The most beautiful old town centres in Upper Austria
In Upper Austria, lovers of historic town centres get their money's worth. Between the Danube, the Salzkammergut and the Innviertel region, you will find some real gems: Old towns full of history, magnificent architecture and cosy squares. Embark on a journey through history and charm! Here we present the most beautiful old towns in Upper Austria - perfect for your next weekend getaway or a cultural trip with depth.
Bad Ischl - the charm of imperial times
Bad Ischl was once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Sisi and still radiates imperial splendour today. The historic old town is picturesquely situated on the River Traun and is characterised by elegant villas, traditional houses and lovingly maintained parks. Bad Ischl is not only a place of history, but also of culture - with events such as the Lehár Festival and numerous exhibitions.
The centre of the town is the Kaiservilla, surrounded by an extensive park that invites you to take a stroll. Traditional cafés await you in the alleyways of the old town, above all the famous Café Zauner, where Sisi once enjoyed her pastries. The pedestrian zone around Schröpferplatz also exudes a tranquil, nostalgic atmosphere with its pastel-coloured facades and small boutiques.
Braunau am Inn - border town with Gothic character
Braunau am Inn lies directly on the border with Bavaria and is one of the most historic towns in the Innviertel region. The old town impresses with its well-preserved medieval town centre with Gothic buildings, Baroque facades and a striking landmark: the town tower, which at 87 metres is one of the tallest church towers in Austria. The adjoining parish church of St Stephen was built in the 15th century and is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture.
The spacious town square is lined with historic town houses with pastel-coloured façades and lovingly restored details. Particularly striking is the Gothic House, one of the oldest preserved residential buildings in Austria, which now houses a small museum. The narrow side streets invite you to take a leisurely stroll past cafés, small shops and hidden courtyards.
Braunau is a place with a turbulent history - today the town focuses strongly on dialogue, remembrance work and cross-border cooperation with the Bavarian town of Simbach. The historic old town centre offers an impressive backdrop for experiencing culture and history up close.
Enns - Roman roots in the oldest town
Enns is proud to be the oldest town in Austria - it was officially declared a town in 1212. But its history goes back much further: in Roman times, Enns was an important town under the name Lauriacum. Today, the Lauriacum Museum in the baroque town hall is a reminder of this ancient past, with an impressive collection of Roman artefacts.
The town tower from the 16th century rises 60 metres into the air and is the landmark of Enns. From the top, there is a marvellous view over the old town and the wide Danube plain. The historic main square is characterised by colourfully painted town houses with pretty facades, arcades and cosy cafés. Ennsegg Castle with its extensive castle park is also well worth a visit. In short: Enns offers a fascinating mix for those interested in history.
Freistadt - the Middle Ages at your fingertips
In the heart of the Mühlviertel lies Freistadt, a town that has preserved its medieval character like no other. It is completely surrounded by a well-preserved town wall with defence towers, town gates and fortifications. The historic city centre is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, colourful houses and quiet courtyards that tell stories from times long past. If you want to immerse yourself in the history of the town, you should visit the Freistadt Castle Museum.
The main square is dominated by old town houses and pretty bay windows. The Böhmertor, the northern town gate that once marked the trade route to Bohemia, is striking. The winding alleyways are home to numerous shops and cosy inns. The town's brewing commune is also something special, as every house owner in the old town centre owns a share in the brewery.
Gmunden - lakeside promenade and ceramic art
Gmunden is idyllically situated on the northern shore of Lake Traunsee and combines the flair of a lakeside town with a historic town centre and cultural wealth. The old town centre nestles close to the lake, offering fantastic views of the water and the surrounding mountains from almost every angle. The promenade invites you to stroll past elegant villas, old town houses and the charming town hall with its famous ceramic carillon.
Gmunden is also famous for its ceramic tradition. The famous Gmunden ceramics were produced here as early as the 17th century - the characteristic green-flamed design is known far beyond Austria's borders. Take a stroll through the small shops in the old town and visit Schloss Ort, which is located on a small island in the lake and can be reached via a wooden bridge: a popular photo opportunity and wedding location.
Linz - a historic heart in a modern shell
Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, stands for a successful balancing act between tradition and innovation. While the city is known as a place for contemporary culture thanks to projects such as Ars Electronica, the Lentos Art Museum and the modern music theatre, it is also home to an impressive historic old town.
The huge main square is one of the largest enclosed squares in Europe. It is framed by baroque town houses, historic merchants' residences and the imposing Trinity Column made of white marble. From here, narrow alleyways such as Hofgasse lead up to Linz Castle, which now houses a museum and offers a magnificent view of the Danube. The charming alleyways are lined with individual shops and cosy inns invite you to linger. The mixture of history, culture and culinary delights makes the historic centre of Linz a real experience.
Schärding - Baroque splendour on the Inn
Schärding is a real baroque gem on the border with Bavaria. The so-called ‘Silberzeile’ on the town square is particularly famous: a row of splendidly coloured baroque houses with ornate gables that once belonged to rich merchants. The old town centre has been lovingly restored and invites you to take a stroll. Small shops, traditional cafés and family-run inns characterise the picture. The town thrives on its southern baroque charm, which can be felt all year round.
The River Inn lends Schärding a special atmosphere. How about a walk along the banks of the river or across the Inn bridge? The castle park with its old trees and viewing terrace is also particularly attractive. For cyclists, Schärding is a popular stopover on the Inn Cycle Path - ideal for a break with enjoyment and culture.
Steyr - romance between the Enns and Steyr rivers
Steyr is picturesquely situated at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers and is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historic towns in Austria. Steyr was already an important trading centre in the Middle Ages - especially for iron processing. The town square is lined with town houses from different eras, and the famous Bummerlhaus with its delicate Gothic façade is one of the architectural highlights.
A stroll through the old town feels like travelling back in time: Cobblestone pavements, ornately decorated portals, picturesque courtyards and small cafés make the townscape unmistakable. Lamberg Castle and St Michael's Church with its baroque altars are particularly worth a visit. During Advent, Steyr is transformed into a Christmas fairytale - with the world-famous Christkindl post office and the pilgrimage church.
Wels - Roman city with urban old town flair
Wels, the second largest city in Upper Austria, combines Roman roots with modern city life and a charming old town. The former Ovilava was already an important Roman administrative centre in ancient times - remains of which can still be admired today in the Minorite City Museum. The town has a successful mix of old and new: events such as the Wels Christmas World or the town festival bring additional life to the alleyways.
The heart of the old town is the town square, lined with baroque town houses, arcades and historic façades. Particularly striking is the so-called Lederer Tower, a late Gothic town gate from the 14th century, which marks the western entrance to the Old Town. There are numerous cafés, restaurants and small shops around the town square that invite you to linger.
City trips in Upper Austria
