The Austrian place of Hallstatt is known for its picture book-like view. But it is also full of history. Archaeologists found a Bronze Age staircase in the nearby salt mines. A public replica of this piece tells us about the finding.
Tag: Upper Austria
City tower of Enns
Enns is considered the oldest city in Austria. Its city landmark is the iconic municipal tower in the middle of the main square. It is widely known for its colourful emblems. For example, you see the city arms and the date of entitling with town privileges.
Bummerlhaus in Steyr
The Bummerlhaus is a late Gothic mansion in the city of Steyr. It is considered one of the finest medieval secular buildings in Austria. Its first mention dates back to 1450, but its oldest part may be from the 13th century.
Paddle steamer “Gisela”
The maiden voyage of the paddle steamer “Gisela” was in 1872. Operated by the Traunsee Schifffahrt, it still runs for cruises, weddings and dinners on Traun Lake (Traunsee). In the photo above, you see the steamer in front of Gmunden. [German]
Kammerhof Museum in Gmunden
The Kammerhof, dating back to 1450, originally housed an authority for administrating the salt monopoly. Today, the Kammerhof Museum of Gmunden uses the old walls. As a curiosity, you find a compilation of historical toilet bowls inside.
Lower Gate of Lamberg Castle
At the foot of Lamberg Castle, a Gothic archway blocks the way to the former palace. People call it Unteres Burgtor (Lower Castle Gate). A fresco depicting two emperors and a medieval view of the town adorns the structure. [German]
The “Silberzeile” in Schärding
A main attraction of the Austrian city of Schärding is the “Silberzeile”. It is a row of coloured houses in the style of the late Baroque period. In earlier times, each colour symbolised a particular guild. I love the curved gable fronts. They give the house facades a soft appearance.
Tramcar GM 100 in Gmunden
After a relaxing stay on the Traun Lake (Traunsee) in the region of Salzkammergut, it was time to head back to the far-away railway station of Gmunden. Surprisingly, a tram car from 1898 invited me to jump on.
Water tower in Wels
This water tower in Wels was built in 1577/1579 by Wolfgang Khranlachner. Watchmaker Clement Rench designed the water pump inside the tower. Artist Niclas Linkh created the colourful façade painting.
Seeschloss Ort in Gmunden
Seeschloss Ort impresses with its location on a tiny island in the Upper Austrian Traunsee Lake. The castle became known through a TV series and the mysterious disappearance of one of its owners. Today, it houses a restaurant visitors reach by a bridge. [German]
Kronland (crown land) in Winkl
On my walk from the railway station of Traunkirchen to the town centre, I came across this vintage place-name sign. The Austrian State of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich) is still labelled as crown land (Kronland).
Monument to Franz Wirer
This monument commemorates Franz Wirer von Rettenbach. He is considered the founder of the first Austrian saline water health spa in Bad Ischl. I found this bust in the local spa park (Kurpark). I was pretty impressed by the extraordinary size of the sculpture. [German]