In Neumarkt im Hausruckkreis, local history and religious heritage meet at Kalvarienberg, which is also described as a local recreational area. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the historic sites in the market town and the viewpoints at Kalvarienberg as separate highlights: one takes you into the town’s history, while the other combines a walk through the recreational forest with sweeping views.
Getting There and Route
Neumarkt is directly connected to the B 137 and has an Ă–BB railway junction at Neumarkt-Kallham. Check train connections before setting off if you are travelling by rail. Neumarkt-Kallham station is a specific starting point for a walk: the Kallham Cathedral Trail begins there. Both its starting point and destination are in Neumarkt im Hausruckkreis; along the way, the route passes through the grounds of the former Wurm leather factory. Check the route before setting off to ensure your plans match the current route.
Market History and Churches
Neumarkt is one of Upper Austria’s oldest market towns. Finds suggest that the area was already inhabited in the Late Stone Age. Another historical trace is the parish chronicle of the Church of St. Florian, which dates back to the 13th century. The chronicle relates to the church, while the archaeological finds relate to the settlement of the area: two distinct ways of exploring Neumarkt’s history.
The Church of St. Florian is a listed monument. The seven Calvary chapels are also included in the monument protection ordinance. The seven chapels line the Way of the Cross to Kalvarienberg Church; most were built by Neumarkt residents after the plague in the 18th century. This offers a way to explore the history of the route alongside the individual chapels, without treating their different construction dates as if they were the same.
The little church on Kalvarienberg was built of wood in 1720 by Father Felix Ezinger of Lambach. The Baroque church has side altars dedicated to St. Leonhard and St. Notburga. According to the church accounts, the figures of Christ and the two thieves in the crucifixion group on the main altar are said to be by the sculptor Schwanthaler. This attribution remains a tradition and should be treated with reservation. Kalvarienberg Church also has a Holy Spirit opening with a decorative cover.
Walk and Views at Kalvarienberg
The walk at Kalvarienberg leads through the recreational forest. There are two distinct vantage points for taking in the landscape: the Kalvarienberg panoramic viewpoint offers a mountain panorama with a 180° field of view. The “Panorama Viewer” at Kalvarienberg provides a view of the Mostlandl region. Walkers can include these viewpoints and the chapels as separate stops on their route around Kalvarienberg; no information on walking time or difficulty is provided here for more detailed time planning.
Market Square and Places to Eat
The historic market square offers a wide range of dining options. It is another highlight alongside the churches, Way of the Cross and viewpoints. As individual businesses may change, check before your visit which places to eat suit your plans.
Discover more destinations: Kallham, Aistersheim, Meggenhofen, Rottenbach, Michaelnbach, Pötting, Bad Schallerbach, Wendling.
Return to the main travel overview: Grieskirchen.
