Attractions and places to see around Schalchen, a village in Upper Austria's Braunau District, offer a blend of local heritage and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by the Schwemmbach River, which flows through the Kobernausserwald, featuring forests, meadows, and fields. Visitors can explore cultural sites and various trails for active recreation. The region provides opportunities for hiking and cycling amidst its natural beauty.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Schalchen.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Roman Catholic pilgrimage church of Maria Schmolln is located in the municipality of Maria Schmolln in the district of Braunau in Upper Austria.
0
0
Beautiful biotope: Please drive slowly and look around!
0
0
Very nice cycle path next to the forest
0
0
A great experience for the whole family
0
0
Visiting on weekdays from 9am is recommended as there are not too many visitors.
0
0
There is a drinking water fountain in front of the church and a public toilet opposite
0
0
It's a great way to keep fit and have fun. 😊 The exercise course is part of a bike tour that takes you through the countryside around the Kobernausserwald. The tour is 53.5 km long and has an altitude difference of 510 m. It is classified as difficult and requires a very good physical condition. The tour may contain sections of loose ground that are difficult to navigate. You start at the Naturfreundehaus in Schneegattern and follow the blue markings. On the way you will pass a great exercise course where you can let off steam. The course consists of various stations that train your strength, endurance, coordination and mobility. For example, you can do pull-ups, jump over hurdles, balance or jump rope. The course is suitable for all ages and is fun. You continue through Lengau, where you have a nice view of the church. Then it goes over fields and meadows to Friedburg, where you have the opportunity to take a break and have something to eat or drink. From there you drive back to Schneegattern, where your tour ends.
5
1
This is a great tour that will show you the natural beauty and history of the region. 😊 The tour is 51.6 km long and has a vertical drop of 713 m. It is classified as moderate and requires a good level of fitness and an off-road bike. The tour starts at the train station in Mauerkirchen and first takes you through the Kobernauerwald, the largest contiguous forest in Austria. On the way you will pass the Schachl Chapel, a small 18th-century church surrounded by an idyllic cemetery. You continue through the forest and pass the historic border between Bavaria and Austria, which is marked by a stone. You then reach the Turmwirt Kobernauserwald, a cozy inn with a lookout tower from which you have a wonderful view over the Innviertel. After a well-deserved break, you drive back through the Mattig Valley, through which the Mattig River flows. You follow the bike path along the river and enjoy the landscape of meadows, fields and villages. You will pass a beautiful vantage point in Seppenroith from which you can see the mountains. You continue through the towns of Uttendorf, Lengau and Friedburg, where you can discover many sights such as churches, castles and museums. You finally reach the train station in Mauerkirchen again, where your tour ends.
6
1
The region around Schalchen is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the Schwemmbach Wetlands, an idyllic area with forests, meadows, and fields, providing a habitat for various animals. The Schwemmbach River itself flows through the Kobernaußerwald. Additionally, the Brunnbach Brook is known for its crystal-clear waters and is popular for fly-fishing. For expansive forest experiences, the Kobernauserwald Forest Trail offers insights into Austria's largest contiguous forest.
Yes, Schalchen offers several historical and cultural insights. The village's charming town square features an old parish church with significant works by the renowned sculptor Thomas Schwanthaler. A prominent religious site nearby is the Pilgrimage Church Maria Schmolln, a well-known place of pilgrimage with a church completed in 1863 and a Chapel of Mercy housing a miraculous image. For a glimpse into local history, the Schlossberg features impressive 11th-century castle ruins.
Schalchen and its surroundings offer a variety of hiking trails. The "Via Nova – Triftweg" follows the Schwemmbach River, offering historical and natural insights. For a more extensive experience, the Kobernauserwald Forest Trail is an intermediate route showcasing the natural beauty and history of the region, including a lookout tower. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Running Trails around Schalchen guide, which includes routes like the Weinberger Höhe loop.
Absolutely. Schalchen caters to active guests with extensive cycleways. The "Via Nova – Triftweg" along the Schwemmbach River is suitable for cycling. For those seeking more challenging rides, the Batterie Koppel Fitness Trail is part of a 53.5 km bike tour through the countryside around the Kobernausserwald. You can also explore various gravel biking routes, such as the Scenic Riverside Pathway loop, detailed in the Gravel biking around Schalchen guide.
Families can enjoy several attractions. The Schwemmbach Wetlands offer a free bathing spot near Lengau, perfect for swimming and picnicking. The Batterie Koppel Fitness Trail provides an exercise course with various stations suitable for all ages to train strength, endurance, and mobility. The Giant Museum Parish Center Lengau offers a unique cultural experience. For broader family entertainment, nearby attractions like Fantasiana Strasswalchen Amusement Park and Erlebnisbad-Mattighofen are within a reasonable driving distance.
Schalchen's mild climate makes hiking enjoyable almost year-round. For most outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring through autumn offers pleasant weather. In winter, cross-country ski tracks are groomed, snow conditions permitting, providing opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts.
For breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, head to the Schlossberg, which features impressive 11th-century castle ruins. Additionally, the Kobernauserwald Forest Trail includes a lookout tower at Turmwirt Kobernauserwald, offering wonderful views over the Innviertel.
Yes, Schalchen is home to a Local Heritage Museum. This museum provides a deep dive into Upper Austria's rural life, showcasing approximately 1,000 exhibits, offering a comprehensive look at the area's history and traditions.
Yes, the Schwemmbach River offers a free bathing spot near Lengau, which is ideal for swimming and picnicking. The crystal-clear waters of the Brunnbach Brook are also a popular spot, particularly for fly-fishing.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Pilgrimage Church Maria Schmolln is noted for its beautiful frescoes and the surrounding town square with cafés. The Batterie Koppel Fitness Trail is enjoyed as a fun way to keep fit, while the Schwemmbach Wetlands are praised as a beautiful biotope for peaceful enjoyment.
Yes, there are dedicated mountain biking trails. You can find routes like the Hillside Forest View – Mann-Schnelli Trail loop or the Forsthaus Rerndl loop. These and other MTB trails are detailed in the MTB Trails around Schalchen guide, offering various difficulty levels for mountain biking enthusiasts.
While specific dog-friendly designations are not always highlighted, many of the natural trails and forest paths, such as those found in the Kobernauserwald or along the Schwemmbach River, are generally suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and owners follow local regulations regarding waste disposal. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and respectful of wildlife and other visitors.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: