A rock arch of Jurassic limestone, a Late Gothic parish church and trails leading to different destinations give St. Pankraz several distinct themes. For travel planning, it is worth considering nature, local history and hiking separately: the Devil’s Church represents the geological side, the parish church and pilgrimage the religious history, while the hiking descriptions outline their own routes.
Rock Arch and Landscape
The Devil’s Church is a rock arch in the Vorderes Rettenbachtal near St. Pankraz; karst springs rise below it. The arch is made of Jurassic limestone and is 16 metres wide and 12 metres high. The Devil’s Church has been designated a natural monument since 1984. Here, geological formation, specific measurements and protected status come together. The name may bring a place of worship to mind, but here it refers to the rock arch.
Church and Local History
The parish church of St. Pankraz is Late Gothic, was consecrated in 1462 and was built by the Spital Abbey. The year marks the consecration, the Late Gothic classification describes the architecture, and the reference to the abbey adds to the building’s history. For years, a pilgrimage on foot has set out from St. Pankraz for Frauenstein. It adds a longstanding religious tradition to the architectural history. If the pilgrimage is the reason for your trip, check the specific date in advance.
The listed Baroque rectory is also part of the town’s history: before its renovation as part of the 1998 provincial exhibition, it was in an exceptional and valuable original condition. After the provincial exhibition ended, the poachers’ museum was moved to an extension built specifically for it at the Steyrbrücke inn. These details illustrate different historical connections without conflating the building’s history with the museum’s location.
Hiking Trails with Different Destinations
Stage N09 of the Benediktweg leads from Hinterstoder via the Flötzersteig or Salzsteigweg to St. Pankraz. From there, the route continues along the Fischersteig beside Lake Klaus to the dam. When choosing a stage, it is important to know which trail name applies to which section: the Flötzersteig and Salzsteigweg are the alternatives leading to St. Pankraz, while the Fischersteig is the next section along the lake. The route can thus be identified by the places and trails mentioned.
Another hiking route leads from St. Pankraz through the Teichltal and the upper Redtenbachtal to Windischgarsten. Comparing the destinations helps with orientation: the described Benediktweg stage continues to the dam at Lake Klaus, while Windischgarsten is the destination of the valley route. Local trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.
Elisabethsee: Getting There and Seasonal Swimming
Elisabethsee near St. Pankraz lies in the mountainous landscape of the Pyhrn-Priel region. Take the Postbus route 430 or the Riedler Bus route 431 to the Steyrbrücke stop; from there, it is about a five-minute walk. Check the current timetable before travelling. The water temperatures are inviting for swimming; swimming conditions are seasonal and should be checked locally. The lake offers another connection with nature, while the bus information provides specific guidance on getting there.
Discover more destinations: Ried Im Traunkreis, Kirchdorf An Der Krems, Edlbach, Leonstein, Kremsmünster, Obergrünburg, Inzersdorf Im Kremstal, Oberschlierbach.
Back to the parent travel overview: Kirchdorf An Der Krems.
