Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting brings together the history of technical craftsmanship, archaeological themes, and a protected moorland and river landscape. The Hackenschmiede forge, the Tempus. Museum of Archaeology, and the Villa Rustica each offer a different glimpse into the past of the area. Outdoors, the moor, the Alm floodplains, and trails with different focuses take centre stage.
Craftsmanship and Archaeology
The Hackenschmiede is a fully operational forge powered by water wheels. Three undershot water wheels drive its equipment. This brings the technical side of local history to the fore: water is used as a source of power, and the three wheels are a distinctive feature of the forge.
The Tempus. Museum of Archaeology offers a different focus. Its chronological exhibition spans from the Bronze Age to the Early Middle Ages. It also explores evidence of Iron Age iron production, considered almost unique in Austria. The exhibition’s chronological range and its specific focus on iron production complement one another, but represent different approaches to archaeology: one places periods in context, while the other highlights a particular discovery.
Another glimpse into past ways of life and work is the Neydhartinger Troadkasten, which has served as an open-air museum since 1982. The upper floor displays flax-processing equipment. So, alongside the archaeological context, a traditional processing stage is also in the spotlight. Together with the forge and the museum, the Troadkasten shows the variety of cultural-history themes in Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting.
Roman Traces in the Totenhölzl
The Villa Rustica in the Totenhölzl consists of the remains of the walls of a Roman country house. It was once part of a large settlement built around 160 AD. The site is about one kilometre from the edge of the village. Dr Vetters uncovered the walls in 1951; the remains were restored in 1997. These dates distinguish the history of the Roman settlement from the periods covered chronologically at the Tempus. Museum: here, the focus is on a specific historical site and its later excavation and restoration phases.
Moorland and Nature Conservation
On walks through the moorland of the Neydhartinger Moor, you can discover its characteristic flora and fauna. Please note a clear boundary: the peat-cutting sites are subject to strict moorland and nature conservation requirements and must not be entered. Follow the information provided on site.
The Alm floodplains are also a natural landscape with clearly defined boundaries. The nature reserve lies on both sides of the Alm and stretches from its confluence with the Laudach to the Stögmüller weir. The moor and the Alm floodplains are two distinct natural attractions: the moor is notable for its distinctive flora and fauna and the protection of the peat-cutting sites, while the floodplains are defined by the course of the river running through the protected area.
Trails with Different Focuses
The “Von Dorf zu Dorf” circular route is designated as suitable for cycling. The Via Villa Rustica route passes the “Kastanienallee” natural monument. These details help distinguish between different trail themes: a circular route suitable for cycling, and a route associated with a named natural monument. No connection between these routes is implied.
When planning a trip, you can explore Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting according to your interests: technical history at the Hackenschmiede forge, archaeology presented chronologically at the Tempus. Museum, Roman wall remains in the Totenhölzl, or nature watching in the moor. Each of these themes has its own focus; in the moor in particular, the protection requirements are part of the guidance for visitors.
Discover more destinations: Edt Bei Lambach, Neukirchen Bei Lambach, Thalheim Bei Wels, Gunskirchen, Holzhausen, Au An Der Traun, WeiĂźkirchen An Der Traun, Sipbachzell.
For the wider travel overview: Wels-Land.
