Stories that stay with you

Museums, crafts and special exhibitions in the Ybbstal Alps

The museums and exhibitions of the Ybbstal Alps tell the story of a region that has been shaped for centuries by nature, iron, wood, craftsmanship and remarkable individuals.

Historic hammer mills offer an insight into the time-honoured craft of ironworking, whilst modern experiences bring the region’s wilderness to life, and lovingly curated collections preserve stories of everyday life from days gone by. Unusual themes such as beer culture, model-making, handicrafts and regional technology also find their place here.

This creates a variety of excursion destinations for curious explorers – whatever the weather and whatever the season.

Eine Familie erkundet gemeinsam die faszinierenden Ausstellungen im Haus der Wildnis. Die Kinder sind begeistert von den interaktiven Elementen, während die Eltern die beeindruckenden Informationen über die Natur und die Tierwelt genießen. Ein perfekter Ort für einen lehrreichen und unterhaltsamen Ausflug an einem regnerischen Tag.
©© Theo Kust

Stories that live on to this day

Red-hot iron, ancient walls, unique handcrafted pieces and surprising cultural sites: in the Ybbstal Alps, culture is closely intertwined with the region’s history and its people. Much of what has developed over the centuries can still be experienced today.

Craftsmanship, in particular, has left its mark on the Ybbstal Alps. In Ybbsitz,blacksmithing has been part of the village’s fabric for centuries. Along the ‘Schmiedemeile’ (Blacksmiths’ Mile), old hammer mills bear witness to the craft of working with iron, whilst at theFeRRUM the history of ironworking is explored in greater depth. And even today, people are still forging, hammering and creating.

Ein kleiner Junge betrachtet fasziniert ein detailreiches Modell einer Schmiede, das die Kunst des Eisenhandwerks lebendig werden lässt. Die Atmosphäre ist geprägt von Neugier und Staunen, während die Geschichte des Schmiedezentrums in jedem Detail des Modells spürbar wird.
©© Mostviertel Tourismus, weinfranz.at

History brought to life

Museums in the Ybbstal Alps are places of wonder, remembrance and discovery. Authentic workshops, historic buildings, multimedia displays and private collections bring regional history to life.

The variety ranges from centuries-old craft traditions and nature and wilderness themes to art, technology and everyday culture.

Iron, Fire and Craftsmanship

Ironworking has shaped the Ybbstal valley for many generations. At FeRRUM in Ybbsitz, in historic hammer mills and other exhibitions, visitors can see how fire, water and craftsmanship were used to create high-quality artefacts.

Old machines, tools and original, preserved workstations tell the story of the lives and work of the blacksmiths and hammer mill owners.

  • FeRRUM - world of iron
    ©Dominik Stixenberger

    FeRRUM - world of iron

    Markt 24, 3341 Ybbsitz
  • An older man shows a girl a tool in a historical room with old objects.
    ©Heigl Martina

    Hammerherrenmuseum Lunz am See

    Amonstraße 16, 3293 Lunz am See
  • Interior view of a needlework museum with two people looking at exhibits.
    ©Martina Heigl

    Handicraft museum Lunz am See

    Amonstraße 16, 3293 Lunz am See
  • Historic building with chimney and water wheel in a rural setting.
    ©Gemeinde Hollenstein

    "Treffenguthammer" Hollenstein

    Dornleiten 19, 3343 Hollenstein an der Ybbs
  • Fahrngruber Hammer, Ybbsitz
    ©Theo Kust

    Fahrngruber Hammer Ybbsitz

    In der Noth 40, 3341 Ybbsitz

Understanding nature and the wilderness

At the Haus der Wildnis in Lunz am See, the focus is on the unique natural environment of the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area. Modern educational displays, fascinating insights and interactive elements bring the primeval forests and their inhabitants to life in a special way.

The Mendlingtal experience also combines nature, water and regional history along a historic timber-floating trail.

  • Wildnisgebiet_C. Scheucher

    House of Wilderness

    Kirchenplatz 5, 3293 Lunz am See
  • A couple takes a break on the steps of the footbridge, right next to the Trift Canal.
    ©weinfranz.at

    Erlebniswelt Mendlingtal "On the Wooden Path

    Lassing 19, 3345 Göstling an der Ybbs

History brought to life

The museums and exhibitions in the Ybbstal Alps offer an insight into the region’s history, culture and natural environment. 

Whether it’s culture, technology, nature or everyday life – each museum tells its own story and offers new perspectives on the Ybbstal Alps.

  • 5 Elements Museum Waidhofen
    ©5 Elemente Museum Waidhofen

    5-Elements-Museum

    Schlossweg 2, 3340 Waidhofen an der Ybbs
  • Historic building with red roof and tower, surrounded by trees.
    ©Ricarda Schwarzel

    Gaming Charterhouse (Kartause Gaming)

    Kartause 1, 3292 Gaming
  • Exhibition of old hand tools on a wooden wall with the sign 'Old craft - new life'.
    ©Rene Jagersberger

    Privatmuseum Karl Teufel

    3295 Lackenhof
  • Model railroad with green train and small building on a layout.
    ©Rene Jagersberger

    Faszination Modellbau

    Volksschule Lackenhof, Lindenplatz 8, 3295 Lackenhof am Ötscher
  • Time travel carriage Großhollenstein
    ©Petra Mandl

    Zeitreisewaggon Großhollenstein

    Oisberg 10, 3343 Hollenstein an der Ybbs
  • Experience technology up close
    ©Josef Herfert

    "Schwellöd" show power station

    Schwellödgasse 6, 3340 Waidhofen/ Ybbs
  • Brucker's world of beer
    ©Demolsky

    Bruckner's World of Brewing

    Grubberg 4a, 3292 Gaming
  • Inmitten einer malerischen Kulisse entfaltet sich ein Fest der Sinne, wo kulinarische Köstlichkeiten und erfrischende Getränke die Besucher verzaubern. Die lebendige Atmosphäre des Events lädt dazu ein, die Vielfalt der regionalen Spezialitäten zu entdecken und in geselliger Runde zu genießen.
    ©(c) Mostviertel Tourismus / friendship.is // Ian Ehm

    Schloss Rothschild

    3340 Waidhofen an der Ybbs
©Ybbstaler Alpen, Julia Stix

Handmade has its place here

The Lunz Weavers’ Market is further proof that traditional crafts remain alive and well today. Artisans showcase their handcrafted works there, covering weaving, felting, spinning, dyeing and printing. It is a market where it is not quantity that counts, but the craftsmanship that goes into every single piece.

This is how culture manifests itself in many places across the Ybbstal Alps: sometimes in the sound of a blacksmith’s hammer, sometimes behind thick castle walls, and sometimes in a piece of fabric created with great care and skill.