Kirchdorf an der Krems: Market History and the Kremstal Cycle Path

Kirchdorf an der Krems can be explored on two scales: as a destination on the Kremstal Cycle Path and as a town with its own historic centre. The R10 runs from Traun to Klaus and is of central importance to cycle tourism in the Kremstal valley and in Kirchdorf an der Krems. Signposts lead from the cycle path towards the town centre. Cyclists are invited to explore its cultural, dining and shopping options. This makes it possible to combine route-finding with a visit to the town centre; Kirchdorf also offers historical and cultural points of interest.

Scenery, Cycling and Hiking

Kirchdorf lies between the Sengsengebirge mountains to the south and the gentle hills of northern Upper Austria. For centuries, the Krems River has shaped the paths, squares and local way of life here. Hiking routes towards Kalkalpen National Park start in Kirchdorf; excursions into the mountain world between Pyhrn and Priel also begin here.

The Benedikt Pilgrimage Loop in the Kremstal valley passes through Schlierbach, Nußbach, Wartberg, Inzersdorf, Micheldorf and the district capital, Kirchdorf an der Krems. The two routes offer different points of reference for understanding the area: the R10 has Traun and Klaus as its named endpoints, while the pilgrimage loop takes in several towns along its route.

Market Square and Local History

The main square was laid out south of the old Angerdorf village, at Rathausplatz, as a Bamberg-style street market. Its location and historic layout offer a tangible insight into the town's development. The historic market square brings together a weekly market, a fresh produce market and a long-standing craft tradition. Kirchdorf therefore offers both the history of a street-market settlement and the distinct aspects of market life and traditional crafts.

The town’s ecclesiastical history also has a clearly dated reference point: on 15 June 1119, Bishop Ulrich of Passau consecrated the church in Kirchdorf an der Krems in honour of Saint Gregory. This date adds an event from the town’s religious life to the history of the main square.

Neupernstein Castle and Culture

Neupernstein Castle was expanded into its present form between 1715 and 1718; the architect was Jakob Prandtauer. Since 2003, it has been known as the “Neupernstein Castle Cultural Centre”. The dates refer to different milestones: the building work that gave the castle its present form and the start of its designation as a cultural centre.

The cultural centre has the Hanveldsaal, with 100 seats, and the Pernsteinsaal, with 250 seats. A direct comparison makes the difference in size clear: the two capacities differ by 150 seats.

Getting Here and Finding Your Way

Public transport is available at Kirchdorf a. d. Krems railway station. Free park-and-ride spaces are available at the station on Bahnhofstraße. For your journey, you can therefore consider public transport and parking for a trip that includes your own car as separate options.

Discover more destinations: Edlbach, Ried im Traunkreis, Rinnerberg, Rossleithen, Windischgarsten, Vorderstoder, Schlierbach, Molln, Kremsmünster, Hinterstoder, Grünburg, Inzersdorf im Kremstal, Steyrling, Haselböckau, Spital am Pyhrn, Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn, Kirchdorf an der Krems, Dauersdorf, Pettenbach, Nußbach, Obergrünburg, Rosenau am Hengstpaß, Steinbach an der Steyr, St. Pankraz, Leonstein, Schweizersberg, Micheldorf in Oberösterreich, Wartberg an der Krems, Steinbach am Ziehberg, Oberschlierbach, Etzelsdorf

For the broader travel overview: Upper Austria.