Behind Neufelden railway station, at the confluence of the Bairachbach and the Große Mühl, remnants of the Blankenburg’s walls are still visible. Other points of interest include Pürnstein Castle, the local history museum in a former prison, and the history of the reservoir—offering various starting points for a stay focused on culture and landscape.
Local history across different periods
Neufelden was first mentioned in a document in 1217. Market activity and salt trading along the “via regia”, the King’s Road to Bohemia, were already taking place at that time. Pürnstein Castle has stood above the valley of the Große Mühl since the late 10th century. These details point to different historical reference points: the castle’s early history and Neufelden’s first documented mention, along with the market and trading activities of that time.
The Neufelden local history museum displays a total of 1,200 well-preserved and restored exhibits across approximately 250 m². It is housed in the former prison, which was built as a jail in 1854. The collection and the building’s former function therefore represent two different aspects of a visit: alongside the exhibits, there is also the history of the building itself.
Another dated reference point is the organ in Neufelden parish church, which was newly built or reconstructed in 1997. Together with the earlier dates for the castle and Neufelden’s first documented mention, this creates a timeline that distinguishes between different aspects of local history.
The Neufelden reservoir also has its own landscape history. It was built between 1919 and 1924. The village of Langhalsen once stood in the hollow of the valley now occupied by the reservoir. A view of the lake is therefore also a way to understand how this place has changed: the present-day expanse of water holds the memory of a former village in the same valley.
Hiking and cycling, with different destinations
There are two different options for hiking. The Mühltal hiking trails from Neufelden lead to the Danube. The Pürnstein Trail, by contrast, starts in the town centre, first leads to the reservoir, follows its shore and then climbs to Pürnstein Castle. Take steep sections into account on this route. If you are choosing between the two hiking options, the destination is a useful distinction: the Mühltal hiking trails lead to the Danube, while the Pürnstein Trail takes you from the town centre via the reservoir and uphill to the castle.
There is also a specific circuit for a mountain bike ride: the family-friendly Neufelden Loop passes St. Anna Church and Pürnstein Castle, as well as the Große Mühl and the Neufelden reservoir. It returns to Neufelden tennis court. Its route can be followed using these named landmarks, without confusing it with the hiking trail to the castle. Check trail conditions before setting off.
Swimming and tennis
In Neufelden, you can swim at the Große Mühl river lido, in the Neufelden reservoir or in the heated outdoor pool. The options therefore include a river lido, the reservoir and a heated outdoor pool. Check the availability of each swimming facility before your trip.
There are three clay tennis courts. Non-members can obtain guest passes; check access for guests before playing. In addition to hiking and cycling routes, swimming and tennis are other activities to choose from. Which one suits your plans depends on whether you would rather spend the day on a particular route, by the water or on the tennis court.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Veit im Mühlkreis, Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis, Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis, Ahorn im Mühlkreis, Schlägl, Godersdorf, Sarleinsbach, Haslach an der Mühl.
Go to the main travel overview: Rohrbach.
