Exploring Steyr, Austria: A Historical And Cultural Journey

what to do in steyr austria

Steyr, a small city in Upper Austria, is a great place to visit. With a population of around 40,000, the city is steeped in history and boasts stunning scenery, impressive architecture, and unique attractions. The old town centre is a beautiful place to walk through, with historical buildings such as the Lamberg and the Bummerlhaus, a well-preserved Gothic mansion. The confluence of the Steyr and Enns rivers, with its cascading waterfall, is a must-see, along with the Schloss Lamberg, a huge castle that dominates the skyline. For art and history lovers, the Museum of Art and Crafts in Lamberg Castle and the Museum of Work are worth visiting.

Characteristics Values
Population 38,100-40,000
Location Upper Austria
History Settled since Celtic times, became part of the Roman Empire around 15 BC
Architecture Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque
Attractions Bummerlhaus, Schloss Lamberg, Christkindl Kirche, Altstadt Steyr, 1. Öesterreichisches Weihnachtsmuseum, Museum Arbeitswelt, Museum der Stadt Steyr, Stadtmuseum Steyr, Schlossgalerie, Lamberg, Michaelaplatz, Leopoldi-Brunnen

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Visit the old town centre, including the Stadtplatz and Schloss Lamberg

Steyr's old town centre is a beautiful place to walk through, boasting stunning historical architecture, museums, and cafes. The Stadtplatz, or the main square, is home to several impressive buildings, including the Bummerlhaus, one of the best-preserved Gothic buildings in Austria, dating back to the 13th century. The Bummerlhaus features a large slanted tiled roof, arch windows, and intricate decorations, making it one of the most recognisable pieces of historical architecture in Steyr.

From the bottom of the Grunmarkt, you can head up through the Stadtplatz and towards Schloss Lamberg, stopping to admire the river Steyr and the waterfall that flows into the river Enns. The Schloss Lamberg, also known as Lamberg Castle, is a huge castle that dominates the skyline of Steyr. It is located in the hills above the river mouth of the river Enns, offering superb views of the town and the rivers. The castle dates back to the early Middle Ages and has a rich history, having been involved in wars and seeing multiple rulers throughout its existence. Today, it features a baroque style, an English garden, courtyards, a large clock tower, and a decorated lower castle gate.

The castle also houses the Museum of Art and Crafts, founded in 1974 to showcase the cultural heritage and artistic traditions of the region. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of Steyr and the wider region of Upper Austria. Schloss Lamberg is also used for various cultural events and private festivities, making it a vibrant and versatile venue.

The old town centre of Steyr is a charming and atmospheric place to explore, with its historical buildings, cascading waterfall, and surrounding Upper Austria's stunning scenery. It is a great place to wander, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the architectural and natural beauty of the region.

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Explore the Bummerlhaus, a well-preserved Gothic building

The Bummerlhaus is a well-preserved Gothic building in Steyr, Austria, and is considered one of the finest examples of medieval secular architecture in the country. Located in the old town centre, it is a short walk from the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers, where you can also find the Schloss Lamberg. The Bummerlhaus is a 13th-century building, first mentioned in public records in 1450, and is a typical Steyr design.

The building boasts a richly decorated façade facing the square, with a large slanted tiled roof, and cantilevered arch windows. The front of the building features a wide bay window, adorned with blind arcades and a rich frieze with quatrefoil tracery, and five windows placed asymmetrically. The name Bummerlhaus originates from the 19th century when the building housed the 'Zum Goldenen Löwen' or 'At the Sign of the Golden Lion' inn.

The Bummerlhaus is one of many impressive buildings in the Stadplatz, and the old town centre is known for its jaw-dropping architecture and preservation. The area has plenty of cafes and is a relaxing place to spend time. The old town is also a great place to soak up the atmosphere of this charming Austrian town, with its variety of buildings and the river Steyr and its waterfall nearby.

The Bummerlhaus is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and history, and it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Steyr and Upper Austria.

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Check out the Museum of Work, the City Museum, and the Museum of Art and Crafts

Steyr, Austria, is a small city steeped in history and home to many impressive old buildings. The Museum of Work, the City Museum, and the Museum of Art and Crafts are three museums that offer a fascinating insight into the city's past.

The Museum of Work

The Museum of Work (Museum Arbeitswelt) is the only museum in Austria dedicated to the history of working people, from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. Housed in two former factory buildings from the 19th century, it is internationally recognised as an exhibition and event centre. The museum offers a unique experience, with modern architecture, professional equipment, and a historical identity. Visitors can explore the political workshop, the Tunnel of Remembrance, and the historical environment around the museum. The museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.

The City Museum

The Steyr City Museum, located in the Innerberger Stadel, is one of the most modern city museums in Austria. It explores the history of the bourgeoisie and the importance of the iron trade for the city of Steyr through exhibits, videos, and audio stations. The museum offers hands-on activities for young people and regularly organises public guided tours. The City Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 4 pm. It is closed in January and on the 24th, 25th, and 31st of December.

