The Austrian place of Hallstatt is known for its picture book-like view. But it is also full of history. Archaeologists found a Bronze Age staircase in the nearby salt mines. A public replica of this piece tells us about the finding.
Tag: Upper Austria
Wels Castle in Upper Austria
The castle in Wels is generally known as the Castle (Die Burg) or the Wels Castle (Die Welser Burg). It was first mentioned in 776. At that time, the site was just a wooden building with palisades. The construction in stone took place in the 12th or 13th century. [German]
City tower of Enns
Enns is considered the oldest city in Austria. Its city landmark is the iconic municipal tower in the middle of the main square. It is widely known for its colourful emblems. For example, you see the city arms and the date of entitling with town privileges.
Paddle steamer “Gisela”
The maiden voyage of the paddle steamer “Gisela” was in 1872. Operated by the Traunsee Schifffahrt, it still runs for cruises, weddings and dinners on Traun Lake (Traunsee). In the photo above, you see the steamer in front of Gmunden.
Bummerlhaus in Steyr
The Bummerlhaus is a late Gothic mansion in the city of Steyr. It is considered one of the finest medieval secular buildings in Austria. Its first mention dates back to 1450, but its oldest part may be from the 13th century.
Kammerhof Museum in Gmunden
The Kammerhof, dating back to 1450, originally housed an authority for administrating the salt monopoly. Today, the Kammerhof Museum of Gmunden uses the old walls. As a curiosity, you find a compilation of historical toilet bowls inside.
Lower gate of Lamberg Castle
The Austrian city of Steyr offers several colourful frescos. You’ll find this one at the lower gate of Lamberg Castle. It shows Emperor Frederick III and his son Maximilian. Whereas the gate dates back to the Middle Ages, the fresco is from 1949.
The “Silberzeile” in Schärding
A main attraction of the Austrian city of Schärding is the “Silberzeile“. It is a row of coloured houses in the style of the late Baroque period. In earlier times, each colour symbolised a particular guild.
Tramcar GM 100 in Gmunden
After a relaxing stay on the Traun Lake (Traunsee) in the region of Salzkammergut, it was time to head back to the far-away railway station of Gmunden. Surprisingly, a tram car from 1898 invited me to jump on.
Water tower in Wels
This water tower in Wels was built in 1577/1579 by Wolfgang Khranlachner. Watchmaker Clement Rench designed the water pump inside the tower. Artist Niclas Linkh created the colourful façade painting.
Kronland (crown land) in Winkl
On my walk from the railway station of Traunkirchen to the town centre, I came across this vintage place-name sign. The Austrian State of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) is still labelled as crown land (Kronland).
Seeschloss Ort in Gmunden
Seeschloss Ort impresses with its location on a tiny island in the Upper Austrian Traunsee Lake. The castle became known through a TV series and the mysterious disappearance of one of its owners. [German]