Discover Gutau: Dyeing Tradition, Trails and Special Experiences

Gutau combines a living dyeing tradition with nature trails and unusual experiences. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Gutau can tailor their stay to very different interests: the Dyeing Museum provides an introduction to the history of local craftsmanship, the Birdwatching Trail combines exercise with observing nature, and activities such as an outdoor escape, pony riding or archery add their own special touches.

Dyeing Craft and Market Tradition

The Gutau Dyeing Museum is housed in the former dyer’s house. Dyeing was practised in these rooms until as recently as 1968. The centrepiece is a six-metre-long wooden dyeing mangle filled with 12 tonnes of granite stones, which was used to smooth linen fabrics. This makes a piece of work equipment a particularly memorable detail of a visit to the museum.

The museum also shows how indigo was used for dyeing and how patterns were printed onto fabrics with wooden blocks and cardboard. The International Dyers’ Market offers a lively connection to this tradition. It takes place every year on the first Sunday in May and has been held in Gutau since 2001. Blue dyers from several European countries, as well as linen weavers, textile designers and craftspeople, come together there. If you plan your trip around this date, the dyeing tradition takes centre stage particularly clearly.

Trails for Observing Nature and Solving Puzzles

The Birdwatching Trail is an educational path through the habitats of birdlife. Along the circular walking trail, bird specimens are displayed in hollowed-out tree trunks, and bird calls can also be played at the push of a button. The trail is approximately 2 kilometres long and starts at the exhibition room opposite the Dyeing Museum. It is accessible with a pushchair, providing a practical way to incorporate observing nature into a day of your holiday.

The Outdoor Escape offers another way to explore Gutau. The route is 3.5 kilometres long and takes around one and a half hours. You need a smartphone and the free “Action Bound” app for the experience. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to focus on short nature experiences, a playful puzzle adventure or a combination of culture and exercise.

For hikes, trails are described online with their duration, length and elevation gain. Compact PDF files can also be created and GPS data downloaded. The Mysticism Trail passes a rock formation known to locals as the “Russians’ Hideout”. The view of individual trail destinations can also influence your planning: the Pechölstein in Hundsdorf near Gutau is located on the Reichenstein Forest Air Bath Trail as well as on the “From the Dyers to the Knights” hiking trail.

Church, Castle and Other Excursion Destinations

Gutau parish church has a complex history. Originally, it was dedicated to the Most Holy Mother of God and Perpetual Virgin Mary; after 1261, St Giles became its patron saint. Around 1400, the church received its present Gothic chancel, the adjoining simple chapel, which now serves as a baptismal chapel, and its pointed-arch portals.

Tannbach Castle is a three-storey building on a rectangular ground plan. At all four corners are small corner turrets, each topped with an onion dome and lantern. The castle lies directly on the Castles and Palaces Trail and the Gutau Nordic Walking Circuit. This allows you to combine a cultural destination with a route when planning your trip, without limiting your holiday to just one type of experience.

Experiences with Ponies and Bows

At Daneder Pony Farm, ponies can be groomed, fed, led and ridden under instruction. Rides lasting from one hour to several days are also offered regularly. This opens up various options for visitors who want not only to look at horses, but also to spend time in the saddle or caring for the animals.

Another option is the course operated by the Mühlviertel Archery Club. It is open to guests and all bow classes, including crossbow shooters. When choosing your holiday apartment in Gutau, you can therefore first determine the pace you want for your holiday: dyeing history and architecture, nature trails, a digital puzzle adventure or activities involving animals and bows.

Other Destinations for Orientation

For your further search on this page, you will also find Bad Zell, Wartberg Ob Der Aist, Neumarkt Im Mühlkreis, Leopoldschlag, Königswiesen, Unterweißenbach, Sankt Leonhard Bei Freistadt and Nadelbach.

For the higher-level travel overview: Freistadt.