The Museum of Art and Crafts

While I could not find specific information about the Museum of Art and Crafts in Steyr, Austria, I did discover that the country boasts a wide variety of museums showcasing art, culture, and history. Steyr itself is known for its impressive architecture and old buildings, so a museum dedicated to arts and crafts would fit right in.

Other Attractions in Steyr

In addition to these museums, Steyr offers other attractions, including the Altstadt Steyr, the 1. Öesterreichisches Weihnachtsmuseum, monuments, statues, and specialty museums. The Bummerlhaus, a notable building on the Stadplatz, and the Christkindl Kirche and Postoffice, especially during Christmas time, are also worth visiting.

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Admire the views of the two rivers, Steyr and Enns, and the waterfall

The rivers Steyr and Enns are a dominating feature of the city of Steyr, and the views they offer are incredible. The Schloss Lamberg castle, which dates back to the early Middle Ages, sits high on a hill overlooking the two rivers. The castle, which once belonged to George Handfeste, boasts commanding views of the city and the two rivers below. It features a gorgeous Baroque design, a large clock tower, a decorated lower castle gate, and a beautiful English garden. Walking around the perimeter of the castle along Panoramaweg will give you incredible views of the city and the rivers.

The confluence of the two rivers is a sight to behold, with the river Steyr dropping down into the river Enns in a beautiful cascading waterfall that stretches the entire width of the river. The unique Y-shaped body of water formed by the two rivers boasts a harmonious mixture of emerald green and sapphire blue colours, creating a visually appealing look within the city. The best views of the rivers and the waterfall can be enjoyed from one of the two bridges that span the rivers, the Schloss Lamberg castle, or the North Tower. The North Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the rivers, and the castle's inner courtyard provides a peaceful setting to enjoy the views while surrounded by gardens, a fountain, and statues.

The river Steyr is known for its stunning blue hue, which is caused by the eroded sediment that flows into the river during rainfall or snowmelt. The heavier sediment sinks to the bottom, while the finer sediment stays suspended in the water, reflecting sunlight and creating the vibrant blue colour. The river is also known for its whitewater rapids, forming as it crashes down from the Totes Gebirge (Dead Mountains) through the verdant landscape.

In addition to the views from the castle and the bridges, there are plenty of other spots to admire the rivers and the waterfall. The old town centre of Steyr, with its charming historical architecture, offers beautiful views of the rivers. The Stadtplatz, in particular, provides a great perspective of the rivers and the town. The Bummerlhaus, a well-preserved Gothic building from the 13th century, is another great spot to take in the river views. The building, with its large slanted tiled roof and cantilevered arch windows, stands as one of the most recognisable pieces of historical architecture in Steyr.

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Stroll through the English garden and courtyards of the castle

Steyr, a picturesque market town in Upper Austria, is a great place to visit. The town is full of history and boasts stunning natural scenery, unique attractions, and a rich cultural and architectural heritage. One of the standout features of Steyr is its castle, which offers a beautiful English garden and courtyards to explore.

The castle in Steyr is a dominant feature of the town's skyline, sitting proudly at the confluence of the two rivers, Steyr and Enns, in the old town centre. With a history dating back to the early Middle Ages, the castle has undergone many changes and restorations over the centuries. Today, it showcases a Baroque style, with a large clock tower, a decorated lower castle gate, and a trinity column within its grounds.

One of the highlights of the castle is its English garden, which invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll. Designed in 1844, the garden provides a peaceful retreat, offering shade under its trees during hot summer days and a romantic ambiance for autumn walks. The garden is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

In addition to the English garden, the castle also features several quaint courtyards. These courtyards, with their old-world charm, provide a glimpse into the past and offer a quiet escape from the town's bustling atmosphere. Visitors can explore the courtyards, imagining the extravagant daily lives of the nobility who once resided within the castle walls.

The castle itself is not just a static monument but a living part of Steyr's cultural heritage. It often serves as a venue for concerts, festivals, and other events, bringing the community together and keeping its history alive. Visitors can participate in guided tours to learn more about the castle's rich history and the daily lives of its former residents, such as the Habsburgs and other noble families.

So, when visiting Steyr, Austria, a stroll through the English garden and courtyards of the castle is a must. It offers a peaceful escape, a chance to immerse yourself in nature, and an opportunity to delve into the town's rich historical and cultural heritage.

Frequently asked questions

The old town centre of Steyr is a beautiful place to walk through, boasting a stunning variety of historical architecture such as the Lamberg and the buildings on the Stadtplatz, including the Bummerlhaus, one of the best-preserved Gothic buildings in Austria. The Schloss Lamberg, a huge castle that dominates the skyline of Steyr, is another must-see attraction.

The Museum of Art and Crafts in Lamberg Castle, the Museum of Work, the City Museum of Steyr, and the Steyrer Kripperl Museum are all worth a visit.

Christkindl Kirche and the Christkindl Post Office are must-sees during the Christmas season.

You can take a funny ride through the Bummerlhaus, a historic building in the centre of Steyr. You will ride in small groups, electrically through the half-house, and be abruptly tilted into a "dental chair position" to ride up or down between floors.

The two rivers that run through Steyr, the Steyr and the Enns, are a dominating feature of the city. The river Steyr drops into the river Enns in a beautiful cascading waterfall.

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