Neukirchen am Walde: Discover Nature and Architectural Heritage

There are various things to explore during a stay in Neukirchen am Walde: historic churches and chapels, a natural swimming area, cycling routes and hiking opportunities. You can choose your destination based on whether you are more interested in architectural heritage, outdoor activities or leisure activities by the water. You can also explore each of these topics independently.

Churches, Chapels and Local Traditions

The branch church of St. Sixtus was built in 1488 and is dedicated to Pope Saint Sixtus. The choir has a net-ribbed vault, and the church also houses a Gothic Madonna. This brings a distinctive architectural feature and an important item of church furnishings together in one building. You can borrow the key from the landlord at Wirt z' Sixt to visit the church. As the local arrangements for the key may change, it is advisable to check before your visit.

The Upper and Lower Kreuzberg Chapels, as well as the Catholic parish church of St. John the Baptist in Neukirchen am Walde, are also protected as listed monuments by decree. If you are interested in sacred architecture, you can consider these protected sites alongside the branch church of St. Sixtus as further places to visit during your stay.

The carnival parades show another side of local life: they take place in Neukirchen am Walde every other year and are created and organized by local associations. Unlike the permanent buildings, these recurring parades are events scheduled according to a two-year cycle.

Woody’s Natural Swimming Area

The natural swimming area covers about two hectares. It includes a 4,000-square-metre bathing lake, of which around 2,600 square metres are swimming area for people of all ages. The different area figures refer to the entire facility, the lake and its swimming area. There are also various attractions and a play and sports area, including a play stream, sand play areas, slides for the youngest visitors, swings and play areas for all ages, a multi-purpose court, a beach volleyball court and a ball games lawn. If you plan to use these facilities, check seasonal opening details and the individual amenities before your visit, as they may change.

Cycling Routes with Different Profiles

The 34.5-kilometre Sparkassen-Runde starts in Neukirchen am Walde and has an elevation gain of 730 metres. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. The route follows the historic Roman Way and passes over the 646-metre-high Turnstein, with a few short, steep climbs. The mountain offers a lovely view. The distance, elevation gain and climbs provide specific points of reference for planning your ride. Before setting off, also check current route conditions and permitted use.

Another route description is for the 57.9-kilometre R1.05 Sauwald Panorama-Runde: after a short climb, it leads through a patchwork of fields to Neukirchen am Walde. While the Sparkassen-Runde starts here, the R1.05 leads to Neukirchen. This difference in the town’s role in the route descriptions can help you distinguish between the rides without assuming that the routes are connected.

Hiking, Nature Experiences and a Garden

You can go hiking in Neukirchen am Walde, on the southeastern edge of the extensive Sauwald forest. The nature trail passes a “Celtic tree circle.” If you are interested in this kind of destination along a trail, this tree circle is a distinctive feature of the route. According to local tradition, the water at the Ölbründl Chapel has healing properties for eye ailments; this is a local tradition, not a medical claim.

Timewalk is also a typically English-style landscape garden located in Neukirchen am Walde. Together with the nature trail, it offers a contrast between a landscaped garden and a trail that passes a named natural and cultural feature. You can plan your stay according to your interest in garden design, hiking or local traditions.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Agatha, Heiligenberg, Peuerbach, Hofkirchen An Der Trattnach, Pollham, Bad Schallerbach, Steegen, Geboltskirchen.

For the overarching travel overview: Grieskirchen.