Churches and abbeys
Sacred architecture in 360° Alpine country
Sacred architecture & centres of faith
Abbeys, churches, places of pilgrimage & special architecture
Whether on hills, in valleys or in historic town centres - sacred buildings have shaped the landscape for centuries and bring history, faith and architecture to life.
From Gothic churches to Baroque abbeys, these places combine art, craftsmanship and spirituality. Visitors discover impressive buildings, tranquil interiors and living traditions - embedded in a varied natural and cultural landscape.
Tip: Special guided tours & pilgrimage routes
Many churches and monasteries in 360° Alpenland can be experienced intensively on guided tours - for example in Schlierbach Abbey, the cathedral on the Pyhrn or on a night watchman's tour in Steyr up to the tower of the parish church tower.
Those who want to combine nature and spirituality will find special moments of peace, contemplation and conscious movement in the midst of the impressive landscape of the 360° Alpine region on a pilgrimage - for example on the Sebaldusweg, on a cycling pilgrimage or on the path of mindfulness .
In the 1,000-year-old town of Steyr, where the rivers Enns and Steyr meet, Gothic and Baroque churches are a natural part of the townscape. Towers and façades reflect the wealth of past trading times, while silence, art and history come together inside. Sacred spaces are not only preserved here - they are part of everyday life. Kirchdorf an der Krems also carries on this heritage.
Schlierbach Abbey rises above the village with its impressive walls and baroque church. The Cistercian monastery combines spiritual life with craftsmanship and regional roots. Visitors can experience architecture, monastic tradition and living culture all in one place.
In Bad Hall, on the other hand, spirituality is closely linked to the history of the healing springs. Churches, spa gardens and historic buildings tell of a time when the body and mind received equal attention - an attitude that continues to have an impact today.
And in the south of the region, in the mountains between Pyhrn and Priel, you will also find expressions of customs and alpine identity in the Dom am Pyhrn, the various churches, chapels and religious festivals and traditions. There is a broad spectrum: from urban sacred art to monastic silence and living traditions in the mountains.
Everything is close together - embedded in the natural and cultural landscape in the heart of Upper Austria, where the power of nature, culture and joie de vivre come together.
Frequently asked questions about churches & pens:
In 360° Alpenland, sacred architecture and living tradition come together in a small space. From the 1,000-year-old town of Steyr to Kirchdorf an der Krems and Bad Hall, churches and monasteries tell of faith, craftsmanship and culture in the heart of Upper Austria.
Schlierbach Abbey near Kirchdorf an der Krems combines baroque architecture with monastic life and regional craftsmanship. The abbey is still a place of encounter today - between spirituality, culture and enjoyment.
Between the mountains and river valleys lie small churches and chapels that have been the destination of pilgrimages for generations. Especially in the south, between Pyhrn and Priel, customs are kept alive.
Many churches date back to the Middle Ages or the Baroque period. Steyr in particular can look back on over a thousand years of city history - and with it, sacred buildings that have survived this time.
Gothic church rooms, baroque altars and simple monastery walls show the architectural spectrum in the heart of Upper Austria. In Steyr in particular, buildings from different eras line up side by side.
Traditions and customs are cultivated in the south of the region. Many church festivals are part of cultural life in 360° Alpenland.
From Steyr via Kirchdorf an der Krems to Bad Hall, churches, nature and culture are only a short distance apart. This makes the 360° Alpine region in the heart of Upper Austria particularly accessible.
Many churches are freely accessible during the day, while larger abbeys such as Schlierbach offer regular visiting hours. Every season changes the light, mood and atmosphere.