Ottnang am Hausruck: Mining History, Forest Trails and Panoramic Views

Ottnang am Hausruck combines the landscape of the Hausruck Forest with impressive traces of coal mining. The municipality lies on the southern slope of the Hausruck Forest in a fog-free upland landscape at an altitude of 550 to 700 metres. To the south and southeast, unobstructed views open up towards the Alps, from the Ötscher to the Berchtesgaden region. This gives the area a range of reasons to visit: you can focus on paths through the forest and landscape, explore the history of mining, or combine both.

Mining History on Trails and in Show Mines

A particularly vivid way to learn about the region's history is the developed 5 km hiking and cycling trail between Thomasroith and Holzleithen. As a themed trail, it provides information about mining on 26 display panels. The length of the trail is an important reference point for planning your day; whether you plan to walk or cycle it depends on your own pace and interests.

The Grubengeist Trail also focuses on coal. It leads through the former coal-mining area of the Hausruck Forest and through tunnels and chutes. It presents the history of coal on a geological timescale: coal was formed 360 million years ago. For visitors who enjoy understanding historical connections at specific locations, this trail complements the information provided by the themed trail with a special landscape experience.

At the Gmoa-Stoa, natural and cultural history meet. The erratic boulder is around 20 million years old and can be viewed on a hill at the edge of the forest north of the village of Bergern. Its location offers a view across the entire municipality of Ottnang am Hausruck. In addition to the Gmoa-Stoa, the Mariannenstollen serves as a show mine commemorating the history of coal mining in the municipality. The preserved sections of the Südfeldstollen in Thomasroith were converted into a show mine in 2004/05.

Churches and Historic Places

Ottnang's cultural heritage includes several listed buildings. St Barbara's Church in Thomasroith is protected as a historic monument, as is the parish church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bruckmühl. In Niederpuchheim stands the Quirchtenhaus, also known as the Thomas Bernhard House, which is likewise protected as a historic monument. The property known as “Hanspaul” and “Quirchtenhaus” was purchased and redesigned by Thomas Bernhard from the Huemer family in 1972.

These places give your trip different focal points. Those interested in religious architecture can include Thomasroith and Bruckmühl in their excursion plans. The Thomas Bernhard House adds a place associated with the writer Thomas Bernhard to the historical impressions. This means a stay in Ottnang am Hausruck can also be shaped by experiences beyond nature alone.

A Suitable Base for Different Holiday Days

Extended walks and forest hikes are possible in Ottnang am Hausruck. Depending on your preferred daily rhythm, you can therefore choose accommodation from which to plan your stay with plenty of time in the landscape or with cultural destinations. For active days, the 5 km themed trail and the Grubengeist Trail are the main attractions; for more leisurely outings, the Gmoa-Stoa, the view across the municipality and the listed buildings offer individual destinations.

Fishing at the pond can also be arranged by prior agreement. This information is particularly relevant to your planning if you would like to combine different interests during your stay. Check the agreement in advance and take it into account when planning your day. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Ottnang am Hausruck can serve as a starting point for your personal combination of landscape, mining history and culture.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Ottnang am Hausruck, you can find further destinations on the portal here: Neukirchen an der Vöckla, Tiefgraben, Seewalchen am Attersee, Oberhofen am Irrsee, Sankt Georgen im Attergau, Straß im Attergau, Weißenkirchen im Attergau and Niederthalheim.

To the overarching travel overview: Vöcklabruck.