Steyr brings together architectural history, nativity scene culture, theatrical tradition and a culture of remembrance across several cultural themes. If you are looking for accommodation in Steyr, you can plan your stay around whichever of these aspects interests you most. A Late Gothic town house, a Renaissance building, a rod-puppet theatre, a religious Christmas tradition and an exhibition on the history of the Steyr-Münichholz concentration camp each offer a different perspective. So travel planning begins with a specific question: which themes would you like to focus on?
Historic Old Town and Architectural History
Steyr’s historic Old Town includes more than 700 listed properties. The Bummerlhaus combines a specific story behind its name with an art-historical classification: its name comes from the lion-shaped sign above the portal of the former Löwenwirtshaus (Lion Inn); at the same time, the building is considered Austria’s finest Late Gothic town house. The explanation of the name points to the former inn, while its classification as a Late Gothic town house identifies its period and building type. Here, everyday history and architecture stand side by side.
The Innerberger Stadel offers a different perspective: it is a Renaissance commercial building with a façade decorated with sgraffito. The building was used as a granary for almost 300 years. The buildings therefore differ in period and history: the Bummerlhaus can be approached through the origin of its name and its Late Gothic classification, while the Stadel is notable for its façade and former use as a granary. Exploring Steyr’s architectural history, you can see how a town house and a commercial building served different purposes.
Nativity Scene Culture: Theatre and Collection
The Steyrer Kripperl is one of the last active rod-puppet theatres in the German-speaking world and is an intangible UNESCO Cultural Heritage. Its active theatrical form and UNESCO recognition make it a distinctive experience alongside the town’s architectural history. For you as a culturally curious traveller, it adds a performing tradition to the architectural themes.
Christkindl has long been the centre of Christmas festivities in Steyr. In the Baroque pilgrimage church, a wax Christ Child can be seen above the tabernacle. Another perspective is offered by the nativity scene exhibition in the former Palm House in Steyr Castle Park: it is one of the locations of the Steyr City Museum. More than 1,100 nativity figures, known as Loahmmandel, fill the nativity scene display there. The nativity scene theme thus encompasses religious tradition, a specific visual detail and an exhibition featuring a large collection of figures. The church and Christmas festivities offer a different perspective from the collection in the former Palm House.
History at the Lamberg Tunnel
The Stollen der Erinnerung (Tunnel of Remembrance) exhibition focuses on a different aspect of history. It is located in the Lamberg Tunnel near the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers. It explores the history of the Steyr-Münichholz concentration camp and the fate of thousands of forced labourers. This part of the cultural offering therefore differs clearly from architectural history and nativity scene traditions: its focus is the history of the camp and forced labour.
Riverside Landscape and City Bus
Steyr is distinguished by its unique riverside landscape. The number 3 city bus route is also useful for getting around town: it runs between the railway station, Ennsleite and Stadtplatz. Route details may change with the timetable, so check the current service before travelling. This lets you factor the bus information into your arrival and onward travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Reichraming, Ternberg, Laussa, Gaflenz, Dietach, Wolfern, Losenstein, Rohr im Kremstal
See the broader travel overview: Steyr-Land.
