Medieval architecture and beer in Freistadt, Austria

Freistadt, AustriaFreistadt is located in the Austrian Region of Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), the is the largest town of the Mühlviertel region. This used to be one of the last border fortresses on the route leading to Bohemia. Today, it’s just a few kilometers from the border of the Czech Republic.

Freistadt has impressive medieval architecture, including a well-preserved medieval wall surrounding the town. The wall still maintains its bastions and two imposing gateways.

Freistadt, AustriaHauptplatz, the main square, is lined with historic buildings and the town hall, with its carved fountain.

The helpful visitor’s office is nearby, and provides maps and information about the town and its surroundings.

The 15th century Katharinenmünster, Church of St Catherine, is off the main square. The cathedral was altered in later years to the baroque style.

Freistadt, AustriaThe castle was built in 1397, but was largely destroyed by fire in the late nineteenth century. Today, it houses the Schlossmuseum, with an impressive collection of objects from Austrian life in past centuries.

When we were there, there was an interesting exhibition about Austria after WWII, when it was divided into sections by the Americans, English, French and Russians. Photos, letters, historical documents, uniforms and films provided an interesting background to this interesting period.

Freistadt, AustriaAt the end of your tour around Freistadt, cross through the medieval gateways to the modern city and visit the brewery of Freistadt beer (Freistädter Bier).

There, you can see how beer is brewed, and you can stop off for a glass of beer and lunch or dinner in its very pleasant beer cellar. It’s a nice environment, with a beer garden for weather better than what we experienced that wet day.

This is an enjoyable city for a wander when you’re in this corner of Austria or as a short trip when you’re in southern Bohemia.

Freistadt, Austria

Freistadt, Austria

2 Comments

  1. […] So, when in Upper Austria, enjoy your time in the pretty spa town of Bad Ischl. For more regional tips, see my earlier post on visiting Freistadt. […]

  2. […] For other tips about towns to see while passing through Upper Austria, see my earlier posts about visiting Bad Ischl and Freistadt. […]

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