Großsölk: Castle History, Church and Sölk Pass

When looking for a hotel in Großsölk, it helps to first sort out the themes of your trip: castle history and church architecture sit alongside hiking destinations and nature at Sölk Pass. If you are particularly interested in historic sites, an exhibition, trails or alpine landscapes, these priorities can shape your choice of destination. The places and experiences below differ considerably in character and offer concrete ideas for planning your trip.

Großsölk Castle and its history

Großsölk Castle houses a museum and the Sölker Jesuit Garden. The castle was built in the 14th century and historically played an important role in the old trade routes over Sölk Pass. The site thus brings together the history of the building and the former importance of the pass routes.

The permanent exhibition “The Gold of the Alpine Pastures” presents the history and tradition of Ennstaler Steirerkäs cheese from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Its broad time span makes the development of this regional product its subject. If you are interested in food culture and history, the exhibition offers a distinct perspective alongside the castle’s architectural history.

The Sölker Jesuit Garden is located in the castle courtyard and is recognized as an educational and demonstration garden. It offers a different focus from the exhibition: while “The Gold of the Alpine Pastures” explores a specific regional tradition, the garden serves an educational and demonstration purpose.

St. Leonhard Church and hiking destinations

The Catholic parish church of St. Leonhard in Großsölk is also a historic site and is protected as a listed monument. The former manor stable of the noble castle owners was converted into a church in 1743. According to its inscription, the high altar was made in 1686. The two dates refer to different elements: 1686 to the altar and 1743 to the building’s conversion.

Hiking destinations vary in their routes and themes. The Strub hike near Großsölk Castle leads to the confluence of the Großsölkbach and Kleinsölkbach streams. The geological themed trail loops around the Gumpekar at the foot of the Gumpeneck and offers views of the Niedere Tauern and the Northern Limestone Alps. The Strub hike thus focuses on a named confluence, while the themed trail highlights geological features and mountain views.

At Sölk Pass, many hiking trails lead into a protected area for alpine flowering plants. You can cross the pass via a road that has been open to cars since 1959 and is toll-free. Check road conditions and seasonal access before setting off.

Alpine pasture traditions and seasonal experiences

The Ennstaler Alpine Pasture Diploma experience starts at the Großsölk Castle Nature Park House. It includes baking Krapfen doughnuts using an old alpine pasture recipe. The program is seasonal, and participation details may change. If you plan to take part, check the dates and participation requirements in advance.

A forest trail leads to the Schönwetterhütte, which is open and serving visitors over the summer. If you plan to visit the hut, check its opening and service dates for your travel period in advance.

Discover more destinations: Donnersbach, Fleiss, Ruperting, Gaishorn Am See, Schildlehen, Weng Im Gesäuse, Altaussee, Niederöblarn.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Liezen.