Gunskirchen: Churches, Trails and Cider from Upper Austria

Gunskirchen is located in the Wels-Land district and occupies a special geographical position within Upper Austria: the geographical centre of the federal state is situated in the municipality and also forms its centre of area. The town is particularly interesting for travel planning if you would like to combine historic churches, landscape experiences, regional products and various activities.

Churches and history around Gunskirchen

The parish church of Gunskirchen is a late Gothic church dedicated to Saint Martin. Its history goes back a long way: it was first mentioned for the year 819 or 820 in the Mondsee Tradition Book. St Martin's Church stands on the spur of a high terrace and thus complements the historic townscape with a distinctive landscape setting.

North of Gunskirchen, the pilgrimage church of Maria Fallsbach is visible from far away on a terrain step of the hills that slope down towards the south and east. The single-nave, late Gothic longhouse has a western entrance tower. The present church was built between 1516 and 1517. The Pilgrim's Fountain stands south of the church building. Its splendid wrought-iron work with additive patterns made of round iron and rods with flowers, as well as the Baroque, eight-sided curved fountain canopy, date from around 1700. Maria Fallsbach is first mentioned in documents for the years 1121 to 1138 as “Manegolt de Volespach”.

St Peter's in Liedering is also part of the Gunskirchen parish. The Baroque filial church is connected to the meadow spring beneath the church. According to tradition, the spring was believed to have healing powers, particularly for eye ailments. Such traditional beliefs give a visit an additional historical and cultural perspective without reducing the church to a single story.

Hiking and cycling trails for active days

Numerous hiking and cycling trails in Gunskirchen lead to the most beautiful areas around the town as well as to well-maintained snack stations and restaurants. The Great Hiking Trail has Gunskirchen as its destination. This allows you to plan your day according to your preferred activity: a hike puts nature and exercise centre stage, while a cycling tour opens up further impressions of the surrounding area. The Ice Age gravel terraces in Gunskirchen and the younger cover gravels around Fallsbach represent different geological features of the landscape.

Those travelling with several generations can alternate between cultural sightseeing and active pursuits. When choosing a holiday apartment in Gunskirchen, it makes sense to first consider whether churches and local history, hiking and cycling trails, or regional places to stop for refreshments should be the focus of your stay.

Regional products and winter activities

A special insight into the local character awaits in the sales area of Stockingergut. The range there extends from the Upper Austrian classic “Mischlingsmost” to Frizzante. Regional products can shape a trip just as much as sights and are an opportunity to complement your stay with a culinary discovery.

Gunskirchen also offers its own opportunities in winter: ice stock sport and ice skating are among the activities mentioned for the cold season. This allows travel planning to vary according to the season, while the churches, landscape features and regional products provide orientation regardless of the day's particular programme.

Gunskirchen as a destination for your trip

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Gunskirchen is particularly suitable for a trip on which you want to get to know the town not merely as an overnight destination, but as a starting point for a range of interests. Those interested in culture will find late Gothic and Baroque churches with specific historical references. Active travellers can include hiking and cycling trails as well as the Great Hiking Trail in their plans. Those who appreciate regional specialities will discover another highlight with Mischlingsmost and Frizzante.

When searching for your accommodation, consider which focus is decisive for your trip and which activities you would like to combine. Gunskirchen offers a selection of history, landscapes, exercise, seasonal activities and regional culinary enjoyment.

For further searches, you can also select Sattledt, Weißkirchen An Der Traun, Thalheim Bei Wels, Offenhausen, Lambach, Pennewang, Marchtrenk and Au An Der Traun.

For the overarching travel overview: Wels-Land.