Steinbach an der Steyr: Knives, Nativity Scenes and Trails

Discover Steinbach an der Steyr through its history of craftsmanship, an international nativity scene collection and several named trails. Each offers a different focus: the Messerermuseum is dedicated to knife makers and blade smiths, while the “Nativity Scenes from Around the World – Pils Collection” exhibition presents nativity scenes from five continents. There are also circular walking and cycling routes, a seasonal December tradition and practical information for excursions. If you are looking for a hotel in Steinbach an der Steyr, these interests can help shape the focus of your stay.

Craftsmanship and the nativity scene collection

The Messerermuseum presents the history of knife makers and blade smiths. The Messerer-Schauweg leads from the terminus of the Steyrtal Museum Railway to the museum. Both names refer to the craft to which the museum is dedicated: one denotes the exhibition, the other the trail leading to it.

At the nativity scene house in Steinbach, the “Nativity Scenes from Around the World – Pils Collection” exhibition focuses on a different kind of collection. It presents nativity scenes from all five continents and includes more than 600 scenes from nearly 100 countries. The collection can continue to grow. Together with the Messerermuseum, it highlights a clear distinction between two cultural themes: the history of a craft and a collection with an international geographical range.

Circular trails, views and cycling routes

The Panoramaweg is a panoramic circular route from the village square to the upper terrace of the Steyr Valley. Along the way, it passes small wayside crosses and monuments before returning to the starting point through the Färberbach Valley. The loop combines wayside crosses and monuments with views stretching as far as the Totes Gebirge mountain range.

Other routes can also be distinguished by their individual descriptions. The Energie-Erlebniswanderwelt Steinbach is one of the most popular hiking and cycling routes in Steinbach an der Steyr. The Grünburger Hütte mountain biking route is among the town’s most popular cycling routes.

The “Schobersteinhaus and Grünburgerhütte” route starts at the village square. After about 7.5 kilometres, it branches off onto the forest road into the Dorngraben. This information describes the turnoff along the route. Another named cycling connection is the Steyrtal Cycle Path R 8, which runs from Aschach an der Steyr via Steinbach an der Steyr and Grünburg.

The Grünburger Hütte is located at the foot of the 1,273-metre-high Hochbuchberg in the municipality of Steinbach an der Steyr. In favourable weather conditions, the view from there in summer and winter stretches from the Totes Gebirge mountain range to the Mühlviertel region. Visibility depends on the weather.

Practical information and seasonal planning

Hiking and cycling maps for Steinbach an der Steyr and the surrounding area are available at the municipal office, sometimes for a fee. As availability and possible costs may change, it is advisable to enquire before your visit. Bus route 452 connects Rohr, Bad Hall and Steinbach an der Steyr; route numbers and services may change.

In December, opening a window each day is part of the Steinbach Advent Calendar: from 1 to 24 December, the ritual takes place at 5:00 p.m. each day, and a visitor may open the calendar window for that day. This is a recurring seasonal tradition; details may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the dates for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Pettenbach, Inzersdorf in the Kremstal, Rossleithen, Vorderstoder, St. Pankraz, Schlierbach, Haselböckau, Micheldorf in Upper Austria

See the main travel overview: Kirchdorf an der Krems.