Freistadt Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food to try, and local customs in Freistadt. Find out the best time to visit, transportation options, and nearby destinations in this guide.


Introduction to Freistadt

Located in Upper Austria in central Europe, Freistadt is a charming small town that boasts deep cultural and historical roots. The town is surrounded by green hills and vast meadows, making it an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and enjoy the beauty of nature. Freistadt is also famous for its breweries, delicious cuisine, and colorful festivals.

List of Places to Visit in Freistadt

Here are some places that you should not miss when visiting Freistadt:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Freistadt Municipal Museum - Located in a Medieval granary, this museum displays exhibits that showcase the town’s history and culture.
  2. Schloss Freistadt - A castle that houses a cultural center and a restaurant. The castle boasts a picturesque courtyard and towers that you can climb for a scenic view of the town.
  3. Stadtplatz - Freistadt’s town square, where you can find well-preserved Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings, colorful facades, and outdoor cafes.

Natural Attractions of Freistadt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mühlviertel Cycling Trail - A 416-km loop trail that passes through Freistadt and other picturesque towns and villages of the Mühlviertel region.
  2. Sendero E4 Trail - A 12-km hike that offers scenic views of the town, the surrounding hills, and the Bohemian Forest.
  3. High Rope Course Steyr - An outdoor adventure park with challenging rope courses, zip lines, and other activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Freistadt

If you want to explore Freistadt’s scenic landscape, hiking and biking are great options. Here are some popular routes:

  • Freistadt to Kefermarkt Bike Trail - A 24-km bike trail that passes through lush forests, rolling hills, and quaint villages.
  • Mühlviertel High Trail - A 55-km hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the Bohemian Forest and the Danube Valley.
  • Lake Freistadt Loop Trail - A 6.5-km hike that circles a small lake and offers great views of the town and the surrounding hills.

Best Things to Do in Freistadt: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting museums and historical landmarks, there are many things that you can do in Freistadt. Here are some of them:

  1. Brewery Tour - Visit the medieval brewery that produces Freistadter beer and learn about its centuries-old brewing techniques.
  2. City Walking Tour - A guided tour that takes you through the town’s most famous landmarks and monuments.
  3. Festival and Events - Freistadt hosts several colorful festivals throughout the year, such as the International Choir Festival, the Harvest Festival, the Krampus Parade, and the Christmas Market.

Week-Long Itinerary for Freistadt

If you plan to stay for a week in Freistadt, here’s a sample itinerary that you can follow:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival, accommodation check-in, and city walking tour
Day 2 Get on a brewery tour and sample local beers
Day 3 Explore the Mühlviertel cycling trail and visit the Kefermarkt Castle
Day 4 Visit the Freistadt Municipal Museum and Schloss Freistadt
Day 5 Hike the daunting Mühlviertel High Trail
Day 6 Go on a day trip to Linz, Austria’s third-largest city
Day 7 Departure and transportation arrangements

Food and Drink Scene of Freistadt

Freistadt is renowned for its hearty cuisine and locally brewed beer. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bierfleisch - Pork marinated in beer and served with sauerkraut and dumplings.
  2. Liptauer - A spread made from cheese, cream, and paprika, served with bread or crackers.
  3. Linzer Torte - A popular Austrian dessert made of shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, and almond filling.

Local Beverages

  1. Freistadter Bier - A light beer brewed using centuries-old techniques and local ingredients.
  2. Fassbrause - A non-alcoholic beverage made of fruit syrup, sparkling water, and herbs.
  3. Gespritzter Apfelmost - A refreshing drink made from apple cider and sparkling water.

Where to Stay in Freistadt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Freistadt offers a wide range of accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of them:

  1. Gasthof Hotel zum Goldenen Löwen - A cozy hotel located in the heart of the town, offering comfortable rooms and local cuisine.
  2. Pension Danzer - A family-owned guesthouse with charming rooms, a garden, and a terrace.
  3. Youth Hostel Freistadt - A budget-friendly option that offers dormitories and private rooms, perfect for solo travelers and backpackers.

What to Buy in Freistadt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Freistadt’s vibrant market scene offers a wide variety of souvenirs and local products that you can take home as a keepsake. Here are some of them:

  1. Freistadter Bier - Bring home a bottle or two of Freistadt’s famous beer as a gift or souvenir.
  2. Handmade Ceramics - The town has several ceramic workshops producing unique and beautiful porcelain and pottery.
  3. Local Delicacies - Take home some Liptauer, Linzer Torte, or other traditional Austrian sweets and treats.

Local Culture and Customs of Freistadt

Freistadt has a rich cultural heritage and customs that are still being celebrated until today. Here are some of them:

  1. Krampus Parade - A pre-Christmas tradition wherein people dress up as Krampus, a mythical being, and roam the streets to scare children.
  2. International Choir Festival - An annual event that draws hundreds of choirs from all over the world to perform in Freistadt.
  3. Harvest Festival - A festival that celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with a parade, music, and food.

Best Time to Visit Freistadt

The best time to visit Freistadt is during the late spring or summer months, from May to September, when the weather is mild, and the landscape is lush. During this time, you can enjoy outdoor activities and attend several festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Freistadt

Here are some tips to help you navigate the local culture and traditions in Freistadt:

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs and traditions.
  2. Try the local cuisine and beer.
  3. Be friendly and hospitable to locals.

Don’t:

  1. Be loud and disruptive in public places.
  2. Take pictures without asking for permission.
  3. Leave trash or litter in public areas.

Safety and Health

Freistadt is a safe and clean town with excellent healthcare facilities. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Freistadt

  1. Be aware of traffic rules and signals.
  2. Don’t leave valuables unattended.
  3. If hiking or cycling, stay on designated trails and follow safety guidelines.

Health in Freistadt

  1. Make sure you have health insurance that covers you in Austria.
  2. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach problems.
  3. Practice social distancing and wear masks in crowded places to prevent the spread of diseases.

Getting to Freistadt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Freistadt is easily accessible via various modes of transportation. Here are your options:

Airports Near Freistadt

  1. Linz Airport (LNZ) - 40 km away from Freistadt.
  2. Salzburg Airport (SZG) - 140 km away from Freistadt.

Bus Stations Near Freistadt

  1. Freistadt Bus Station - Located in the town center, with daily bus connections to Linz and other towns in the region.

Other Options

  1. Car Rental - If you want to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a convenient option.
  2. Taxi - Taxis are available in the town center and can be hired for short trips or airport transfers.

How to Get Around in Freistadt

Freistadt is a small town, and most of the major attractions are within walking distance. You can also rent bicycles or take a taxi for longer trips.

Where to Go Next from Freistadt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore other destinations in the region, here are some places that you can visit:

  1. Linz - Austria’s third-largest city, famous for its museums, galleries, and architecture.
  2. Český Krumlov - A picturesque town in the Czech Republic, known for its Renaissance castle and narrow streets.
  3. Salzburg - A beautiful city that was the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the iconic movie “The Sound of Music”.

Conclusion

Freistadt is a charming destination that offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and exciting activities, the town is perfect for travelers who want to experience Austria’s countryside and immerse themselves in local traditions. Follow this guide, and you will surely have an unforgettable adventure in Freistadt.

Castle of Freistadt Castle of Freistadt