Discover Frankenmarkt: Culture, Trails and Family Experiences

Frankenmarkt combines impressive cultural attractions with trails through forests and countryside. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can choose between historical discoveries, scenic routes, family trails and special excursion destinations. The local attractions are suitable for a variety of holiday days: on one day, art and local history may be the focus, while on another, it may be exercise, water or an outing with children.

Baroque Nativity Scene, Castle and Market Museum

The Baroque nativity scene is of particular cultural significance. It was donated by the citizens of Frankenmarkt in the 18th century in gratitude for being spared the plague. The figures are about 30 cm tall and, in keeping with the style of the nativity scene, are dressed in the finest French brocade embroidered with gold. Their artistic significance lies in the exquisite carvings by the Mondsee sculptor Meinrad Guggenbichler and his successor Anton Koch. For those interested in culture, this brings a detail of local history to life that goes beyond an ordinary sightseeing attraction.

Schloss Stauff is also part of Frankenmarkt’s historic character. The castle stands on the right bank of the Vöckla, in the immediate vicinity of Frankenmarkt railway station. The three-storey Renaissance building has a hipped roof. In the Frankomarchia Market Museum, the market hall uses exhibits to present historical stages in the development of this important centre of trade and commerce. The council chamber is furnished in the Renaissance style and refers to the former administration and judicial system. Guided tours of the market museum are available by prior telephone arrangement. The village chapel also features an elaborate brown-red and white sgraffito finish in the tympanum.

Panoramic Trails, the Way of St. James and Special Landscapes

For active holiday days, the panoramic trail offers views of the Northern Limestone Alps. In Frankenmarkt, one section of the Frankenmarkt Panoramic Trail overlaps with the Austrian Way of St. James. It continues via Vöcklamarkt and Frankenmarkt to Oberhofen am Irrsee, following historic routes that were already laid out in Roman times. Those interested in pilgrimage routes, landscapes and history will find various thematic ways to explore the area, without every hike having to feel the same.

The trail to the Hohen Kreuz leads to a wooden cross amid fields and meadows. From there, views extend towards the Totes Gebirge, Traunstein, the Höllengebirge and the Schafberg. Another special feature is the Heiliges Bründl spring: its water is traditionally believed to have healing powers for eye ailments. This inherited belief is part of the local storytelling tradition and makes the spring an interesting destination for a walk.

Family Trails, Water and Forest

The Zwergerlweg is a popular excursion destination for families with young children. Along the trail, you will encounter various fairy-tale characters, mythical creatures and dwarfs. The Waldidylle is designed as a family hike and includes a biotope and a Kneipp trail. The Bräubründl stream flows into three ponds there. The Waldidylle also leads into Frankenmarkt’s approximately 200-hectare communal forest. This makes it possible to combine nature observation, a woodland atmosphere and an outing with children.

For an outing involving water activities, Frankenmarkt Adventure Pool has a 54-metre water slide. There is also a fitness trail behind the adventure pool, with a herb trail and bee-friendly planting. Those planning a more active day can choose between these different options according to their own interests. A holiday apartment in Frankenmarkt is particularly suitable if you would like to combine cultural destinations and nature experiences during the same holiday, without limiting the trip to just one activity.

Cycling and Regional Discoveries

Cyclists also have a specific place to stop: the rest area on the Roman Cycle Path in Frankenmarkt has tables and benches, three-part information panels and an audio guide. From the Roman Cycle Path, it is possible to continue to Lake Attersee via a branch route. For excursion groups of 15 or more full-paying participants, FRUCHT & SINNE offers guided tours of its manufactory in Frankenmarkt. The process of freeze-drying is explained, followed by tastings of freeze-dried fruit, fruit pralines and fruit chocolates. The tour lasts approximately 1 to 1½ hours.

For further help finding suitable destinations, you can also visit the pages for Oberpilsbach, Lenzing, Frankenburg Am Hausruck, Seewalchen Am Attersee, Ottnang Am Hausruck, Pitzenberg, Oberhofen Am Irrsee and Schmitzberg. Frankenmarkt therefore provides a versatile base for a trip where you can combine culture, trails, forests and family experiences at your own pace.

For the overarching travel overview: Vöcklabruck.