Near Altenmarkt: Nature and Culture in the Yspertal Valley
Accommodation in Near Altenmarkt
Nächst Altenmarkt is part of the municipality of Yspertal. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip here, nature, church art, history or outdoor activities can each shape your plans. Attractions in the Yspertal Valley range from a gorge with waterfalls and rock formations to churches, a museum and a variety of ways to spend an active few hours.
Nature and Trails in the Yspertal Valley
The Ysper Gorge lies within the municipality of Yspertal and has been protected as a natural monument since 1952. Over a distance of almost two kilometres, the Große Ysper plunges over waterfalls, winds through narrow ravines and forms impressive rock formations. Bridges, wooden walkways and steps lead through the ravines and past numerous waterfalls. The gorge’s landscape is defined above all by the interplay of flowing water, rock and ravines.
The Große Peilstein offers a different perspective on the landscape. At 1,061 metres, it is the highest summit of the Ostrong range. From there, the view extends across the Weitental Valley and the Danube Valley to the Alpine chain. The Yspertal Forest Nature Trail leads to a forest playground and the forest chapel; an information board along the trail describes the local plant and animal life.
There is also a specific route option for cyclists: the Höhenstraße Yspertal is paved throughout and suitable for all bicycles. This sets it apart from trails where the focus is not on the road surface, but on destinations such as ravines, forests and historic buildings.
Church Art and History
Pisching Parish Church dates from 1533 and is dedicated to Saint Urban, the patron saint of wine. Altenmarkt Parish Church—St Mary Magdalene features Romanesque and early Gothic architectural remains, a Late Gothic main choir and a fully Baroque church tower. Inside are a signed Penitent Magdalene by Paul Troger and a Stations of the Cross by Kremser Schmidt. The two churches thus offer different points of interest: in Pisching, the dedication and date of construction stand out; in Altenmarkt, the succession of building phases and the named works of art.
The Wimburg Castle ruins on the Panorama Trail served as Queen Agnes’s residence as a widow in the 13th century. The tower and masonry are well preserved. The Yspertal Local History Museum uses agricultural and forestry equipment, objects from everyday life and traditional crafts to portray the lives of rural people in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, the focus is not on a single building, but on everyday life in an earlier era.
The 3-Teiche Trail runs around Rorregg Castle. The castle is a three-storey building with a large hipped roof; a small clock tower sits on the east side, and a sundial fresco adorns the south facade. The grounds also include a garden wall with a round turret. On the Druidenweg–Peilsteinblick, No. 31a, the route leads to Kaltenberg, with its mysterious stone circles, cup-marked stones and fascinating stories connected with Celtic customs.
The Heart Stone also has a special role: this five-metre-high passage stone resembles an upright human heart. According to oral tradition and old folk belief, it is considered a female dual cult site. Passing through it is said to bring fertility; it is also believed to help people shed illness, suffering, bad things and sins.
Activities for Different Interests
The Yspertal climbing centre offers around 1,160 square metres of indoor climbing area and 36 belay lines. Around 150 climbing and bouldering routes range from difficulty grade 3 to grade 10. Archery Yspertal’s 3D archery course offers something different: it is about four kilometres long and features 32 lifelike 3D animal targets. Rental equipment can be provided for groups of six or more by prior telephone reservation.
The Hoffmann riding stable offers pony rides for children aged two to nine. Yspertal indoor swimming pool adds warm indoor swimming, water-based games and fun, as well as ways for the whole family to relax. When planning your trip, you can choose between landscapes, culture and a variety of activities and water-based options without trying to fit everything into the same day.
Discover more destinations: Zelking, Braunegg, Aggsbach Dorf, Loosdorf, Kottingburgstall, Marbach An Der Donau, Yspertal, Mank
Go to the main travel overview: Melk.
