Riedau offers several distinct reasons to visit: a long market history, the LIGNORAMA wood and tool museum, and an explicitly seasonal outdoor swimming pool. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between cultural attractions and summer activities; to decide what to focus on, you can consider the market tradition, the wood collection and the church history separately. This will help you decide which aspect best suits your travel plans.
Location between the Pram, the Hausruckviertel and the Sauwald
Riedau lies on the gentle banks of the Pram, south of the hills of the Hausruckviertel and north of the foothills of the Sauwald. This clearly defines the surrounding landscape and complements the town’s cultural history and museum offerings with a geographical perspective.
Market tradition and church history
Emperor Maximilian I granted Riedau market status in 1515. The town has been known for its annual markets since ancient times; linen weavers and master weavers conducted brisk trade here. The centuries-old market square has lost none of its uniqueness to this day. The horse market is the only one of Riedau’s four markets to have survived. Since 1988, it has been held on the second Saturday in March. Check the date for the relevant year before planning a visit.
The town’s church history also offers a clear historical reference point: According to the deed of foundation dated 25 March 1641, the former branch church of Riedau was elevated to an independent parish church by a decree of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria, Bishop of Passau, at the instigation of Gottlieb von Salburg. The gap between the granting of market status in 1515 and the establishment of an independent parish in 1641 highlights two distinct stages in the town’s history.
A diversity of wood at LIGNORAMA
At the LIGNORAMA wood and tool museum, a unique collection of wood samples takes centre stage. It comprises more than 1,300 different wood species from around the world; the collection’s wide range is an attraction in its own right. The exhibition areas cover approximately 600 m² and are spread across the former Olympia House (main building), the old sawmill and the park. Thus, the museum’s profile includes several exhibition venues as well as the collection itself. The area figure gives an indication of the scale, while the three named areas specify how it is distributed.
Summer activities and a virtual Stations of the Cross
In summer, Riedau’s Erlebnisbad offers four heated outdoor pools: a sports pool, a diving pool, a non-swimmers’ pool and a children’s paddling pool. The different types of pool give the facility clearly distinct features. Opening times may vary, so check the dates for your travel period.
Another church-related attraction is a virtual walk from one Station of the Cross to the next in St. George’s Parish Church in Riedau. It offers a different cultural focus from LIGNORAMA: here, the Stations of the Cross are central, while the museum focuses on its collection of different wood species. This gives you two clearly distinct themes to choose between when planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Aegidi, Diersbach, Suben, Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding, Rainbach Im Innkreis, Andorf, Eggerding, Gumping.
For the general travel overview: Schärding.
