You only see what you know (Goethe)
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.
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.
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 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. [German]
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).
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]
This statue of Saint John of Nepomuk stands at a building named Ehemschiedhaus. The building dates back to the 13th century. The sculpture saw its completion in the first half of the 18th century. I love the levitating angel above his head.
Beware of the dashing garçon! I saw this – probably unofficial – traffic sign in Hallstatt next to the famous Hallstatt Lake. It makes people aware of waitstaff crossing the street. A local restaurant and its open-air seating area occupy different sides of the lane.
During the Roman era, the city of Wels was known as Ovilava and served as the capital of the province Noricum Ripense. Ancient remains are still visible in the cityscape. For example, this tombstone is part of a building in the town centre.
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.
The castle in Wels is generally known as the Castle (Die Burg) or the Wels Castle (Die Welser Burg). It was first mentioned in 776. At that time, the site was just a wooden building with palisades. The construction in stone took place in the 12th or 13th century. [German]
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.