Gresten is located in the Kleine Erlauf Valley and on the Iron Road. For your stay, you can focus on two distinct themes: architectural history in the town and outdoor activities on hiking and cycling trails and at the Schwarzenberg climbing garden. The local attractions range from a late Gothic chapel to specific opportunities for outdoor activities. This lets you consider culture and outdoor pursuits separately or combine them when planning your stay.
Architectural History and the Kulturschmiede
Stiebar Castle and the Parish Church of St Nicholas represent two distinct architectural histories. The late Gothic chapel is the oldest part of the castle and was first mentioned in 1301. The parish church is a late Gothic hall church with a projecting west tower; it was completed in 1489. The dates mark different milestones: for the chapel, its first mention; for the church, its completion.
Since opening in October 1996, the Kulturschmiede has served as a multifunctional events venue with a dining area. Some preserved exhibits from the GartlmĂĽhle are on display there. This makes it different from the historic buildings as a cultural attraction: the focus here is on the events venue and the GartlmĂĽhle exhibits.
On Foot, by Bike and on the Rocks
Gresten lies at the junction of many hiking trails, ranging from walking paths to long-distance routes. This offers different types of trails to consider when planning: you can choose a walking path or a long-distance route. The range makes it easier to decide how you would like to explore the area.
The “Kleines und großes Erlauftal” cycle tour branches off from the large Erlauftal cycle path onto the small Erlauftal cycle path shortly after Gaming and continues via Brettl to Gresten. Separate from this is a cycle path section around 290 metres long: it starts at the municipal depot of the market town of Gresten, goes around the substation and ends at the existing footbridge over the Kleine Erlauf. The named tour is defined by its turn-off shortly after Gaming and its onward route via Brettl; the shorter section is described by its start, route and endpoint.
The climbing garden on Schwarzenberg, above Gresten, is at an elevation of 950 metres. It has 19 climbing routes across two sectors. The climbing garden is 6 kilometres from the centre of Gresten; the approach from the car park takes around 25 minutes. These figures have different reference points: the distance is measured from the town centre, while the approach time is from the car park. The elevation and route layout describe the area, while the distance and approach time relate the journey to these different starting points.
Gresten Sauna Oasis
The public Gresten Sauna Oasis offers a different experience from the hiking, cycling and climbing options. It has a Finnish sauna for 20 people, a combination bio and infrared sauna, and a steam room. Facilities also include a heated mosaic-tile bench, a seating alcove and a spacious outdoor area. The different amenities give the sauna oasis its own focus alongside culture and outdoor activities.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Anton An Der Jessnitz, Steinakirchen Am Forst, Lassing, Göstling An Der Ybbs, Schliefau, Wieselburg, Purgstall An Der Erlauf, Großegg.
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