Freistadt’s almost completely preserved city fortifications date back to the Gothic period and are a striking feature of the city’s history. Freistadt was probably founded by Leopold VI of the Babenbergs at the beginning of the 13th century, on an important north–south trade route near the Bohemian border.
Buildings and city history
St John’s Church stands in the south of the city. Based on its surviving building fabric, it is Freistadt’s oldest church. St Catherine’s Minster, the parish church, is a five-aisled basilica with a magnificent choir vault. Distinctive architectural features therefore stand side by side: the Gothic fortifications, the historical significance of St John’s Church and the design of the minster.
The Mühlviertler Schlossmuseum Freistadt displays around 21,000 exhibits on folk culture, crafts and city history spanning eight centuries. The collection includes unique Sandl reverse-glass paintings. Its subject matter ranges from folk culture and crafts to city history, with the reverse-glass paintings forming a distinct focus of the collection. The museum is spread over nine floors. On the ninth floor, an outdoor gallery runs at a height of around 35 metres. The castle’s 50-metre-high keep offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Freistadt and the surrounding area.
City moat, Thurytal and trails
The revitalised city moat features winding paths and various themed gardens. Thurytal is a natural, unspoilt and restored gem in the Feldaist valley in Freistadt. During a blacksmithing demonstration, visitors can forge their own Thurytaler coin there. Booking details may vary; check them in advance.
The municipality of Freistadt has 100 kilometres of hiking trails. The Wasserwanderweg water trail in Freistadt starts and ends at the Wanderstein on the promenade. The Pferdeeisenbahnweg trail connection to the historic city centre is 9.7 kilometres long. These figures offer different kinds of guidance: the 100 kilometres refers to the municipality’s hiking trails, while the Wasserwanderweg’s start and end points and the Pferdeeisenbahnweg’s specific route length are given. Route details may change; check the information before setting out.
The Freistadt Tower Circuit focuses on seven towers and two gates and includes a climb up a tower. The guided tour’s booking requirements and availability may change. Check both in advance if you plan to take this tour.
Brewery experience and travel
A brewery tour at Freistädter Bier introduces visitors to the history of the Braucommune, the raw ingredients, the brewing process and interesting facts about beer. Check the tour’s booking details in advance. The Braucommune also offers the chance to brew your own beer under the guidance of experts; advance arrangements may be necessary.
Freistadt can be reached from Linz on the Summerauerbahn railway to Freistadt station. As timetables may change, check them before travelling. If you are looking for accommodation in Freistadt, you can choose your focus: city history and collections, trails and scenery, or brewery experiences.
Discover more destinations: Wartberg Ob Der Aist, Unterweißenbach, Bad Zell, Kaltenberg, Freistadt, Sankt Oswald Bei Freistadt, Liebenau, Rainbach Im Mühlkreis, Königswiesen, Gutau, Sandl, Schönau Im Mühlkreis, Kefermarkt, Lasberg, Sankt Leonhard Bei Freistadt, Neumarkt Im Mühlkreis, Nadelbach, Pierbach, Unterweitersdorf, Windhaag Bei Freistadt, Hagenberg Im Mühlkreis, Weitersfelden, Hirschbach Im Mühlkreis, Pregarten, Tragwein, Waldburg, Leopoldschlag, Grünbach, Wullowitz.
For the higher-level travel overview: Upper Austria.
