Those wishing to explore architectural history in Rottenbach will find several distinct points of interest: the rectory, whose defining construction phase dates to the 18th century; Innernsee Castle, mentioned in a document from 1301; and the parish church, with its Late Gothic vault and frescoes from 1524. The buildings can be compared by their dates of construction and architectural features without grouping them all into a single historical period. This gives your trip a clear focus: local history and architecture take centre stage, while the orchards and the Kirtag offer other perspectives.
History at the Rectory
Rottenbach Rectory has been a listed building since 2007. Its present exterior appearance is due primarily to the new building completed in 1733. Renovation work required after a fire in 1745 also shaped the exterior. The sequence therefore tells more than the date of a single building: the new building is the key reference point for its present appearance, while the later renovation is also part of its history. When interpreting historic buildings, you can consider both phases side by side rather than reducing the rectory’s history to the year the new building was completed.
Innernsee Castle: Early Mention and Arcade Walkway
Innernsee Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1301. In addition to this early date, its continuous arcade walkway on the upper floor is a distinctive architectural feature. An arcade walkway is a passage running along a series of arches; at Innernsee, it is on the upper floor and runs continuously along it. The castle’s history can thus be explored through two different points of reference: its first documentary mention and its architectural form. Unlike the rectory, whose present exterior appearance is due primarily to the new building of 1733, the castle’s documentary mention dates back much further.
Parish Church: Vault and Frescoes
Rottenbach’s Roman Catholic parish church is dedicated to Saint Peter and is a sight worth seeing. Its Late Gothic net-rib vault has both single- and double-nave sections. The term net-rib vault refers to ribs that join to form a net-like pattern in the vault; the information about the number of naves adds to the description of the interior layout. Frescoes dating from 1524 were uncovered during the interior renovation of 1956. Their creation and their uncovering are two separate points in time: the paintings predate the renovation during which they were brought back to light. Check whether access is possible before visiting.
Orchards and the Kirtag
A municipal information notice from September 2024 identifies old orchards in Rottenbach as the preferred habitat of the little owl. Unlike the rectory, castle and church, the focus here is on a habitat and an animal species, adding a nature theme alongside architectural history.
The same municipal information notice lists a Rottenbach Kirtag on 20 and 21 July as a traditional event. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates for your travel year. This is a different reason to plan your trip than the architectural history: for the Kirtag, the event dates need to fit your travel dates, while the rectory, castle and church can define your thematic focus.
Getting There via the A8
When travelling via the A8, the Haag am Hausruck exit is about 3 km from Rottenbach, whether you are coming from Passau or Linz. Use this approximate distance as a guide for your journey and plan the onward route according to your specific destination.
Discover more destinations: Gaspoltshofen, Eschenau Im Hausruckkreis, Sankt Agatha, Schlüßlberg, Michaelnbach, Peuerbach, Tollet, Pötting.
Return to the regional travel overview: Grieskirchen.
