Things To Do In Steyr
Steyr, a charming town in Upper Austria, is known for its rich history and beautiful old town center. Visitors can explore the Steyr Old Town, which features the Gothic Bummerlhaus, the Baroque Christkindl Church, the Renaissance Lamberg Castle, and the medieval Zwischenbrücken. The Steyrtalbahn, a narrow-gauge railway, offers scenic views of the Steyr valley and the National Park Kalkalpen. The 1. Österreichisches Weihnachtsmuseum offers a collection of Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, and Advent calendars. The National Park Kalkalpen, the largest forested area in Central Europe, offers diverse landscapes, museums, castles, and villages. The Steyr Festival, held every summer, offers musicals, concerts, operettas, and theater performances in various venues, including the castle courtyard, town square, and river stage. Participation in the festivities, such as the parade, fireworks, or night market, is also available.
Explore the Steyr Old Town
The old town of Steyr is a highly recommended destination for anyone visiting the town. The historical center in Austria is exceptionally well-preserved and showcases a remarkable array of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. The old town is beautifully divided by the rivers Steyr and Enns, providing a picturesque backdrop for the vibrant buildings and bridges.
Bummerlhaus
This structure is a prime illustration of Gothic architecture in Central Europe and stands as a highly recognizable symbol of Steyr. The Bummerlhaus, with its origins in the 13th century, showcases a charming slanted tiled roof, elegant cantilevered arch windows, and an abundance of intricate decoration. The Bummerlhaus is named after its unique roof shape, resembling a small barrel house.
Schloss Lamberg
This castle has a rich history, dating back to the 10th century. Over the years, it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, showcasing a blend of different architectural styles. The castle is currently occupied by the Lamberg family, who are considered one of the most ancient noble families in Austria. In addition to its other attractions, the castle is home to a library, a museum, and a park. The park is accessible to everyone and provides a picturesque view of the rivers and the historic town.
Zwischenbrücken
This location is truly captivating, as it showcases the convergence of the rivers Steyr and Enns, resulting in a magnificent waterfall and a mesmerizing whirlpool. The Zwischenbrücken, also known as the “between bridges”, is home to the St Michael’s Church, the oldest church in Steyr. The church features a Romanesque tower and a Gothic nave, adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate stained glass windows.
Michaelerkirche
This church in Steyr is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, dating back to the 12th century. It holds the distinction of being one of the oldest buildings in the area. The building features a vibrant red roof and an impressive spire that commands attention on the skyline. The frescoes and stained glass windows inside showcase captivating scenes from the life of St. Michael.
Christkindl Church
This church, constructed in the 18th century, is renowned for its exquisite architecture and the captivating infant Jesus sculpture adorning the high altar. The church features a spacious cupola and a dome adorned with a beautiful fresco portraying the ascension of Christ. The Christkindl Church attracts a large number of visitors, particularly during the festive Christmas season.
Arbeitswelt Museum
The museum provides a comprehensive display of the rich history and evolution of industrial and social life in Steyr. The museum showcases a wide range of interactive exhibits, models, and machines that effectively demonstrate the different facets of work, including production, labor, innovation, and culture. In addition to its exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of events, workshops, and guided tours.
Ride the Steyrtalbahn
The Steyrtalbahn offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking scenery of the Steyr valley. The Steyrtalbahn is the oldest museum railway in Austria and runs along the picturesque river Steyr from Grünburg to Steyr.
The Steyrtalbahn History
The Steyrtalbahn was established in 1889 as a narrow-gauge railway, featuring a gauge of 760 mm. The purpose of its construction was to facilitate the transportation of both goods and passengers between the bustling industrial town of Steyr and the serene rural villages of the Steyr valley. During the World Wars, the railway served a crucial role in military operations due to its connection to the strategic railway junction of Garsten. The railway operated until 1982, when it was shut down as a result of the local industry’s decline and the increasing competition from road traffic. Fortunately, the Austrian Society for Railway History (ÖGEG) played a crucial role in preserving and transforming the railway into a museum railway in 1984. Since then, the railway has continued to operate as a popular tourist attraction, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy nostalgic rides on historic steam and diesel locomotives and carriages.
