Sankt Leonhard am Forst offers cultural and historical discoveries and two different active pursuits: the 38 km Hiesberg-Melktal Circular Trail and the Sängerstein climbing garden near Gassen. Other attractions include the St. Leonhard Fire Brigade Museum, the Late Gothic St. Leonhard Parish Church and the castle park. To plan your visit, consider the distinction between culture, a longer hike and climbing; this will help you decide what you want your stay to focus on.
Cultural History: Museum, Parish Church and Castle
At the St. Leonhard Fire Brigade Museum, visitors can view around 60 large exhibits and more than 600 small exhibits across approximately 200 m² on two floors. The museum houses numerous objects from the history of the local fire brigade, which has been in existence since 1872.
From the outside, St. Leonhard Parish Church is a Late Gothic building with a varied layout, and is considered a cultural and historical treasure of the town. The Leonhardi Altar stands between the main nave and the side nave. On it is a stone statue of Saint Leonhard, dating from 1440, depicting him as an abbot. The statue is dated to 1440; St. Leonhard Castle is thought to have been built in the 15th century.
The Castle Park as a Place to Relax
With its mature trees and a pond, St. Leonhard Castle Park is a place to relax. Cultural events and festivals are also held there. If you are planning your trip around a particular festival, check in advance whether an event is taking place on your travel dates.
Hiking the Hiesberg-Melktal Circular Trail
The Hiesberg-Melktal Circular Trail No. 68 is 38 km long and follows the River Melk as far as Lunzen. This route gives you the option of a longer hike in its own right; you can factor its length into your travel plans as a separate activity. Hiking badges for Circular Trail No. 68 and hiking maps are available from the municipal office in Sankt Leonhard am Forst. If you plan to get a map or hiking badge, check where they are available locally before you arrive.
Climbing at Sängerstein
The Sängerstein climbing garden is near the small village of Gassen, close to Sankt Leonhard am Forst. Its 15 routes run over granite, with difficulty grades ranging from 3 to 8. The climbing wall is up to 20 metres high. This offers an active alternative to the circular trail: climbing individual routes instead of taking a long hike.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
When looking for a hotel in Sankt Leonhard am Forst, you can first decide what you want your stay to focus on: cultural history, a longer hike or climbing. Choosing a focus gives your travel plans direction without assuming a fixed itinerary for all the activities. If you are travelling to visit a festival in the castle park, check in advance whether it will take place during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Maria Taferl, Kottingburgstall, Hessendorf, Sankt Oswald, Schönbühel An Der Donau, Leiben, Braunegg, Blindenmarkt
For the broader travel overview: Melk.
