In Sankt Nikolai in the Sölktal, local history and trails through the seasons take center stage. The Mesnerhaus offers a tangible introduction to the culture of the Sölktäler; there are hiking routes of varying lengths as well as groomed winter trails. The Sölk Pass road can also be part of your travel plans—but it is open only in summer.

Local History at the Mesnerhaus

Since 1639, the Mesnerhaus has shaped village life as a sacristan’s house, school, poorhouse, and toll station. Its different roles ranged from church life and education to social support and transport. The building therefore represents several aspects of village life, rather than just one historical function.

Following its redesign in 2025, the Mesnerhaus serves as a museum of local history and presents the multifaceted culture of the Sölktäler. The multimedia exhibition explores knowledge passed down through generations in the Sölktal: folk medicine, plant knowledge, customs, and traditions. Local history and inherited everyday knowledge come together here—two different ways to explore the region’s culture.

The Mesnerhaus is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; hours may change without notice. Check the opening hours before your visit. Admission is by voluntary donation.

Seasonal Drives and Hikes

The Sölk Pass road is open only in summer. The Tälerbus or a car lets you travel through the mountain landscapes of the Niedere Tauern. If you include this route in your travel plans, check whether the road is open and consult the Tälerbus timetable before setting off.

The easy winter hike from St. Nikolai to the Bräualm starts at the Gasthof zum Gamsjäger. It is 3.8 kilometers long, climbs 70 meters, and takes about an hour. Together, the distance, elevation gain, and duration provide a clear guide for planning your day; the stated starting point helps you identify the route.

Another hike leads from Sankt Nikolai along the country road toward the Sölk Pass for about one kilometer to the Hansenalm. By distance, this route is shorter than the 3.8-kilometer hike to the Bräualm. For the Hansenalm, the route along the road is the main point of reference, while the Bräualm hike also includes the elevation gain and approximate duration.

Groomed trails for winter walkers are also among the local options: one runs alongside the St. Nikolai–Bräualm cross-country ski trail, and another alongside the Mößna–St. Nikolai trail. The Mößna–St. Nikolai cross-country ski trail is free to use. When planning, check whether you mean a hike or use of a cross-country ski trail; the grooming and cost details refer to different activities.

For a cultural stay, the Mesnerhaus offers a clear focus. When choosing a hike, you can compare the stated duration and elevation gain of the Bräualm route with the shorter route to the Hansenalm, which follows the country road. The Sölk Pass road is another option for a drive through the mountain landscapes of the Niedere Tauern, provided it is open during your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Gams Bei Hieflau, Lassing Bei Liezen, Weißenbach Bei Liezen, Altenmarkt, Wildalpen, Aigen Im Ennstal, Haus, Irdning.

To the main travel overview: Liezen.