The Steyrtalbahn Experience
The Steyrtalbahn runs from May to October, as well as during the Advent season. The railway spans a distance of 17 km and completes the journey in approximately 50 minutes. There are a total of six stations on the railway: Grünburg, Steinbach, Molln, Leonstein, Grünburg Ort, and Steyr. Throughout your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking sights of the river, the lush forests, and the charming villages. Additionally, you have the option to make stops at different stations along the way and explore the nearby attractions. These include the 1st Austrian Christmas Museum, the Mechanical Crib of Christkindl, and the Schmollmühle Mill. In addition to its regular services, the railway hosts a variety of special events and themed rides throughout the year. These include the Easter Bunny Train, the Mother’s Day Train, the Halloween Train, and the Christmas Train.
The Steyrtalbahn Tips
For those looking for a fun time on the Steyrtalbahn, here are a few helpful tips to ensure you have a memorable experience:
- You can buy your tickets online or at the stations. The tickets are valid for the whole day and allow you to hop on and off the train as you wish. The prices are 18 euros for adults, 9 euros for children, and 45 euros for families.
- You can choose between different types of locomotives and carriages, depending on the schedule and availability. The steam locomotives are more popular and offer a more authentic experience, but they are also louder and smokier. The diesel locomotives are quieter and cleaner, but they are less charming. The carriages are either open or closed, depending on the weather and the season. The open carriages are more fun and offer a better view, but they are also more exposed to the elements. The closed carriages are more comfortable and cozy, but they are also more crowded and stuffy.
- You can bring your own food and drinks on the train, or you can buy snacks and beverages at the stations or on board. There are also restaurants and cafes near the stations, where you can enjoy a meal or a coffee break. Some of the recommended places are the Gasthaus Zur Alpe, the Wirtshaus Knapp am Eck, and the La Galeria.
- You can combine your ride with other activities and attractions in the area, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, or visiting the old town of Steyr. You can also rent a bike at the Grünburg station and cycle along the river or the railway track. You can also join a guided tour of the railway museum or the locomotive depot, where you can learn more about the history and the technology of the railway.
Visit the 1. Österreichisches Weihnachtsmuseum
Visiting the 1. Österreichisches Weihnachtsmuseum, or the 1st Austrian Christmas Museum, is a truly fascinating and one-of-a-kind experience in Steyr. The museum presents a captivating display of the rich history and diverse traditions surrounding Christmas in Austria and beyond. It features a remarkable assortment of vintage Christmas tree ornaments, dolls, toys, and an enchanting mechanical nativity scene.
The 1st Austrian Christmas Museum
The 1st Austrian Christmas Museum is situated in the former Bürgerspital, a captivating historic building nestled in the Steyrdorf district of Steyr. The museum was established in 1995 by Elfriede Kreuzberger, a dedicated collector of Christmas ornaments and memorabilia. The museum showcases an extensive collection of over 18,000 objects, making it the largest private collection of its kind in the world. The museum also showcases a Christkindl train, an engaging ride that immerses visitors in the Advent season and the diverse Christmas traditions of various countries.
The Christmas Tree Decorations
The museum’s main highlight is the captivating display of antique Christmas tree decorations, spanning from 1830 to 1945. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 14,000 ornaments, crafted from a diverse range of materials including glass, porcelain, metal, paper, and cardboard. The ornaments are organized into different themes, including angels, stars, animals, fruits, flowers, candles, and toys. The ornaments showcase the diverse styles and preferences of various eras and regions, while also reflecting the social and economic circumstances of their respective periods. The museum features a dedicated section showcasing the rare and valuable ornaments from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), which were meticulously crafted under strict regulations and limitations.
The Dolls and Toys
The museum houses a vast collection of over 200 dolls and dollhouses, providing a captivating glimpse into the rich history and fascinating evolution of doll making and playing. The museum showcases a diverse collection of dolls from various countries and time periods, including porcelain, wax, cloth, and celluloid dolls. In addition to that, the museum houses tea dolls, charming little figurines that were once adorning tea tables and sparking conversations. The museum showcases a wide array of toys and games, including wooden toys, tin toys, board games, and puzzles. The toys and games showcase the impressive creativity and skill of the toy makers, while also reflecting the unique preferences and interests of the children who enjoyed them.
