History Of Traun

The name Traun is derived from the Celtic word for river (dru).Traun is a city located in Upper Austria, boasting a population of approximately 25,000 residents and covering an area of 24.4 km².

The history of Traun dates back to the Neolithic period, with the establishment of the first settlements along the river Traun. The river served as a valuable resource, providing water, power, and transportation for the early inhabitants. The river served as a vital link between Traun and neighboring regions and cultures, including the Roman Empire. In fact, during the 1st century AD, the Romans constructed a road from Wels to Lorch (Enns) that further enhanced the connectivity.

Traun’s history is divided into four main periods: the Middle Ages, the Early Modern Age, the Industrial Age, and the Contemporary Age. The city’s development and identity have been shaped by the unique characteristics, events, and personalities of each period.

• The Middle Ages: This period extends from the 6th to the 15th century, during which Traun was a part of the Bavarian and later the Austrian duchy. Traun became the seat of the countship of Traun, established by the noble family of Traun in the 12th century. The Traun Castle, the oldest and most prominent building in the city, was constructed by the family and they held dominion over the area until the late 16th century, when they joined forces with the Abensperg family. Traun also gained parish status in the 13th century, with the construction of the St. Martin Church in the 15th century showcasing a beautiful Gothic style. The economy of Traun relied on agriculture, fishing, milling, and brewing. The city was safeguarded by a sturdy wall and a surrounding moat.
• The Early Modern Age: This period extends from the 16th to the 18th century, during which Traun was under the rule of the Habsburg monarchy. Traun went through a series of significant changes and faced numerous challenges throughout its history. These included the Protestant Reformation, the Peasants’ War, the Thirty Years’ War, and the Napoleonic Wars. Traun has experienced significant cultural and architectural advancements throughout its history. Notable examples include the reconstruction of the Traun Castle, which was done in both Renaissance and Baroque styles. Additionally, the town saw the establishment of its first school in 1784 and the merging with the neighboring villages of St. Dionysen and Oedt in 1785. The economy of Traun relied heavily on agriculture, but it also expanded into crafts and trade. Additionally, the city established connections with neighboring towns through the construction of roads and bridges.
• The Industrial Age: This period extends from the 19th to the early 20th century, during Traun’s time as part of the Austrian Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Traun experienced a significant period of industrialization and urbanization, with the establishment of various factories and enterprises in the city. These included industries such as textiles, paper, food, metal, machinery, chemicals, plastics, and electronics. Several prominent companies in Traun’s industry include Internorm, Ed. Haas, Pez, Tannpapier (Trierenberg Holding), Feurstein (Delfort Group), Ing. Voith, delfortgroup, and Gabler Band. Several social and infrastructural improvements took place in Traun. These included the construction of the Catholic parish church in 1882, the Protestant church in 1913, the Protestant school in 1915, the railway station in 1872, and the transfer of the St. Martin district from Kleinmünchen to Traun in 1876. Traun’s economy relied heavily on industry, but it also encountered fierce competition and endured challenging times, including the World Wars and the Great Depression.
• The Contemporary Age: This era extends from the mid-20th century to the present, during Traun’s inclusion in the Republic of Austria. Traun underwent a significant growth and transformation, with the city expanding its territory, population, and services. Traun has achieved numerous milestones and introduced several innovations over the years. These include being elevated to a city in 1965, the introduction of city buses in 1991, the opening of the PlusCity shopping center in 1989, the Haid Center shopping center in 1997, the Bundesschulzentrum high school complex in 1973, the HTL-Traun high school in 2002, the Traun District Court in 2005, and the Spinnerei cultural center for youths in 1997. Traun has a vibrant calendar of events and festivals, including the Traun Advent Market, the Traun Carnival, the Traun Music Festival, and the Traun Art Festival. Traun’s economy thrives on a diverse range of sectors including industry, trade, services, and tourism. However, it also encounters its fair share of challenges and opportunities, such as the impact of globalization, digitalization, and the need for sustainability.