Innviertel-Hausruckwald

“Our grapes are called hops...” – the beer culture of the Innviertel-Hausruckwald Region is rich in tradition and remains omnipresent to this very day.

An old 19th century German expression, which essentially means “Taking a beer trip”, that is to say, traveling from brewery to brewery and from pub to pub, could well have originated in this region. And of course, this exquisite beverage, brewed many different, small breweries, each beer a little different from the rest, also begs the perfect food to go with it. It might be hearty, such as a roast or Bratl, or perhaps something quite special: two of Austria’s Genussregionen, Innviertel Surspeck (cured bacon) and Mattigtal Trout, both promise a delicious change of pace. The hill country in the west of Upper Austria is also known as the “Breadbasket of Upper Austria“, with arable and cattle farming driving the rural economy. Religious and cultural centers include Ranshofen Abbey, Engelszell Abbey with Austria’s only Trappist monastery, and Reichersberg, home of the Augustinian canons. Whereas fans of the Baroque will find just what they have been looking for in Schärding, the Innviertel Folk Life Museum in Ried im Innkreis presents regional folk culture, past and present. Lohnsburg Fruit Garden scores high marks with its fascinating self-guided paths, while the spas in Bad Schallerbach and Geinberg offer pure relaxation. And the very same feel-good sensation you find there, is also reflected in the mentality of this region as a whole. In our part of the world, this warm, cheerful, optimistic take on life we refer to as “Gemütlichkeit”.