Handenberg: Gothic Church, Cycling Tours and Alpine Views

Handenberg in the Upper Innviertel region combines impressive architectural history with active time outdoors and regional cuisine. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find opportunities here for culture, cycling and hiking tours, sport and culinary breaks. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Handenberg, it helps to define your personal focus: Should the trip be shaped primarily by historical discoveries, a longer cycling tour or varied days in the village?

Gothic Architectural History and Small Chapels

The parish church of Handenberg is at the centre of the village’s history. It is designed as a two-aisled Gothic hall church with three supporting columns in the central nave. It was consecrated on 11 May 1453 in honour of Saint Martin and Saint Margaret. This gives the church a specific historical connection for anyone who does not want to simply pass by sacred architecture.

A particularly striking feature is the 56 m-high church tower with an oversized onion dome and double cross. It was built from 1589 to 1598 under the direction of church administrator Sebastian Kopler. The double cross represents the church’s affiliation with the monastery. Next to the southern porch is also the former ossuary with a net-ribbed vault, which is now used as a Lourdes chapel. Handenberg’s architectural attractions also include many small chapels. Those interested in regional ecclesiastical architecture can therefore combine their visit to the village with a look at several different architectural forms.

Cycling, Hiking and Panoramic Views

Handenberg is ideal for cycling or hiking tours. The municipal roads and farm tracks are public property and can be used by cyclists. For more detailed planning, there is the R 201 Genussradtour: It is 83 km long and connects the restaurants of the "Innwirtler". One section of this culinary cycling tour leads from Apfental to Großschieder through the municipality of Handenberg. You should take the route length into account when planning your day, along with the time you would like to allow for breaks and sightseeing.

A natural landmark is Adenberg, which offers views of the Alps. This makes it possible to divide your trip planning between activity and experiencing the landscape: A longer cycling tour is more suited to an active day, while Adenberg and the hiking trails offer a different way of discovering the surrounding area. You can choose the holiday apartment in Handenberg that suits you based on how you would like to structure your days between excursions, relaxation and catering for yourself.

Sport and Regional Specialities

The Handenberg sports facility also offers several opportunities for sporting activities. It has two football pitches, including a main pitch with a grandstand and an artificial-turf pitch built in 2024, which enables year-round operation. There are also two tennis courts with clay and artificial-turf surfaces respectively, a new LED floodlighting system and a clubhouse. A curling hall with three asphalt curling lanes and another clubhouse completes the facilities. These different amenities also make the village interesting for travellers who want to plan time for sporting activities alongside excursions.

The local atmosphere also includes the outdoor dining areas of Handenberg’s seven restaurants. Regional specialities are served there. Together with the R 201 Genussradtour, this creates a clear culinary connection: Those who would like to include regional cuisine in their daily plans can schedule a separate visit to an outdoor dining area without missing out on cultural and scenic experiences.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Handenberg, you can continue reading here: Treubach, Weng im Innkreis, Wimpassing, Burgkirchen, Mattighofen, Lochen, Ostermiething and Sankt Radegund.

For the overarching travel overview: Braunau Am Inn.