Almegg: Castle History, Culture and Nature Trails

When travelling to Almegg, the history of Almegg Castle and its cultural programme are one focus, while specific hiking routes and the Alm floodplain meadows are another. When planning, it is important to distinguish the privately owned castle from the areas that open during cultural events.

Almegg Castle: History and Culture

Under Section 3 of Austrian monument protection law, Almegg Castle is designated as a protected monument. The castle itself is exclusively private. Areas distinct from the castle open during cultural events. The monument designation and private status therefore concern different matters: one relates to the protection of the building, the other to access.

A notable chapter in the castle’s history dates back to 1626. At the time, the castle served as a refuge for members of the nobility and Upper Austrian farmers who resisted the Bavarian occupying troops commanded by Count Herberstorff. General Löbel and his soldiers plundered the castle and set it on fire. These events give this historic site a specific connection to Upper Austrian history.

The cultural forum’s history also goes back further: in 1979, Almegg’s cultural association expanded to become the Cultural Forum of Almegg Castle and included neighbouring villages. Every year, the cultural forum organises several exhibitions, concerts, talks and other cultural events. If culture is your main focus, this recurring programme gives you a particular reason to time your stay around its events.

Martinimarkt and Travel Planning

A special date in the annual calendar is the traditional Martinimarkt. It takes place in early November, features more than 100 craftspeople and is known throughout the state. The 44th Martinimarkt is scheduled for 7 and 8 November 2026.

The market and the cultural forum offer different ways to plan your visit: the Martinimarkt centres on a date in early November, while the cultural forum organises several types of events each year. So consider whether you would like to plan your visit around the market or make another cultural event the occasion for your trip.

Hiking Routes and Natural Areas

The “From Water to Cider” hiking trail leads from the market square towards Almegg in Steinerkirchen and on to the Alm Bridge. It then follows the Alm through the nature reserve to Penninger Steg. The route thus links a starting point near the market square with a stretch along the river and a destination at Penninger Steg.

The “Over the Castle” circular trail follows a different route: it passes along forest tracks and sections of road, offering views of and glimpses into the Alm-Auen nature reserve. A detour to the Agrarium landscape park and Almegg Castle is possible. While “From Water to Cider” leads to Penninger Steg, “Over the Castle” is described as a circular route and offers the option of the detours mentioned. As route conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.

The municipality of Steinerkirchen an der Traun includes part of the 100-hectare Alm-Auen nature reserve. The aim there is to protect a valuable mosaic of vegetation, including overgrown gravel areas, dry islands and deposited Alpine flora. This nature conservation context complements the route descriptions: it concerns the municipal area and the Alm-Auen, not necessarily every locality or trail.

More Places to Visit

The Time Out family and leisure park is located at Almegg 10, 4652 Steinerkirchen an der Traun. An alternative route there is via Edt bei Lambach, the Traun Bridge and Hafeld towards Almegg. If you include the park in your trip, you can use these places as landmarks for the route described.

Cultural events and the different hiking routes offer specific ways to choose when to travel.

Discover more destinations: Marchtrenk, Holzhausen, Lambach, Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting, Au An Der Traun, Pennewang, Wels, Pichl Bei Wels

For the wider travel overview: Wels-Land.