A five-kilometre themed trail between Thomasroith and Holzleithen brings Ottnang’s mining history to life on foot or by bike: 26 information boards focus on mining. Other highlights include show mines, the Gmoa-Stoa erratic boulder and views across the municipality and of the Alps. Alongside stories of coal, the landscape and local history are subjects in their own right.
Hiking Trails with Different Themes
A developed hiking and cycling trail runs between Thomasroith and Holzleithen. The route is five kilometres long and designed as a themed trail; 26 information boards cover mining. This brings together outdoor activity and a clear look at local mining history.
The Grubengeistweg takes a different approach. It leads through the old coal-mining area of the Hausruck Forest, as well as through tunnels and chutes. Its scope extends back to the formation of coal 360 million years ago: the trail conveys the history of coal on a geological scale. The two trails therefore have different focuses: one uses information boards to explore mining, while the other brings together the mining area, tunnels and the geological story of coal’s formation.
Mines and Mining History
The Mariannenstollen beside the Gmoa-Stoa is a show mine that recalls the history of coal mining in the municipality. In Thomasroith, the surviving sections of the SĂĽdfeldstollen were developed into a show mine in 2004/05. These examples represent two different stops in the local mining heritage: the Mariannenstollen, associated with the Gmoa-Stoa, and the later development of surviving sections of the SĂĽdfeldstollen.
Hausruck Forest, Heights and Views
Ottnang am Hausruck is located on the southern slope of the Hausruck Forest, in a fog-free low mountain landscape at an altitude of 550 to 700 metres. From Ottnang, there are unobstructed views south and southeast across the Alps, from the Ă–tscher to the Berchtesgaden area. Ottnang is also a place for long walks and forest hikes.
The Gmoa-Stoa is an erratic boulder around 20 million years old. It can be seen on a hill at the edge of the forest, north of the village of Bergern; from here, the view extends across the entire municipality. The Wiedhack-Kreuz stands at an altitude of 753 metres, on the municipality’s highest point. The view from the Gmoa-Stoa across Ottnang and the elevation of the Wiedhack-Kreuz thus represent two distinct points of reference.
Churches and Local History
Heritage protection records list the Barbarakirche in Thomasroith and the parish church Zum heiligsten Herzen Jesu in Bruckmühl as protected monuments. The Quirchtenhaus (Thomas-Bernhard-Haus) in Niederpuchheim is also listed as a protected monument. Thomas Bernhard acquired a property known as “Hanspaul” and “Quirchtenhaus” from the Huemer family in 1972 and redesigned it. These examples broaden the focus from mining history to churches and local history. Heritage protection records may be updated; check the current status before your trip if needed.
Travel Themes and Hotel Search
When searching for hotels in Ottnang am Hausruck, you can first decide whether mining history, the landscape or protected monuments should be your main focus. The themed trail between Thomasroith and Holzleithen combines hiking and cycling with information boards; the Grubengeistweg leads through the old mining area, tunnels and chutes. The Gmoa-Stoa adds a view across the municipality, while the Alpine vistas bring the wider landscape into focus.
If fishing at the pond is part of your plans, it can be arranged by prior agreement. Make these arrangements in advance. Long walks and forest hikes offer further ways to discover Ottnang as a destination for landscape and culture.
Discover more destinations: Frankenmarkt, Loibichl, Atzbach, Gampern, Berg Im Attergau, Weissenkirchen Im Attergau, RĂĽstorf, Ungenach
Back to the main travel overview: Vöcklabruck.
