Molln: Jew’s harp tradition and the Steyr Gorge

Molln offers two clearly distinct highlights: its cultural heritage centred on the jew’s harp and the landscape along the Steyr Gorge. Frauenstein Pilgrimage Church adds another cultural point of interest. When choosing a theme for your trip, you can consider whether you are more interested in crafts and local history, distinctive rock formations or religious art. The places and themes below offer specific points of reference. They are not ranked, but represent different sides of Molln.

Jew’s Harp and Local History

In 2014, the Austrian Commission for UNESCO recognised the production of the Molln jew’s harp as intangible cultural heritage. The focus is therefore on the tradition of making the instrument, not merely on the instrument itself. The Wilderer Museum Molln broadens this cultural perspective with several themes: it presents the history of poaching from the Middle Ages to the present day and covers the events of the Molln poacher drama. The museum also brings together exhibitions on woodworking and ironworking with the production of Molln jew’s harps. The museum’s historical scope provides a broad framework, while the events and crafts mentioned offer specific local points of connection. If you want to get to know Molln through its culture, you can explore its production tradition, history of poaching and various craft themes.

Steyr Gorge and Rinnende Mauer

The Rinnende-Mauer Gorge Trail runs through the Steyr Gorge nature reserve along the Steyr, close to the river and beneath often overhanging conglomerate walls. At Rinnende Mauer, a seepage spring forms a fine curtain of water over a length of about 50 metres. The figure of about 50 metres refers to the length of the curtain of water. Conglomerate walls on the steep slope above the Steyr are an impressive geomorphological feature of the Alpine region. The trail and the natural phenomenon offer different points of interest when choosing a theme: the trail follows the river beneath the rock walls, while Rinnende Mauer is known for its curtain of water and geological significance.

Frauenstein Pilgrimage Church

Frauenstein Pilgrimage Church adds another cultural highlight. It stands on a 502-metre-high hill on the far side of the Steyr Gorge and is particularly known for a Madonna of Mercy attributed to Gregor Erhart. The church also houses one of Upper Austria’s most significant cultural treasures, dating back to Maximilian I. These provide two distinct points of historical and cultural interest: the Madonna and the cultural treasure associated with Maximilian I. Admission is free during opening hours; voluntary donations are welcome. Check the current opening hours before planning your visit. Its hilltop location also situates the church in the landscape; its cultural appeal lies in its Madonna art and historical treasure.

The choice of a travel theme comes down to a clear comparison: the jew’s harp and museum represent crafts and local history, the gorge trail and Rinnende Mauer represent landscape and geology, and Frauenstein represents pilgrimage and art. If you are looking for a hotel in Molln, these highlights can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Steinbach Am Ziehberg, Hinterstoder, Vorderstoder, Micheldorf In Oberösterreich, Steyrling, Edlbach, Windischgarsten, Rosenau Am Hengspaß.

To the overview of the wider region: Kirchdorf An Der Krems.