Leonstein: Culture, Gorge and Family Experiences

Leonstein combines impressive cultural history with trails, water and a wide range of leisure ideas. The historic Schmiedleithen ensemble, the deeply incised landscape along the Steyr and the leisure park offer different possibilities for planning your trip. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Leonstein can therefore tailor their stay to their own priorities: with a day among manor houses and themed gardens, an active ride along the cycle path or an excursion to the gorge and waterfall.

Schmiedleithen: Eisenwurzen History and Themed Gardens

The Schmiedleithen ensemble is the only hammer-lord ensemble in the entire Eisenwurzen region to have been preserved in this completeness. Leonstein is therefore home to a place where the history of the hammer lords is particularly vivid. The Black Counts circular trail leads from Leonstein Castle along the Rinnerberger Bach into a deeply incised valley. Manor houses, smithies and servants’ houses form part of this historic setting.

The historic manor garden is also part of the Schmiedleithen area. Several themed gardens extend across more than 3,000 m²: a rose garden, a rock garden, a kitchen garden, a front garden and a smithy garden. The grounds are complemented by a herb spiral. Anyone interested in regional history, gardens and vivid local scenery will find a cultural focal point for their trip here. In the Kram of Schmiedleithen, an exhibition is dedicated to the life and work of Rudolf, Hermine and Josef Zeitlinger, the last Black Counts of Schmiedleithen.

Leisure Park and Steyr Valley Cycle Path

For active holiday days, the leisure park in Leonstein offers a varied outdoor fitness park with views of the mountains. The Steyr Valley Cycle Path runs directly past the leisure park and is used by cyclists, walkers, runners and skaters. This makes it possible to incorporate different forms of exercise into the day’s itinerary without limiting the location to just one activity.

The leisure park also has a skate park and two beach volleyball courts. For families, this combination means that not everyone has to choose the same activity: while some use the cycle path, others can skate or play beach volleyball. These different options make the park a distinctive part of Leonstein’s leisure offering. The Leonstein family and adventure pool operated by the municipality of Grünburg reopened in 2002.

Steyr Gorge, Viewpoint and Rinnerberg Waterfall

At the upper edge of the Steyr Gorge, shortly before or after crossing the main road, a secured viewing platform offers a view into the Steyr Canyon. This viewpoint complements the cultural and historical impressions with a nature experience of a distinctly different character. The wooden pavilion at the Fürnkranz car park serves as a resting place and provides information about Kalkalpen National Park and the Steyr Valley Railway Museum.

The Rinnerberg Waterfall can also be included in a nature-focused itinerary. The route to the waterfall and through the gorge begins and ends at the former Waldklause in Grünburg/Leonstein. The historic circular trail and the waterfall route each have their own focus: here, buildings and local history take centre stage; there, the stream, gorge and water.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Leonstein, it helps to first decide on the rhythm you want for your trip. Those interested in culture can make Schmiedleithen, the Black Counts circular trail and the Zeitlinger exhibition the focus of their stay. For active days, the Steyr Valley Cycle Path and the leisure park’s offerings provide useful points of reference. Anyone who prefers nature experiences can consider the viewing platform at the Steyr Gorge and the route to the Rinnerberg Waterfall.

Leonstein offers several clearly distinct travel ideas: Eisenwurzen history, garden culture, exercise and gorge landscapes. This makes it easier to find a holiday apartment or holiday home that suits the kind of holiday you want to spend here.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Leonstein with other places, you can also take a look at Inzersdorf im Kremstal, Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn, St. Pankraz, Schlierbach, Rinnerberg, Micheldorf in Upper Austria, Nußbach and Wartberg an der Krems.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kirchdorf an der Krems.