Waldneukirchen can be explored through its forest-related themes, distinctive traces of history and small features of its cultural landscape. Two perspectives on the forest are particularly tangible: the Hunting and Forest Nature Trail is located in Waldneukirchen’s local recreation area and is 1.5 kilometres long; the Forest Nature Trail focuses on sharing knowledge and the route to St. Nicholas Chapel. There is also a high-medieval castle complex, a fresco from 1337 and a forest chapel visible from far away. This combination gives you different ways to discover the town: nature-related themes, individual historical landmarks or a blend of the two.
Forest Themes and a Trail to the Chapel
The Hunting and Forest Nature Trail runs for 1.5 kilometres through Waldneukirchen’s local recreation area. Along the Forest Nature Trail, visitors can learn about wood growth and the function of the forest. An information point shares facts about plants, fungi and trees, drawing attention both to the development of the forest and to various elements of nature. The Forest Nature Trail also leads to the noteworthy St. Nicholas Chapel. This brings together learning about the forest and a named cultural destination. Those interested in the forest’s plant and animal life will find different points of interest here than those drawn to the trail’s length or the chapel.
Devil’s Tower: Castle Complex and Legend
Devil’s Tower is a high-medieval castle complex confirmed by an archaeological excavation in 2002. Alongside this evidence is the tradition of storytelling. In the book of legends from Steyr, Devil’s Tower is described in detail as a supposed robber-knight castle.
Fresco, Forest Chapel and Small Monuments
Waldneukirchen Parish Church contains a fresco of the Archangel Michael with the weighing of souls, dating from 1337. Its identified subject and date give this work a specific historical context. The forest chapel has a different character: the hunters of Waldneukirchen built it in 2003; it stands idyllically at the edge of the forest and is visible from far away. A commemorative plaque in Waldneukirchen remembers the dialect poet Norbert Purschka. The area also has a high concentration of small monuments, including wayside crosses, shrines and chapels. Those seeking cultural traces beyond individual buildings can also discover the variety of these smaller forms of heritage.
Mountain Views and a Regional Combination
The Gucklochbaum (Peephole Tree) offers views of various mountains through its openings. Here, the focus is on looking at the landscape, unlike the Forest Nature Trail’s information about wood growth, plants, fungi and trees. Beyond Waldneukirchen’s individual attractions, a ride on the Steyrtal Museum Railway can be combined with a cycling tour on the Steyrtal Cycle Path. This broader regional option brings rail and cycling together in one itinerary, setting it apart from Waldneukirchen’s individual forest and cultural themes.
Discover more destinations: Weyer, Goldberg, Losenstein, Garsten, Bad Hall, Pfarrkirchen Bei Bad Hall, Aschach An Der Steyr, Ternberg.
Back to the main travel overview: Steyr-Land.
