airport (IATA: LNZ) can be easily reached. From Germany, the best route is to use federal highway 3 and stop at Pocking or Passau-Süd. Then you need to cross the border at the Pousada and travel another 7 kilometers along the federal road.
The recommended road for guests from Vienna or Linz is the Innkreis Autobahn A8 to Suben. It’s another ten kilometers away. Alternatively, you can benefit from the free Innviertler Straße road. From Munich, the most direct route is Bundesautobahn 94, also known as Bundesautobahn 92 via Deggendorf and BAB 3.
Passau Hauptbahnhof is the closest long-distance railway station. Operating between Linz and Passau, the regional express will take you to Schärding train station. Ried im Innkreis is connected by another train line. Schärding is small, so it’s easy to explore the city on foot.
There are many interesting tours available in and around Schärding. There are plenty of cycle paths to choose from and local companies like Sport Wahlich easily rent bikes. Having local buses and trains makes exploring Schärding and the surrounding areas very useful.
Attractions & Landmarks In Schärding
Featuring buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th century, the town center is really amazing. One remarkable aspect is the late baroque building known as the Silberzeile on the square of upper town. Apart from that, the town boasts several medieval town gates and a well kept town wall.
Representing the classic Inn-Salzach architectural style, Schärding shows a wonderful display of small, vivid baroque buildings. Built during the middle of the 14th century, the Catholic parish church in Schärding, dedicated to St. George, saw Baroque style renovations between 1720 and 1726.
One can trace the Former Heilig-Geist-Bürgerspital Church back to 1474.The city’s financial problems sadly resulted in damage in 1809 and prevented reconstruction.She got disrespect in 1819.Originally used as the municipal library, the structure is now a hotel.
Situated within the ancient outer bailey gate, the museum showcases the rich history and development of the city and its surrounds over millennia. From April 23 to November 2, 2004, the first Bavarian-Upper Austrian Provincial Exhibition held in Schärding, Asbach, Reichersberg, and Passau The theme of the exhibition was “Limitless – History of the People on the Inn.”
Things To Do in Schärding
For those who value breathtaking Baroque architecture, the Schärding Baroque Town Center is highly advised. Discover the energetic streets and value the outstanding building and apartment architecture. St. George’s Church, a magnificent historical monument with superb Baroque architecture and an amazing collection of artworks and sculptures, is something you might wish to see.
Starting a boat trip and enjoying the gorgeous surroundings of Schärding as you travel along the Inn River is one advised pastime. Celebrated for its colorful and joyful atmosphere, the Schärding Fasching is Should you be in Schärding during carnival season, you could be part of this amazing event.
From Schärding to Ludwig Castle, make a quick journey to completely appreciate the amazing Danube River Valley vistas. Schärding provides a perfect place for discovering the gorgeous sights of Bavaria, including Munich, Salzburg, and the Berchtesgaden National Park, given its near proximity to the German border.
Along the well-kept Inn River Promenade, which connects the Old Town with the Georg Wieninger Garden, stroll or bike. Furthermore depending on the season, the river provides chances for skating, swimming, or fishing. The cuisine from the area highlights its great gastronomic legacy.
Schärding - FAQ
How do I get to Schärding?
Depending on your starting point, there are several ways you might get to Schärding. Should you intend to drive, you can choose to exit at Suben from the A8 motorway either from Munich or Vienna. Should your intended train travel be from Vienna or Salzburg, you have the Westbahn line available. From there, you can catch the local train headed to Schärding by making a transfer at either Wels or Attnang-Puchheim. If you intend to ride a bus, think about leaving the Flixbus from Munich or Vienna at Schärding. Should you be flying, Munich, Linz, Salzburg are all handy choices. From there, a shuttle bus or a taxi will get you right to Schärding.
What are the main attractions in Schärding?
Schärding features several amazing architectural and historical sites that will definitely astound tourists. Among the highlights are the little row of gabled-roof homes on the main square known as the Silberzeile. Comprising an amazing mix of Gothic and Baroque forms with a tower rising 76-meter-high, the Church of St. George is another must-see. The Schlosspark presents a peaceful environment with its castle ruin and museum for people looking for a quiet haven. Besides, the Innbrücke offers a beautiful perspective of the town across the Inn River. Finally, the Burggraben-Innlände invites guests to walk beside the river, providing a wonderful array of eateries and cafes to savor along the way.
What is the best time to visit Schärding?
Schärding is appealing all year long; some months offer special advantages. Plan your trip in the spring or summer if you want to enjoy the mild temperature and brilliant flowers. September or October would be the best time to arrange a visit for those who wish to see the vivid autumn foliage and take part in the energetic harvest celebrations. December or January would be the best time to arrange a visit for people looking for the magic of the Christmas market and the enchantment of a winter wonderland.
