Hartkirchen brings together several different themes: the late Gothic parish church of St. Peter, a traditional autumn market and the quarry pond. When planning your trip, it depends on what you want to focus on: architectural history, a seasonal event or a stay by the water.

Gothic Details at St. Peter’s

The parish church of St. Peter was built in the 15th century in the Braunau late Gothic style. The year 1474 is inscribed above the south portal; this supports dating the church to that century, but is distinct from the broader dating. The late Gothic side chapels and surviving frescoes from the time of construction also contribute to the building’s established character.

The frescoes depict St. Peter and the Madonna of Mercy. Together with the chapels, they offer a different way of appreciating the church than the date above the portal: here, the focus is on artistic details as well as the period of construction. Those interested in sacred architecture can explore several specific features that help place St. Peter’s in context—from its style and portal to its surviving artworks.

The Gallus Market in Autumn

The traditional Gallus Market takes place in Hartkirchen every autumn. It continues the town’s historic market tradition and provides a seasonal highlight. Unlike the architectural history of St. Peter’s, the market is tied to a particular time of year. If it is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific event dates and current program in advance.

Hartkirchen Quarry Pond

Facilities at Hartkirchen Quarry Pond include restrooms, changing facilities and a kiosk. Their availability may change, so check before your visit. This makes the quarry pond a distinct part of your travel plans, separate from the seasonal decision about the Gallus Market.

Additional Themes in the Wider Pocking Destination

In the wider Pocking destination, cultural and landscape-related themes add to the picture. The “Rolling Mare” is a bronze statue and the unofficial landmark of the town of Pocking. The permanent archaeological exhibition “Drehscheibe Pocking” offers a different focus: it opened in February 2007 and is located in a roughly 75 m² side room of the Pocking town library.

The exhibition explores traces of the Celts, Romans and Bavarians who have traversed the Pocking Heath over the past three millennia. It also features finds from several excavations that followed the discovery of the local Roman settlement in 1951. The dates refer to different events: 1951 marks the settlement’s discovery, while February 2007 marks the opening of the permanent exhibition.

Pocking’s landscape attractions offer a range of experiences, too. The swimming lake at the Roman Tower on Füssinger Straße has a 22,000 m² sunbathing lawn and a water surface of about 30 ha. The Roman Tower itself is an observation tower around 20 metres high. From its platform, you can enjoy panoramic views across the Rott Valley and, in foehn conditions, as far as the Alps. Nearby is the exercise trail for all generations at the quarry pond in Schlupfing Landscape Park.

In Hartkirchen, the church, autumn market and local quarry pond take centre stage; the exhibition, tower and landscape attractions mentioned above are part of the wider Pocking destination. When choosing a hotel in Hartkirchen, you can first consider which local attraction will shape your stay and whether you want to plan your travel dates around the Gallus Market.

For the wider travel overview: Pocking.