The Christkindl Train
The museum provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind and enjoyable experience through the Christkindl train. This mechanical ride takes you on a captivating journey, immersing you in the Advent season and the diverse Christmas traditions of various countries. The train is composed of seats that are connected to a rail system, allowing it to glide along a track and pass by a variety of scenes and displays. The scenes and displays consist of puppets, models, and props that beautifully portray the customs and rituals of Christmas in Austria and various other parts of the world. The train is equipped with a narration and music system, enhancing the experience for visitors with informative and entertaining content. The train ride is a short and enjoyable experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Why You Should Visit
The 1st Austrian Christmas Museum is a fantastic destination for those who have a passion for Christmas and a desire to delve into its rich history and cultural variations. The museum houses a vast collection of exquisite and captivating objects that offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of Christmas across various eras and locations. The museum is a delightful haven that stirs up cherished memories and heartfelt emotions of childhood and family. The museum remains open throughout the year, but experiences a surge in popularity during the Advent and Christmas season, drawing in numerous visitors from both local and distant locations. The museum is also included in the Steyr Christmas Trail, a collection of attractions and events that beautifully capture the essence and enchantment of Christmas in Steyr.
Enjoy the nature and culture of the National Park Kalkalpen
The National Park Kalkalpen is a remarkable natural and cultural gem nestled in the breathtaking Northern Limestone Alps of Austria. This vast expanse of land, spanning 20,825 hectares, safeguards the most extensive forest wilderness in Central Europe. The park boasts a wide variety of plant and animal life, including the exclusive lynx population found in the Austrian Alps. The park showcases breathtaking karst landscapes, secluded gorges, and pristine mountain streams.
A Sea of Trees and a Moated Castle
The National Park Kalkalpen is situated in the beautiful state of Upper Austria, nestled between the picturesque Steyr and Enns valleys. This site was established in 1997 and was later recognized as Austria’s first World Heritage Site in 2017, alongside the wilderness area of Dürrenstein. This park safeguards the expansive forest area in Austria, which is also among the largest in Europe. The park is split into two sections: the Sengsen mountain range and the Reichraminger Hintergebirge mountain range. The park is named after the geological composition of the mountains, known as the “Limestone Alps”.
The Forest Wilderness
The National Park Kalkalpen is home to a diverse range of rare and endangered species, making it a truly precious and unique ecosystem within the forest wilderness. The forest is made up of predominantly beech, fir, and spruce trees, creating a thick and varied canopy. The forest is abundant in dead wood, which plays a crucial role in the decomposition and nutrient cycle. The forest is teeming with life, boasting a diverse array of plants, mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and lichens. The forest is home to a variety of remarkable animals, including the lynx, brown bear, wolf, wildcat, capercaillie, black woodpecker, and fire salamander.
The forest wilderness is a vivid testament to the ecological history of Europe since the Last Glacial Period. The park’s ancient beech forests hold great significance as they are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe”. This prestigious designation covers 12 countries and showcases the exceptional preservation and untouched beauty of these forests. The beech forests of the park have been developing naturally for over 10,000 years, with minimal human involvement. They are an invaluable source of scientific knowledge and a breathtaking symbol of the awe-inspiring beauty and incredible diversity of life.
The Karst Landscape
The National Park Kalkalpen boasts a truly remarkable karst landscape. The karst is created through the process of limestone rocks being dissolved by water, resulting in the formation of diverse shapes and structures, including caves, sinkholes, springs, and underground rivers. The park boasts the largest and most complex karst landscape in Austria, featuring an impressive array of over 500 caves and 300 springs. The karst landscape has a significant impact on the hydrology and climate of the park. It plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and storage, while also creating unique microclimates and habitats for a variety of species.
The Great Canyon, located in the Reichraminger Hintergebirge mountain range, is a truly remarkable example of the karst landscape. The Great Canyon is an impressive 10-kilometer-long gorge that has been shaped by the Große Bach stream over countless years. The gorge reaches a depth of 300 meters and spans 200 meters in width, encompassed by towering cliffs and rock walls. The Great Canyon is a magnificent natural wonder that attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts from all over.
The Cultural Heritage
The National Park Kalkalpen is a remarkable combination of natural beauty and cultural significance. The park is located in a region with a fascinating history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The park’s territory was home to a diverse range of peoples and cultures throughout history, including the Celts, Romans, Bavarians, and Slavs. Human activities, such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and ironworks, have also played a role in shaping the park’s landscape. The park is rich in cultural heritage, with a wide array of monuments, buildings, and traditions that can be discovered within and around its premises.
