Altheim: Roman History, Church Art and Thermal Waters

Altheim combines Roman archaeological sites, church art and a specific connection to sulfur-rich thermal waters. If you are looking for a hotel in Altheim, you can plan your trip around the themes that interest you: archaeological finds, historic churches, outdoor activities, or the interplay of water and energy supply. The following examples show the different sides of the town you might want to consider.

Roman Archaeological Sites and a Roman Bath

The Altheim Roman Museum is housed in the “Ochezthaus,” a timber building with painted saw-cut decorations dating from the mid-19th century. Its permanent exhibition presents finds from excavations in Weirading, Simetsberg and Wagham. The Villa Weirading Roman Bath has a different focus: it displays reconstructions of the foundations of the bathhouse belonging to a large Roman villa, as well as a building section showing the structure of a Roman hypocaust heating system. The two attractions thus offer different ways to explore the Roman past: finds from three excavation sites on the one hand, and a reconstruction of a bathhouse and its heating system on the other.

Church Art with Clear Historical Connections

The churches also have different historical connections. St. Sebastian Market Church houses a Rococo Madonna by J. P. Schwanthaler the Elder, dating from 1784. St. Laurenz Parish Church in Altheim was rebuilt by Sebastian Junger between 1516 and 1525; it also houses an 1845 L. Mooser organ, considered the largest historic organ in the Innviertel region. The dates span the rebuilding in the early 16th century, the 1784 Madonna and the 1845 organ.

The Ache River and Thermal Waters

The crystal-clear Ache flows through Altheim and is a popular fishing spot. The sulfur-rich thermal waters are something different: since 1989, they have emerged from springs around 2,300 meters underground and have supplied around 800 households with geothermal energy. Altheim therefore has two distinct connections to water: the Ache as a fishing spot and the thermal waters as part of the geothermal energy supply. This shows how water is part of the town both in its landscape and in its technology.

Cycling and Mini Golf

The Roman Cycle Path makes it possible to cycle to Altheim. Altheim’s mini-golf course has 18 varied holes and is suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Equipment can be booked and collected by arrangement with the Englwirt. The two options offer different experiences: the Roman Cycle Path is a cycling route to the town, while mini golf offers a game suitable for players of different experience levels.

When choosing a hotel in Altheim, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: are you mainly interested in the Roman archaeological sites and church art, or are cycling and mini golf just as important to you? The town’s connections to water offer another, different aspect to explore.

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