Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting: Cultural History and Moorland

Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting combines cultural history with themes of nature and activity. The main attractions are easy for visitors to distinguish: waterwheel technology, an open-air museum, archaeological evidence and distinctive moorland sit alongside protected river meadows and a circular route suitable for cycling. The history spans from the Bronze Age to Roman remains; at the same time, walks across the moor offer a glimpse of its wildlife and plant life. You can tailor the character of your stay to the themes that interest you most.

Waterwheel Technology and the History of Craftsmanship

The Hackenschmiede is a fully operational, waterwheel-powered forge. Three undershot waterwheels power its equipment. Water power is therefore not just an illustration of historical craft technology, but the forge’s actual power source. For visitors interested in technology, the focus here is on how the operation works.

The Neydhartinger Troadkasten adds a different perspective to this theme: it has served as an open-air museum since 1982. The upper floor displays flax-processing equipment. While the waterwheel drive is a defining feature of the Hackenschmiede, the exhibits in the Troadkasten provide insight into a specific aspect of flax processing. Together, these sites introduce different aspects of work in the past.

Archaeology from the Bronze Age to the Roman Period

At the Tempus. Museum for Archaeology, a chronological exhibition spans the period from the Bronze Age to the Early Middle Ages. It also covers evidence of Iron Age iron production, considered almost unique in Austria. The museum’s broad chronological overview differs from the specific archaeological site at Totenhölzl.

The Villa Rustica at Totenhölzl consists of the remains of the walls of a Roman country house. It was once part of a large settlement built around 160 AD. Dr. Vetters excavated the walls in 1951; the remains were restored in 1997. The site is about one kilometre from the edge of the village. Here, you can encounter both a broad archaeological timespan and the history of a single Roman complex.

Moorland and Protected Alm Meadows

On walks through the Neydhartinger Moor, you can discover the distinctive wildlife and plant life of the moorland. The peat-cutting sites are subject to strict moorland and nature conservation requirements and must not be entered. Please observe this restriction as you walk through the moor.

The Alm meadows are another natural attraction. This nature reserve lies on both sides of the Alm and extends from its confluence with the Laudach to the Stögmüller weir. These areas offer different ways to experience nature: the moor invites you to walk and discover its wildlife and plant life, while the Alm meadows are described as a nature reserve with defined boundaries along the Alm.

Cycling and Routes

The “From Village to Village” circular route is suitable for cycling. Another route, Via Villa Rustica, passes the natural monument “Chestnut Avenue.” The descriptions highlight different features: the circular route is noted as suitable for cycling, while Via Villa Rustica is described as passing the natural monument. When planning your trip, you can choose between an option explicitly suitable as a cycling loop and a route that passes the Chestnut Avenue.

Discover more destinations: Offenhausen, Almegg, Lambach, Pichl Bei Wels, Gunskirchen, Weißkirchen An Der Traun, Holzhausen, Schleißheim

For the main travel overview: Wels-Land.