Discover Ach

Ach combines religious and architectural history with activities along the banks of the Salzach. To plan your visit, you can choose between pilgrimage history, individual historical landmarks and a hike to the Salzach Gorge. Each theme has a different focus: Maria Ach represents religious history, Wanghausen Castle and a fresco offer specific architectural and artistic connections, while a riverside hike adds an outdoor activity.

Pilgrimage and architectural history

The veneration of the Virgin Mary at Maria Ach originated with the protection of boatmen on the Salzach. Maria Ach quickly developed into a well-known, popular and frequently visited pilgrimage site. This development connects the original idea of protection with the site’s later pilgrimage history. For cultural planning, this offers a different perspective from looking at a single architectural or artistic work: the focus is on the religious significance of a place and how it developed.

Wanghausen Castle in Ach was probably built in the 12th century. The castle therefore offers a different historical perspective from the fresco, which dates from 1721: one is a medieval building, the other an artwork from the 18th century. These different dates provide two distinct points of reference if you are exploring Ach’s architectural and artistic history.

Art and spiritual themes

The fresco of St. Florian is on the facade of the former brewery building at Ach 5. The mural depicts St. Florian and dates from 1721. The parish meadow in Ach is also home to spiritual theme gardens. They complement the historical architectural and artistic sites with a spiritual element, offering a different thematic focus from the castle and fresco.

Getting around on foot and by bike

You can hike along the banks of the Salzach to the Salzach Gorge. It takes approximately half an hour to reach it from the old bridge in Ach. The walking time is approximate, and trail conditions may vary; check the route’s current conditions before setting out. There are several picnic spots along the way. The hike also offers views of the world’s longest castle complex in Burghausen. When planning your time, allow not only for the approximate walking time but also for a break and time to enjoy the view.

There is also a specific point of reference for a bike ride: you can follow the Tauern Cycle Path as far as the Ach wastewater treatment plant. This is a different planning option from the hike to the Salzach Gorge: the cycling route has its own destination at the Ach wastewater treatment plant, while the hike along the banks of the Salzach offers views of the castle complex in Burghausen and several picnic spots. Before setting off by bike, check the current signage and trail conditions, as these may change.

Discover more destinations: Überackern, Munderfing, Pfaffstätt, Maria Schmolln, Hochburg, Haigermoos, Mining, Neukirchen An Der Enknach

Return to the overview of the region: Braunau Am Inn.