Stephanskirchen is a little off the beaten track, if you ask me, but that’s all the more reason to check out this placid town. Actually, it wasn’t always placid and peaceful as it appears to be today for, you see, it does have its own associations with World War II.
For instance, the Flak Casem which you really should consider visiting, used to be a barrack settlement which housed prisoners of war. But that’s all bygones, for now they make candy there. Talk of turning over a new leaf!
Now, on to more fun things to do and see in Stephanskirchen. As you’ve probably guessed by now, this indeed is the land of historic Churches.
You’ll find the Zu den Heiligen 14 Nothelfern, better understood as the Church of the 14 Holy Helpers, St. Magdalena and the St. Leonard’s, all not only places of worship but also works of art. Then there are the St. George’s and the St. Stephen’s. Yet another architectural gem is the Innleiten Castle impressively clad in a baroque exterior.
Stephanskirchen has more historic sites in the form of farmhouses with elaborate eaves, gables, balconies, stucco work and more of that sort of medieval artistry all well-preserved for your viewing pleasure. It would be worth your while to take a tour of these placid reminders of history.
For example, the Hofmühlstraβe 203 has this amazing carved main entrance door from the 1850s, while at Saltzburger Straβe 8 is a country house with decorative gables and buttress. So, if this is the sort of thing that gets you out of bed in the morning, you’re in the right place. :-)
While here you’ll probably do your round of restaurants, wine bars, and pubs. As you go about that keep your eyes peeled for the Gocklwirt restaurant. You can’t miss this piece of history dating back to the 19th century for it is supposed to have the world’s largest astronomical clock! You’ll find it in this wine tavern.
Of course, you don’t go to a wine tavern to gawk at a clock however big it might be. So while you’re there maybe you should check out the local menu. Hopefully it’ll have pictures.
On the next day, then, you might wanna check out the huge Simsee lake that’s northeast of town. It’s where folks come from near and far to have a great time.
