Schärding between Old Town History and the Inn Floodplains

Schärding combines historic sights with cultural attractions and nature along the Inn. In the Old Town, gates and houses tell the story of the place; beyond its streets, the Inn floodplains offer a different view of the landscape. Guided tours, themed trails and experiences on the river also provide different ways to shape your stay.

History and Art in the Old Town

The Schärding Town Museum is housed in a former castle complex. Its nine rooms display exhibits from various periods, from the Neolithic Age to the present day. Topics range from prehistoric finds, mills and shipping on the Inn to craft guilds and Gothic and Baroque woodcarving. The museum thus explores both life and work, as well as the region’s art history.

The town’s architectural history can also be explored at specific sites: the Baroque Silberzeile is a defining feature of the Old Town. Sights associated with the Middle Ages include the castle, Burgtor, Wassertor, Linzer Tor and Passauer Tor. A key milestone in protecting the townscape came in 1966, when 50 houses in Schärding’s Old Town were listed as historic monuments.

For changing artistic perspectives, the Schlossgalerie has three exhibition rooms displaying works by artists. The exhibitions change over time. The gallery is also a space where music, visual art, literature and science come together, complementing the historical themes of the Town Museum.

Guided Tours and Special Insights

Guided tours of the Baroque Old Town focus on churches, townhouses and fountains. The night watchman tour offers a different perspective: it leads through the dark streets at night and shares stories about historical night watchmen, notable events and figures from Schärding’s past. Tour dates are scheduled; check dates and booking options before your trip.

If you prefer to explore the town with a particular theme in mind, two walking routes offer different focuses. The Schärding Inn Floodplains Circular Trail introduces nature-related topics through 13 large, engaging information panels. The Treasure Hunt Trail is a themed circular route featuring historic sights and several viewpoints. One route focuses more on the natural surroundings of the Inn floodplains, while the other combines a circular walk with history and views.

Inn Floodplains and River Landscapes

The Schärding Inn floodplains have been designated a nature reserve since 2018. The area within Schärding covers about six hectares, with bodies of water and habitats for rare fish, amphibians, numerous bird species and beavers. The animals you may see vary by season. The Inn floodplains complement the historic sites with a natural area whose special features are also explored on the circular trail.

You can also experience the landscape from a different perspective on the river: Kpt. Schaurecker’s Inn boat trips run between Schärding and Passau. The focus is on views of the Lower Inn Valley landscape and the history of shipping on the Inn. As schedules vary by season, check the dates for your preferred travel period.

Routes, Getting There and Seasonal Activities

The Innviertel Way of St. James passes by Schärding. The pilgrimage route is 141 kilometres long and divided into six daily stages. Schärding can therefore also be explored as part of a longer pilgrimage route; check the route conditions before your trip. Schärding railway station is on the line between Passau and Linz. Regular train services and a signposted walking route connect it with the town centre. Check the timetables for your travel date.

Another seasonal attraction is the Schärding outdoor swimming pool. Its facilities include a 1,200 m² water area, a three-metre diving tower, a long spiral slide and a children’s paddling pool. Check the seasonal opening hours before your visit. If you are interested in local brewing culture, you can plan a brewery tour at Baumgartner Brewery followed by a beer tasting at the Bierapotheke. Visiting opportunities may depend on the season or require a reservation.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding, Freinberg, Zell An Der Pram, Schardenberg, Barockstadt Schärding, Kopfing Im Innkreis, Vichtenstein, Sankt Florian Am Inn, Waldkirchen Am Wesen, Wesenufer, Suben, Engelhartszell, Wernstein Am Inn, Andorf, Gumping, Esternberg, Sankt Aegidi, Sigharting, Riedau, Rainbach Im Innkreis, Raab, Münzkirchen, Mayrhof, Enzenkirchen, Eggerding, Dorf An Der Pram, Diersbach, Brunnenthal, Altschwendt, Sankt Roman, Sankt Willibald, Taufkirchen an der Pram.

Back to the regional travel overview: Upper Austria.