Find Inner Peace on Pilgrimage Routes
Nature as Far as the Eye Can See
The forests are particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn red, yellow and orange. The golden glow is truly magical! This is the ideal time to set out on a hike on one of the pilgrimage routes. The “Way of St John” (“Johannesweg”) near Freistadt takes you through large forests (3-4 days). On the “granite” pilgrimage route (“Granitpilgern”), you can practice mindfulness at many delightfully energising places such as old castles, chapels in the forest and natural monuments. Granite and water are the main themes. The perfect way to find inner peace!
Rocks on Every Corner
Granite Boulders, Rocking Stones and a Unique Culture
In the Mühlviertel region, there’s rocks on every corner. Yes, really! So, when building their farmhouses, the people here have made a virtue out of necessity giving rise to a unique architectural style: “Steinbloß-Höfe” which literally translates to “bare rocks”. The farmhouses are built of large granite blocks that are only partially plastered. Bright-coloured flower boxes add to the charming beauty of these typical buildings. Even churches and chapels were built like this. Up to this day, the farmers take care of their unique homes, thus preserving this cultural heritage.
A Land of Castles & Fortresses
Impressive Monuments Perched on the Hills
Bright natural shades add to the beauty of the rolling countryside. Let your eyes wander and be amazed. Against all odds, castles and fortresses were built in the most beautiful, yet inaccessible of places. These impressive monuments have been there, perched on the hills, for centuries. The castle “Burg Clam” is well known for hosting concerts in a breathtaking environment. A medieval festival is organised in the castle “Burg Waxenberg”. The 800 year-old town of Freistadt, one of the oldest towns in the whole country, is located in the very north near the state border. Walk past majestic castles and fortresses on the “castle trail” (“Burgen- und Schlösserweg”) that connects the Mühlviertel region with the Czech Republic. At “Schloss Greinburg”, you might get the chance to join a guided tour with the owners of the castle who still live here.
Fine Dining at Its Best
High-Quality Products from Organic Farms
The Mühlviertel region is a paradise for food lovers. The local cuisine is tasty, creative and based on the use of high-quality ingredients. That doesn’t come as a surprise in a region with the highest share of organic farms. Sustainability and premium food quality are top priorities here. Try the herbs “Mühlviertler Bergkräuter” that are particularly rich in flavour thanks to the continental climate. Add some sourdough bread and fresh butter. A delightful snack. Yummy!
The traditional dishes are hearty and savoury: baked bacon or pork crackling dumplings, cured meat, gnocchi with sauerkraut, cream soup with croutons. The most iconic dish here is “Mühlviertler Leinölerdäpfel”, mashed potatoes with flax seed oil. Flax seed oil is a very special delicacy that has been produced here for centuries. “Buchteln” (sweet rolls made of yeast dough filled with jam or ground poppy seeds), baked plum dumplings and “Bauernkrapfen” (fried dough pastry) are sweet treats to die for. A glass of cider made of hand-picked fruit is the perfect drink to go with a delicious meal. Do you prefer a glass of beer? It takes craft, time and dedication to make good beer. A large number of small breweries in the “BierWeltRegion Mühlviertel” know that and brew beer of the highest quality. Only the finest ingredients are used: locally grown grain and hops as well as fresh, clean water.
As a local, I’m particularly fond of the traditional farmhouses called “Steinbloß-Höfe”.You can’t find these picturesque buildings anywhere else but here. They add to the beauty of the idyllic, rolling countryside.
Old Traditions and Craftsmanship
Rediscover Traditional Knowledge
Basket making, reverse glass painting, felting or weaving - the Mühlviertel region boasts a rich cultural heritage. Flax has always been a precious resource here. The plant’s fibres provide the raw material for the linen industry. The villages Helfenberg and Haslach an der Mühl remain important centres of linen production. It was a merchant from Milan who founded the textile factory in Haslach. The heritage buildings and the museum of weaving are worth a visit. The annual weavers’ market (“Webermarkt”) attracts visitors from afar.
Three traditional handicrafts from the Mühlviertel region are inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: “Mühlviertler Blaudruck” (indigo blue-dyeing), “Pechölbrennen” (production of pine tar) and “Hinterglasmalerei” (reverse glass painting) in the village of Sandl. Meet the craftsmen, have a look at their high-quality products and take home a handmade souvenir. Craft markets are held in Gutau, the centre of indigo blue-dyed textiles (“Färbermarkt”), on the castle “Burg Piberstein” and in Klaffer am Hochficht where the emphasis is placed on herbs (“Kräuterkirtag”).
Great Outdoor Activities
Cycling, hiking, horse riding
The Mühlviertel region is a paradise for families and nature lovers with archery courses, hiking trails through enchanted forests, pilgrimage routes with energising stops and routes for trail riders. Well signposted trails for hikers, cyclists and horse riders crisscross the unspoilt countryside from the Bohemian Forest to the holiday destination “Mühlviertler Alm”. From the lookout tower on top of the mountain Sternstein, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view with the majestic Dachstein glacier in the distance. Fit and athletic cyclists should set out on a mountain biking tour in the “land of granite” or tackle the “Tour de Alm” (also an option for road cyclists). Plenty of outdoor activities await you in winter: alpine skiing, snowshoeing, ice stock sport and tobogganing. Would you like to collect unforgettable memories? Grab your cross-country skis and move smoothly and gracefully across the snow-covered rolling countryside that extends to the horizon. Enjoy your well-deserved snack to regain your strength after the exercise!
A Winter's Paradise
Far off from the beaten track
Do you know the ultimate paradise for cross-country skiers? The number one destination for horse-riding in winter? The most idyllic of places for winter walks in the forest? The Mühlviertel region has 5 unrivalled advantages:
- Snow cover is reliable - thanks to the frosty "Bohemian winds"
- View is crystal-clear - above the clouds
- Secluded oases of peace - far away from large crowds
- Forests, fields and few houses - nature enthusiasts will love it
- Culinary delights - in Upper Austria's #1 region for organic farming
Perfect for your winter holiday!
Our family farmers in the Mühlviertel region are looking forward to welcoming you!
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