Sankt Marien: Churches, Herbs and an E-Bike Tour

Sankt Marien combines an exceptional church history with local culture and an extensive E-bike tour. The Nöstlbach barracks church is still in use as a church; the parish churches in St. Marien and Weichstetten represent different historical milestones. The library as a meeting place and past events focusing on herbs and cuisine are also part of the picture. These aspects offer different perspectives on a stay: church history, community culture and an active circular tour.

The special history of the barracks church

The Nöstlbach barracks church is the last surviving barracks church in Austria that is still used as a church. In 1962, it was purchased, including its furnishings, from Lager 59 in St. Martin; the following year, women and men from Nöstlbach erected it. The sequence of years shows two different steps: first the purchase, including the furnishings, and then its construction in Nöstlbach. Its origins and local involvement are both part of its history.

Church history in St. Marien and Weichstetten

The parish church of St. Marien, also called the “Church of the Name of Mary,” was first mentioned in the 14th century; it was probably originally a pilgrimage church. Different church milestones come to the fore in Weichstetten: the parish church was dedicated to St. Lawrence on April 24, 1509, and in 1799 Weichstetten became an independent parish. The dates mark different developments: a possible early function of the church in St. Marien, and the dedication of the parish church and the later independence of the parish in Weichstetten.

Library, herbs and cuisine

The St. Marien library provides local access to education, information, entertainment and culture, and serves as a meeting place for everyone from St. Marien. It complements the church-related themes with a community space whose activities range from information to culture. The “Herb Walk & Herb Gathering” featured creative and culinary activities, as well as handmade gifts from nature and the garden. At the “St. Marein’er Autumn Kick-off,” the offerings included venison burgers and venison sausages, potato spirals, venison ragout and venison meatloaf, along with homemade pastries and regional products from local farmers. The events therefore had different culinary focuses: one centered on herbs, the garden and creativity, while the other featured food and products from the region. The churches are the historical focus; the events are tied to specific dates. If you would like to plan your stay around an event of this kind, check the event dates in advance.

An E-bike tour as an active option

One active option is the approximately 56-kilometer E-bike tour from Bad Hall via Schiedlberg to St. Marien, and from there via Sierning back to Bad Hall. Its length and the sequence of towns offer a clear contrast to the place-based church and cultural history: this is a circular route connecting several towns and including Sankt Marien. If you plan to take the tour, check the route before setting out, as route details may change. When looking for a holiday apartment in Sankt Marien, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on: would you mainly like to explore the church and cultural themes, or include the E-bike tour in your travel plans?

Discover more destinations: Oftering, Allhaming, Sankt Florian, Eggendorf Im Traunkreis, Neuhofen An Der Krems, Kematen An Der Krems, Kirchberg-Thening, Hofkirchen Im Traunkreis

For the higher-level travel overview: Linz-Land.