What is the history of Schärding?
Schärding has an interesting past that spans the Neolithic era among other times. Records show that this Passau farmyard first mentioned in 806. A succession of aristocratic families oversaw the area: the Wittelsbach dynasty, the Counts of Formbach-Neuburg, and the Counts of Andechs. It turned out to be a hive of trade drawing merchants from all around. Among the much sought-after items in this bustling market were salt, timber, ores, wine, silk, glass, grain, textiles, and cattle. The city suffered many wars, terrible fires, and common diseases over its past. It did, nevertheless, also have periods of great wealth and notable cultural progress.
Are there guided tours available in Schärding?
Indeed, Schärding provides visitors with a range of guided tours. One can arrange a tour by visiting the tourist office or by participating in a public tour run every Saturday at 10:30 am from May to October. Usually lasting almost ninety minutes, the trips cost six euros each person.Renting an audio guide for three euros also lets you explore the town at your own free will.
What are the local culinary specialties in Schärding?
Schärding's regional and seasonal influences from the Innviertel are exquisitely displayed in the local gastronomic treasures. Try some mouthwatering cuisine here: The Innviertler Krapfen, a wonderful fried pastry stuffed with jam or poppy seeds; the Innviertler Surspeck, a savory cured and smoked pork belly; the Innviertler Mostbraten, a succulent roast pork with apple cider sauce; the Innviertler Krapfen, a delicious fried pastry filled with jam or poppy seeds; and the Innviertler Bier, a rich and malty beer brewed in the town.
Are there hiking or biking trails in Schärding?
Actually, Schärding and the environs provide a range of bike and hiking paths. Depending on your degree of fitness and personal interests, you can pick from a range of paths and difficulty levels. For outdoor aficionados, the area presents a range of paths. One choice is the Innradweg, a bike route linking Schärding with Passau and Innsbruck along the Inn River. The Donausteig is a fantastic option for hikers since it follows the Danube River and passes via Schärding. The Sauwald-Panoramaweg is another picturesque hiking path providing amazing views of the Inn valley and Sauld hill. Finally, the Schärdinger Rundweg is a circular path leading to the main town attractions.
What accommodations are available in Schärding?
Schärding provides hotels, guesthouses, flats, and campsites among other types of lodging. Whether your tastes and budget allow for a more adventurous and rustic experience or a comfortable stay, there are choices to suit both. Right in the middle of the town sits the family-run Hotel Stiegenwirt. The four-star Hotel Forstinger presents another choice with a sauna and a rooftop terrace. If you would want a guesthouse, the Gästehaus Donautal is a fantastic option with its garden and barbecue area. For those who like camping, the Campingplatz Schärding is a site on the Inn River banks.
Can I explore Schärding in a day trip?
Although a day trip to Schärding is feasible, you could find it more fun to stay and completely enjoy all the town and surrounding area has to offer. Schärding is a little but cosy town that is easy to discover on foot or by bike and highlight its main attractions.Besides, the nearby area offers lots of attractions and events. Each of the little towns of Passau, Ried im Innkreis, or Schärding am Inn offers special appeal. Naturalists will value the breathtaking scenery of the Sauwald and the Innviertel. Besides, there are lots of leisure and cultural events to participate in all year long.
Are there any festivals or events in Schärding?
Yes, Schärding organizes several celebrations honoring the rich history, energetic culture, and beloved customs of the town. Comprising a parade, a masked ball, and a bonfire, the Schärdinger Fasching is a vibrant carnival set for February or March. The Schärdinger Frühlingsfest in May presents a wonderful springtime scene complete with live music, craft fair, and floral market. The Schärdinger Altstadtfest, a little old town celebration with street party, fireworks display, even a raft race, falls in July. At last, in December, the Schärdinger Christkindlmarkt prepares the ground for a festive Christmas market featuring a nativity scene, skating rink, and wonderful mulled wine stand.
Is parking easily available in Schärding?
Finding parking in the vicinity of Schärding is easy thanks to several garages and parking lots there. The location and length of your visit will affect the parking choices; both free and paid options are accessible. Among the several parking choices are Parkplatz Oberer Stadtplatz, Parkplatz Unterer Stadtplatz, Parkplatz Schlosspark, Parkplatz Innbrücke, and Parkgarage Schärding-Zentrum.
What are the top things to do in Schärding for families?