The Feichtaualm is a remarkable representation of cultural heritage, located in the beautiful Sengsen mountain range. The Feichtaualm is a historically significant alpine pasture in the region, known for its long-standing tradition of grazing cattle and sheep dating back to the 13th century. The Feichtaualm is renowned for its picturesque setting, nestled at the base of the Hoher Nock, the park’s tallest summit. The Feichtaualm is surrounded by the Feichtau lakes, two glacial lakes that provide a striking contrast to the green meadows and rocky mountains.
The Hengstpass alpine pastures are a notable part of the cultural heritage in the region. They are situated near the Hengstpass, a mountain pass that links the Steyr and Enns valleys. The Hengstpass alpine pastures consist of a collection of 12 alpine farms that have been in operation for centuries, dating back to the 16th century. The Hengstpass alpine pastures exemplify the rich alpine culture and lifestyle, showcasing the region’s traditional architecture, agriculture, and handicrafts. The Hengstpass alpine pastures are a hub of social and cultural activity, with a vibrant calendar of events and festivals that take place throughout the year.
The Visitor Experience
The National Park Kalkalpen provides a wide range of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and cultural offerings. There are three visitor centers in the park, situated in Molln, Ennstal, and near Rosenau at the Hengstpaßhütt. The visitor centers offer a wide range of information, guidance, and services to cater to the needs of visitors. Additionally, they provide engaging exhibitions, workshops, and activities suitable for people of all ages and interests. Located at the Wurbauerkogel near Windischgarsten, the park also boasts a breathtaking panorama tower. The panorama tower provides visitors with an impressive vantage point to admire the park and the majestic mountains that surround it. The panorama tower can be reached via a chair lift or by following the hiking paths.
In addition to that, the park offers an extensive network of trails and routes suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trails and routes vary in difficulty and length, offering a diverse range of experiences throughout the park. The park also provides guided tours and excursions with rangers and experts, who enthusiastically share their extensive knowledge and deep passion for the park’s nature and culture. Located in Windischgarsten, the park also offers a lodge and seminar center known as the Villa Sonnwend. The Villa Sonnwend is a remarkable structure constructed in 1907. It provides a range of services including accommodation, catering, and event spaces for meetings and gatherings.
The National Park Kalkalpen offers a truly enchanting experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding forest and the captivating moated castle. The park is a hub of conservation and education, offering visitors the opportunity to delve into the park’s rich ecology and history. The park is a wonderful destination for relaxation and inspiration, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate its stunning beauty and wide range of attractions. The National Park Kalkalpen offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the park’s untouched wilderness and rich cultural heritage.
Experience the Steyr Festival
The Steyr Festival is an annual cultural event held in the charming city of Steyr, Austria, during the summer months. The festival showcases a wide range of musical, theatrical, and artistic performances in different venues, including the Schlossgraben, the Altes Theater, and the Stadtplatz. The festival is set to mark its 30th anniversary in 2024, featuring a special production of The Rocky Horror Show. This cult classic musical comedy promises to be a lively and interactive experience, inviting the audience to join in on the festivities. The festival also aims to foster the reading skills of young people through the project LESESINN, which inspires them to explore the pleasure of books.
The Steyr Festival was established in 1994 by Prof. Karl-Michael Ebner, a highly respected conductor and composer who aimed to bring a one-of-a-kind cultural experience to his hometown. Since then, the festival has experienced tremendous growth and has become a highly anticipated event in the region. It draws in a large number of visitors and performers from various parts of the globe. The festival presents a diverse range of genres and styles, spanning from classical to contemporary, opera to rock, drama to comedy. The festival works closely with local institutions and organizations, including the Steyr Museum, the Steyr Music School, and the Steyr Tourism Association, to enhance the cultural scene of the city.
The Steyr Festival goes beyond being a mere series of shows. The city of Steyr is a fascinating destination that allows visitors to delve into its long history and admire its stunning architecture and artistic treasures. The festival showcases a variety of activities including guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that delve into the rich cultural and historical aspects of Steyr. Visitors to the festival can also indulge in the delightful gastronomy and warm hospitality of Steyr. Selected restaurants, hotels, and shops offer special menus, discounts, and packages to enhance the experience.
