Neukirchen am Walde combines historic churches with a natural swimming area, a landscape garden, and cycling and hiking destinations. Its varied highlights help with planning: St. Sixtus and the listed buildings showcase local history and architecture, while the bathing lake, Timewalk, and tours put exercise or time outdoors at the center of your visit.
Churches, Chapels, and Carnival
The branch church of St. Sixtus was built in 1488 and is dedicated to Pope Sixtus. Its choir has a net rib vault, and it also houses a Gothic Madonna. For visits, you can borrow the key from the innkeeper at Wirt z' Sixt. Ask there before your visit about the current key arrangements, as local agreements may change.
The Catholic parish church of St. John the Baptist and the Upper and Lower Kreuzberg Chapels are also protected as historic monuments by decree. Another recurring occasion is the original carnival parades: they take place every two years and are organized and run by local associations. If you want to time your trip to coincide with a parade, check the dates for the relevant year.
Bathing Lake and Play and Sports Area
Woody's natural swimming facility covers an area of about 2 ha. It includes a 4,000 m² bathing lake, of which around 2,600 m² is swimming area for adults and children, with various attractions. The play and sports area includes a play stream, sand play areas, slides for the youngest visitors, swings, and play areas for all ages. There is also a fun court, a beach volleyball court, and a ball games field.
Seasonal operating details and individual offerings may change, so check the latest information before your visit. This lets you plan the swimming facility as a highlight in its own right while bearing in mind that its availability may depend on the season.
Cycling Routes of Different Lengths
The Sparkassen Loop is 34.5 kilometers long and has 730 meters of elevation gain. It starts in Neukirchen am Walde and is suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. The route follows the historic Roman Road and includes a few short, steep climbs over Turnstein (646 m), which offers a beautiful view.
At 57.9 kilometers, the R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Loop is longer. After a short climb, it passes through a patchwork of fields to Neukirchen am Walde. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by their length; the Sparkassen Loop also lists its elevation gain and suitability for beginners and experienced cyclists. Check current route conditions before setting out. You should also check in advance whether cycling is permitted on the Sparkassen Loop.
Hiking, Nature, and Garden
You can go hiking in Neukirchen am Walde on the southeastern edge of the extensive Sauwald forest. The nature trail passes a “Celtic tree circle.” Local tradition attributes healing water for eye ailments to the Ölbründl Chapel; this is a local legend.
Timewalk is a landscape garden in Neukirchen am Walde, laid out in a typically English style. Together with the hiking and cycling options, it adds a garden as a distinct attraction to visit. Depending on whether you are interested in architecture, the carnival tradition, swimming, cycling, hiking, or the landscape garden, you can plan your stay accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Thomas bei Waizenkirchen, Bad Schallerbach, Peuerbach, Wendling, Pötting, Steegen, Sölden An Der Straß, Geboltskirchen.
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