A late Gothic parish church, archaeological evidence and two hiking trails described in different ways offer a stay in Gilgenberg Am Weilhart a range of possible focuses.
Church Architecture and Local History
The present-day parish church of Gilgenberg am Weilhart is a late Gothic hall church. The Bishop of Passau, Sigmund, consecrated it on 13 April 1466. In 1490, Ulrich Zachenberger had the Mount of Olives built at the parish church. The Federal Monuments Authority’s list of protected monuments dated 23 June 2026 lists the Catholic parish church of St. Giles, together with its cemetery, as protected by regulation.
The old rectory is also part of the town’s architectural history: the early Baroque building served as the summer residence of the provosts of Ranshofen Abbey. The Chapel of the Guardian Angel was added to the former rectory at Mairhof 4 around 1700. The historical connections thus span from the consecration of the present-day church in the 15th century to later additions to parish buildings.
Helmbrecht and Archaeological Traces
The Helmbrecht Column groups eight relief panels around a massive column; the panels depict the story of Helmbrecht. It was commissioned in 1979 as an artistic focal point for the redesign of Gilgenberg’s town centre. The Helmbrecht Trail leads to a farm in Gilgenberg that was called Helmbrechtshof in the Middle Ages. These named places therefore bring together different connections to the Helmbrecht story: an artistic depiction and a farm with a medieval name.
The burial mounds in Gänsfuss comprise twelve barrows dating from the Hallstatt period. They were opened in 1882 under the supervision of local historian Hugo von Preen. Finds included urns, pottery vessels, horse harnesses, and bronze and iron objects; these are held at the Upper Austrian State Museum. A few metres beside the Reit-Ach road, the extent of the burial mounds is still clearly visible.
Another archaeological trace is the Kastenberger Hallstatt settlement in the Bierberg field. The list of protected monuments dated 23 June 2026 lists it as protected by official decree under Section 3. During the construction of a natural gas pipeline near a farmhouse in Kastenberger in Weidenthal, a prehistoric Iron Age settlement was investigated. It dates from the 8th to the 4th century BC.
Helmbrecht Tavern and Hiking Trails
The Helmbrecht Tavern serves typical Innviertel specialities, including sparkling cider, homemade apple juice and snacks with smoked meat. The selection may change; check which food and drinks are currently available before your visit. The adjoining open-air museum displays restored agricultural equipment, which can be viewed throughout the farm. As visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to enquire about the conditions for visiting in advance.
The Römerwanderweg Dilliberg is a circular trail approximately 7 km long. It starts in the forecourt of the municipal office and is signposted along the entire route. The Marien-Wanderweg passes the Gilgenberg municipal office and crosses part of the Unterer Weilhartsforst. The two trails therefore have distinct features to consider when choosing between them: the Römerwanderweg is notable for its circular route and approximate length, while the Marien-Wanderweg passes the municipal office and runs through the forest. Routes and signposting may change; check the latest trail information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Roßbach, Neukirchen An Der Enknach, Feldkirchen Bei Mattighofen, Wimpassing, Mining, Pfaffstätt, Schwand Im Innkreis, Sankt Johann am Walde.
Return to the overview of the wider area: Braunau Am Inn.
