Wernstein am Inn offers several distinct highlights: Alfred Kubin’s place of residence and work, a Baroque Marian column, the Late Gothic parish church and the Mariensteg bridge over the Inn. There are also routes for cyclists and hikers, as well as geological features. When planning your trip, you can decide whether art and architectural history or outdoor activities and scenery should take centre stage during your stay.
Kubin House and cultural history
Kubin House Zwickledt was Alfred Kubin’s home and workplace for more than 50 years. The permanent exhibition at the Kubin House Zwickledt Museum displays original furnishings, artworks and manuscripts, as well as a collection of prints from Kubin’s circle. You can therefore see both works and objects associated with the artist there. Alongside the permanent exhibition, the museum offers classic guided tours and a workshop programme for all ages. Check the programme details before your trip. Exhibitions are also held at the Alfred Kubin Gallery.
Another cultural highlight is the Marian Column. The stone monument was brought to Wernstein by ship and erected opposite Neuburg. It is 17 metres high and made of sandstone and granite. J. Pock created the column in 1646, modelled on the Marian Column in Munich. Its structure features several specific details: the tall base is surrounded by four pillars with child angels bearing a helmet, shield and sword. Saint John of Nepomuk is also venerated as the patron saint of bridges and as a protector against floods and drowning.
The Parish Church of St George is a single-nave Late Gothic building dating from the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. A six-storey Baroque tower, built in 1730, stands on its west side. The Gothic works of art inside include an octagonal baptismal font made of red marble. The Late Gothic church, Baroque tower and Marian Column, created in 1646, thus offer contrasting architectural and historical features. Neuburg was built in 1025 by the powerful Count of Formbach.
Mariensteg, routes and scenery
The Mariensteg is a 145-metre-long suspension bridge over the Inn. It connects Wernstein with Neuburg am Inn and is for pedestrians and cyclists. A single 30-metre-high pylon on the Neuburg side supports the bridge. The R1.01 Inn-Danube Loop reaches the Mariensteg in Wernstein via paved cycle paths, side roads, a sandy path and, finally, InnstraĂźe. Hikers on the Innviertel Way of St James can cross the bridge for cyclists and pedestrians for a short visit to Wernstein. The descriptions focus on different details: the R1.01 specifies the destination and route surfaces, while the Way of St James mentions the crossing for a short visit.
The municipal area lies on the southern edge of the Bohemian Massif; local geology includes migmatites of the Wernstein type. In the Vornbach Gorge, the Inn forms a breakthrough valley and narrows to around 60 metres. The geological bedrock and the river landscape are two distinct aspects of the natural environment. For outdoor activity, the motor skills park offers stations and exercise equipment. Another option is the “To Fronholzwarte” route, which leads to a lookout tower at the highest point of the hill.
Getting there by train
You can travel directly to Wernstein by train via the Ă–BB stop in the village. Check current timetables before setting off. This lets you plan your journey without assuming a specific departure time.
Discover more destinations: Gumping, Kopfing im Innkreis, Diersbach, Engelhartszell, Suben, Raab, MĂĽnzkirchen, Rainbach im Innkreis.
Go to the overview of the wider region: Schärding.
