Altenberg bei Linz lies on a southern spur of the MĂĽhlviertel Highlands. From the viewpoint, at an elevation of 593 metres, the panoramic view stretches across the MĂĽhlviertel and over Linz to the Central Region of Upper Austria, as far as the foothills of the Northern Limestone Alps. If you are planning a stay here, you can focus on hiking, architectural history or religious tradition.
Hiking on circular and historic trails
A circular hiking trail runs through Altenberg, passing Kulmerberg, Wetterberg and Geiselsberg. You can get a hiking map for the routes in Altenberg from the municipal office; it is also available to download. This lets you factor the marked trails into your daily plans in advance. A direct hiking trail leads from Linz to Altenberg and partly follows the former horse-drawn railway. The route thus also traces part of the area’s former transport network.
Another option is the Weitrager Way of the Cross: an easy circular trail with eleven benches. Signposts for the Way of the Cross and the Resurrection Chapel are opposite the parish church. Follow the signposts opposite the parish church to find both destinations.
Church and architectural history
Altenberg Parish Church is Late Gothic. Its tower, about 42 metres high, leans westwards, away from the church. The furnishings include a Baroque high altar from the former Sautern branch church of Schlierbach Abbey. Together, the architectural style, tower and the altar’s origins offer different points of interest for a cultural history visit.
The Resurrection Chapel is another of the town’s religious buildings; it was renovated in 2012 and 2013. Another building with its own history is the former municipal office. Built from 1927 to 1930 to plans by architect Mauriz Balzarek, it combines Heimatstil and Art Nouveau elements with expressive elements. Its varied styles make it an illuminating contrast to the Late Gothic parish church.
Historical traces and pilgrimage
Altenberg was first mentioned in a Passau document in 1245. Neolithic finds date back further still: they show that nomadic groups of hunters and gatherers lived in the area, at least temporarily. These traces, separated by long spans of time, offer a glimpse into the town’s long history without reducing it to a single building.
As early as the 17th century, Altenberg was a destination for many pilgrims. The pilgrimage of the people of Ottenschlag to the Madonna of Grace in Altenberg takes place every year on the Sunday after Saints Peter and Paul; it dates back to 1799. If you want to plan your trip around this tradition, check the arrangements for the relevant year. The date is therefore a separate planning consideration alongside your choice of hiking days.
Activities to plan your trip
All-terrain SEGWAY X2s are available to rent in Altenberg. Guided or individually arranged tours can be booked for groups of up to 25 people. When planning your tour, you can choose between a guided tour and one arranged to your own specifications.
If you want to go hiking, you can include the available hiking map in your daily plans; if you are travelling for the pilgrimage, the specific date is what matters.
Discover more destinations: Lichtenberg, Zwettl An Der Rodl, Reichenau Im MĂĽhlkreis, Bad Leonfelden, Haibach Im MĂĽhlkreis, Sankt Gotthard Im MĂĽhlkreis, Schild, Ottenschlag Im MĂĽhlkreis.
Back to the regional travel overview: Urfahr-Umgebung.