Schärding offers families some excellent events to enjoy. One choice is to visit the Schlosspark, a park with a museum stressing the past and culture of the town together with a castle ruin. A boat trip on the Inn River, which provides breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside, is another fun past time. Families might also visit the Innviertler Bauertler Museum, which honors the agricultural past and rural way of life of the area. The Erlebnisbad Schärding is a great swimming pool complex including indoor and outdoor pools, slides and a sauna for some water fun. Finally, youngsters can take part in the Kinderstadtführung, a guided trip revealing the secrets and legends of the town. These events give families a range of choices to spend a special time in Schärding.
How is the weather in Schärding?
The season and the climate conditions affect the Schärding weather. The Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has comprehensive monthly average temperature, precipitation, and sunshine hours on their website. Usually featuring July and August with average temperatures of 18.5°C and 18.9°C respectively, the warmest months are those At average temperatures of -0.9°C and -0.4°C respectively, January and February are the coldest months. With respective average precipitation of 119 mm and 118 mm, June and July are the wettest months. With respective average precipitation of 49 mm and 46 mm, January and February are the driest months. With respective average of 7.4 and 7.3 sunshine hours, May and June are the sunniest months. The months with the most clouds, November and December have average sunshine hours of 1.8 and 1.6 respectively.
Are there any boat tours on the Inn River in Schärding?
Yes, the Inn River in Schärding hosts boat trips. Boat trips on the Inn River present a special chance to see the town and its surroundings from an other angle. You can pick from several possibilities here. For instance, the Schärding-Passau-Schärding tour will get you back to the old city of Passau. The Schärding-Wernstein-Schärding tour offers still another choice, bringing you back to the little town of Wernstein.
What is the significance of the Silberzeile in Schärding?
Featuring a lovely collection of gabled-roof homes, the Silberzeile graces the Oberer Stadtplatz, the main square of Schärding. The town is quite amazing; every house has a different color and design that accentuates its appeal. Silberzeile gets its name from its historical connection with wealthy traders and merchants who lived there and paid their taxes in silver. Built in the late Baroque, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, the homes highlight the wealth and cultural diversity of Schärding in that age.One can appreciate the Silberzeile from the Innbrücke, the bridge crossing the Inn River, or from the square.
How is the public transportation in Schärding?
The Österreichische Postbus AG, a reputable bus company running several routes in and around Schärding, mostly serves the public transportation in the town. Use the busses to get to surrounding locations including Passau, Freinberg, Schardenberg, Haibach, or Peuerbach. The buses also offer a handy means of getting to the adjacent train station, so enabling quick access to the Westbahn line and travel to many cities including Wels, Linz, or Vienna. On the official Österreichische Postbus AG website are the bus route schedules, stops, and maps. One can get tickets from the bus terminal or online. The distance and the kind of ticket affect the prices as well. Using the ÖBB Vorteilscard, a discount card for Austrian public transportation, is another way to cut expenses. Though it might not be accessible on weekends, holidays, or late hours, the public transportation in Schärding is dependable and handy. Before you start your trip, it would be smart to confirm the bus availability and schedule.
Can I rent a bicycle in Schärding?
Yes, you can rent a bicycle in Schärding and tour the town and the surrounds on two wheels. Various kinds of bikes, including city bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, or children's bikes, are available from several bike rental shops and centers. Several of the Schärding bike rental shops and centers are: Operating a bike station in St. Florian am Inn close to Schärding, Danube Bike Station is a cycle tour company where you may rent a bike or an e-bike and receive support and advice for your cycling holiday. Choose the bike that best fits your needs and tastes by browsing the list of bike rental centers and shops provided by Bike hire Schärding, which In the middle of Schärding, family-run Hotel Stiegenwirt lets you rent an e-bike and take in the stunning surroundings either on the hinterland or along the Inn River.
What historical landmarks are there in Schärding?
Schärding's interesting past runs all the way back to the Neolithic age. Many historical sites in the city wonderfully highlight its rich past and energetic present. The most prominent ones are these:
- Built by wealthy traders and merchants in the late Baroque era, the row of gabled-roof homes known as the Silberzeile on the main square
- Originally mentioned in records in 1316, the Gothic and Baroque Church of St. George rebuilt several times following fires and wars. Its tower is 76-meter-high.
- The Schlosspark, featuring a museum honoring the history and culture of the town and the area together with a castle ruin.Originally constructed in the tenth century, the castle was destroyed in 1809 by soldiers of Napoleon.
- Connecting Schärding with the nearby German town of Neuhaus am Inn, the Inn River bridge known as Innbrücke spans Built in 1310 initially, the bridge was rebuilt in 1938.It presents a lovely perspective of the river and the town.
- Once part of the town's defences, the Burggraben-Innlände promenade along the river features cafés and restaurants. It is a well-liked place for leisure and appreciating the town vibe.
