A history of glass, a trail along the water and a church with a documented date give Weißenkirchen im Attergau a range of cultural experiences. The former glassmaking industry comes to life through the collection, the period of operation and the living museum village; the “Das gläserne Tal” (The Glass Valley) themed trail adds a route along the Freudenthaler Ache. St Margaret’s Church adds a distinct focus on architectural history.

Regional orientation

Weißenkirchen im Attergau lies roughly midway between the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut lakes Attersee, Mondsee and Irrsee. This approximate location situates the town within the lake region. Its local cultural attractions offer a distinctive way to experience the destination, whether your particular interests lie in glassmaking, the trail through the valley or church architecture.

The history of glass and the collection

The Freudenthaler Glass collection is based on the former Freudenthal glassworks. It includes glassmaking tools, photographs and documents. The collection therefore contains not only glass itself but also equipment and written and visual materials. This offers a broader view of the glassmaking tradition beyond the finished products.

The glass factory in Freudenthal operated from 1716 to 1942. From 1893 onwards, the glassworks produced only medical and pharmacy glassware. These dates tell the story both of the long period of operation and of a later specialisation within it.

Since 1999, the Freudenthaler Glas Museum has been housed in its own museum pavilion. The Weißenkirchen Glass Museum is located in the local primary school.

The Glass Valley and the living museum village

The “Das gläserne Tal” (The Glass Valley) themed trail descends to the Freudenthaler Ache and then continues along the stream. It ends at the Freudenthal living museum village, set in a beautiful valley head. The route first follows the terrain down to the water and then runs alongside the stream to a cultural and historical destination.

In the living museum village, a former workers’ house presents life in the past in a modern way. The route and this theme complement each other: the valley and stream take centre stage along the trail, while the endpoint presents the lives of former workers. This offers a distinct focus for planning your trip, alongside the collection and the history of the glassworks.

A closer look at St Margaret’s Church

St Margaret’s Church in Weißenkirchen holds a special place among Upper Austrian single-pillar churches because its date has been firmly established. It adds an architectural perspective to the history of glass and industry. Those interested in historical dating and church architecture will find a different cultural focus here from the former glassmaking industry.

Choose your stay to suit your interests

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Weißenkirchen im Attergau, your personal interests can guide your plans: would you like to explore the glassmaking tradition in its various forms, include the themed trail in your itinerary, or focus on church architecture and the history of the church’s dating?

Discover more destinations: Ottnang Am Hausruck, Lenzing, Schmitzberg, Oberpilsbach, Steinbach Am Attersee, Berg Im Attergau, Schwanenstadt, Vöcklamarkt

See the main travel overview: Vöcklabruck.