St. Pankraz: Hiking and Local History

St. Pankraz combines striking natural formations, hiking trails and historic buildings. When planning a hotel stay, you can first decide whether you mainly want to hike through valleys, discover a distinctive rock formation or learn about local history. The following natural and cultural highlights show different sides of the area: from karst springs and a rock arch to a late Gothic parish church and a long-standing pilgrimage on foot.

Devil’s Church and Elisabethsee

Devil’s Church, a rock arch made of Jurassic limestone, lies in the Vorderes Rettenbachtal near St. Pankraz. The arch is 16 metres wide and 12 metres high; karst springs rise beneath it. Devil’s Church has been designated a natural monument since 1984. Its rock formation, geology and springs make it a distinctive natural attraction.

Elisabethsee near St. Pankraz lies nestled in the mountainous landscape of the Pyhrn-Priel region. Its water temperatures make swimming inviting; bathing conditions vary by season, so check locally before you go. You can reach the lake by taking Postbus route 430 or Riedler Bus route 431 to the Steyrbrücke stop. From there, it is about a five-minute walk. Check the current timetable before travelling. The two natural attractions offer different experiences: Devil’s Church centres on its geological rock formation, while Elisabethsee offers mountain scenery and seasonal swimming.

Hiking trails and routes

One hiking route leads from St. Pankraz through the Teichltal and the upper Redtenbachtal to Windischgarsten. Stage N09 of the Way of St. Benedict follows a different route: it leads from Hinterstoder via the Flötzersteig or Salzsteigweg to St. Pankraz. From there, it continues along the Fischersteig beside Klauser See to the dam. When choosing between the routes, the main difference is where each one leads: one passes through two valleys to Windischgarsten, while the other continues from St. Pankraz along Klauser See. Local trail conditions can change; check them before setting out on a hike.

Church and pilgrimage tradition

The parish church of St. Pankraz is late Gothic and was built by the Spital monastery. It was consecrated in 1462. The church thus has a precisely dated history and a clearly defined architectural style. For many years, a pilgrimage on foot has also set out from St. Pankraz for Frauenstein. If you are interested in the spiritual side of the area, both the historic parish church and the pilgrimage offer different points of interest.

Local history in buildings and trails

Before its renovation as part of the 1998 provincial exhibition, the listed Baroque rectory was in an exceptional and valuable original condition. This dates its condition to the period before the renovation. The history of the poaching museum is also linked to the provincial exhibition: after it ended, the museum was moved to a purpose-built extension of the Steyrbrücke inn. St. Pankraz also historically lay on an ancient trade route connecting the German lands with the Adriatic. Together, these examples reveal different layers of local history: a medieval church, a Baroque rectory, the development of the museum and a historic connection extending beyond the area.

Discover more destinations: Kremsmünster, Schweizersberg, Spital Am Pyhrn, Klaus An Der Pyhrnbahn, Haselböckau, Schlierbach, Oberschlierbach, Pettenbach

For the overview of the wider area: Kirchdorf An Der Krems.