Discover Offenhausen: History and Walking Trails

If you are looking for a hotel in Offenhausen, you can plan your stay around your interest in local history, architecture or walking trails. The destinations offer different highlights, from early historical references and memorials to information boards and viewpoints. When planning, also check the respective visitor conditions for Würting Castle and the outdoor pool.

Culture and Local History

Würting Castle was first mentioned in 814 as a Romanesque manor (“actum ad wirtingen”). Another important historical date is 1923, when Richard Nikolaus Coudenhove-Kalergi wrote his programmatic book “Pan-Europe” about his ideas for a united Europe at Würting Castle. Its current status is important for visitors: the castle is currently closed by the building authorities and therefore cannot be visited. Check the latest information before travelling, as access may change.

St Stephen’s Parish Church in Offenhausen is considered possibly the most significant market church in Upper Austria in Renaissance style. Offenhausen’s Plague Column offers a different architectural point of interest: it is a four-sided granite pillar about 1.5 metres high, with a rounded cornice and a four-sided truncated pyramid. Its metal panel depicts the Crucified Christ, St Mary Magdalene, St Sebastian and St Leonard. On the reverse is a depiction of the Throne of Mercy with Saints Lawrence and Florian. The monument’s form, material and imagery offer several specific details to focus on.

The war memorial at the market fountain was erected in 1928 for 36 soldiers killed and 4 missing in the First World War. It is topped by a statue of St Christopher, made from artificial stone by the academic sculptor Podolak. Another memorial is the Kaiser Franz Josef Jubilee Oak: the citizens of the market town of Offenhausen planted it in 1908 in honour of the emperor. The different occasions can be readily compared: a memorial to the victims of the First World War on the one hand, and a tree honouring Kaiser Franz Josef on the other.

The Offenhausen local heritage association’s theatre group also contributes to cultural life. It brings cultural activity to the town and is known beyond the municipal boundaries.

Themed Trails, Water and Views

The Panorama Trail links three themes through its information boards: the distinctive features of the Grünbach stream, mills once powered by the stream, and renaturation measures. The topics range from the stream’s characteristics and its former use to restoration measures.

The Nordic walking trail leads via Vornholz to the Maria-Hilf Chapel, which was built as early as 1742. The market square with its communal wash trough is another destination along the route. The trail therefore combines a historic building with a known construction date and another named destination in the market square.

At Christopherusplatzl, next to the Egelseer pond, a table and benches along the St Christopher Trail invite you to take a break; the spot also offers a magnificent view. If you are looking for a possible rest stop and a view of the surrounding landscape along part of the trail, these are the features specifically mentioned here.

At the Holzweg, “‘s hamische Gaderl” offers a window or picture frame with a view of the Grünbach valley and the Welser Heide. The Offenhausen legend of the same name is engraved in the frame. The landscape view and local storytelling tradition come together in this feature.

Information for Planning Your Visit

Offenhausen outdoor pool is open only in fine weather. Check the current opening information before planning a visit. The castle is currently closed by the building authorities; here too, it is advisable to check the latest information before making plans.

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