Ternberg offers a range of topics, from a church with a medieval history to nature on the banks of the Enns and the commemoration of a former Mauthausen concentration camp subcamp. Topics in Trattenbach include the history of the Messerer families and a via ferrata. This gives you different options when planning your trip: history and craftsmanship, nature by the river, or activities on wheels and on the rock.
Church History and Remembrance in Ternberg
Ternberg Church was first mentioned in a document around 1100 and was then owned by Garsten Abbey. In Ternberg parish church, the large altarpiece depicts the Resurrection of Christ. The first written mention provides a historical reference point; the altarpiece adds a specific art-historical motif.
The town’s history also includes a subcamp of Mauthausen concentration camp, which was located in Ternberg. The concentration and labor camp was established in 1942 to build the hydroelectric power plant in Ternberg. Its former kitchen barrack is the last surviving building of the camp. A memorial service organized by a local initiative is held once a year at the former concentration camp subcamp, usually in early October. The date varies; if you are planning a trip specifically for this occasion, check the date in advance.
The Messerer Tradition in Trattenbach
In 2015, the Trattenbach production of Taschenfeitel pocketknives was recognized as intangible cultural heritage by the Austrian UNESCO Commission. At the “Museum in der Wegscheid” in the Trattenbach Museum Village, you can see historical artifacts from the everyday lives and history of the Messerer families. The museum visit offers a way to explore the craft tradition through the people involved and their daily lives.
In the visitor workshop at “Drechslerei am Erlach,” visitors can assemble and paint the handles for the “Neuer Trattenbacher” themselves and add a name. This complements the historical perspective with a hands-on activity: you can learn about the product not only as part of the local tradition, but also take part in its design.
Nature and Activities
The Nature Activity Trail on the banks of the Enns in Ternberg offers insights into the animal and plant life near the riverbed. Beavers, wood ants, and waterfowl live there. The trail focuses on the habitats along the river, making it a different nature experience from the town’s historical sites.
The Ternberg pump track offers free riding fun across 610 m². Its 170-meter-long all-round main track, including the jump line, can be ridden or used with mountain bikes, BMX bikes, scooters, roller skates, and skateboards. The two measurements describe different aspects of the facility: 610 m² is the area, while 170 meters is the length of the main track.
The Trattenbach via ferrata is part of the “Naturfreunde Klettersteige Beisteinmauer” network. The ascent leads up the upper wall of the Beisteinmauer, crossing a long suspension bridge and a spectacular aluminum ladder to the summit. There is a public parking lot near Trattenbach railway station; from there, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk to the via ferrata. The walking time is approximate. As local conditions can change, check the situation before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Rohr im Kremstal, Steyr, Maria Neustift, Bad Hall, Adlwang, Garsten, Schiedlberg, Losenstein.
Return to the regional travel overview: Steyr-Land.
