Ried im Innkreis: City History and Nature

Ried im Innkreis offers a range of options for your stay: the historic centre with its squares, art and city history, as well as the protected landscape area of Pfarrerhölzl. Regional specialities and specific leisure activities are also among the themes you can use to plan your trip. If you are looking for a hotel, this overview will help you decide what to focus on during your stay in Ried im Innkreis.

Squares, landmarks and city history

The historic centre of Ried im Innkreis consists of four squares: Kirchenplatz, Hauptplatz, Roßmarkt and Stelzhamerplatz. A monument at Stelzhamerplatz commemorates the Upper Austrian poet Franz Stelzhamer (1802–1874). It was created by the Gmunden sculptor Anton Gerhart. The Dietmar Fountain tells a story from another period: in 1665, a Baroque fountain replaced an earlier draw well. Braunauer Tor and Schärdinger Tor are the only surviving structures from Ried’s former fortifications. Schärdinger Tor was formerly also known as Erltor and Münsterer Tor. Together, these places represent different aspects of the city’s history: squares, a poet’s monument, a fountain and the former fortifications.

The building history of the Stadtpfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul can be traced through specific dates and dimensions. The church acquired its present appearance between 1720 and 1734, and its tower stands 73 metres tall. Most of the interior furnishings were created by the Schwanthaler family of sculptors. Works by the family can also be seen at the Innviertler Volkskundehaus. The museum also presents the city history exhibition “RIED – between Bavaria and Austria”. Its folk-culture collections include crafts, traditional costumes and textiles, jewellery and vessels.

The Volkskundehaus is also home to the famous “Silent Night Nativity Scene”. The world-famous Christmas carol was first performed in front of it in 1818. The nativity scene and the exhibition offer different perspectives: one focuses on the connection with the Christmas carol, while the other explores the city’s history between Bavaria and Austria. Together with the Schwanthaler works, they reveal further aspects of Ried’s cultural history.

Nature and walking

Pfarrerhölzl is a protected landscape area with a natural deciduous forest. Some parts of the forest are up to 200 years old; oak, hornbeam and ash trees are the predominant species. The Pfarrerhölzl nature trail offers a family-friendly walk through this woodland. The walk takes 20 to 30 minutes, and there are eight information boards along the way. This makes it easy to combine a short stroll with learning about the forest, without needing to plan a longer hike.

Guided tours and leisure activities

On the “Ried from Above – Church Tower Tour”, visitors climb 10 storeys and 185 steps to reach the bell-ringer’s room and the tower gallery. The tour is weather-dependent; check the conditions and available dates before making plans. Guided tours of the city and museum are also available for groups. There are therefore different ways to explore Ried: a dedicated church tower tour or a tour of the city and museum.

Ried Leisure Pool offers swimming, school and club sports, as well as sauna experiences. All areas and attractions are accessible without barriers. As opening arrangements and facilities may change, check the latest details before your visit.

Regional specialities and how to get here

The “Culinary Ried Beer Stroll” combines a walk to breweries and pubs with refreshments. The experience includes tastings of speciality beers at Biergasthof Riedberg and Ried Brewery. Check available dates and opening details before your trip. Another regional destination is the Ried farmers’ market hall at the exhibition grounds, where 20 farmers from the region offer high-quality products.

You can reach Ried im Innkreis by car via the A8 Innkreis motorway and the Ried im Innkreis exit. The route leads through Tumeltsham via the B 141a. If you combine your journey with a stay in the city, the historic squares, the Volkskundehaus, Pfarrerhölzl and the leisure activities mentioned above can each provide a different focus for your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Geinberg, Ried im Innkreis, Obernberg Am Inn, Sankt Martin Im Innkreis, Kirchheim Im Innkreis, Waldzell, Neuhofen Im Innkreis, Kirchdorf Am Inn, Moosham, Mettmach, Mühlheim Am Inn, Eberschwang, Lohnsburg Am Kobernaußerwald, Pramet, Reichersberg, Andrichsfurt, Antiesenhofen, Aurolzmünster, Eitzing, Geiersberg, Gurten, Hohenzell, Lambrechten, Mehrnbach, Mörschwang, Ort Im Innkreis, Pattigham, Peterskirchen, Schildorn, Senftenbach, Sankt Georgen Bei Obernberg Am Inn, Sankt Marienkirchen am Hausruck, Taiskirchen im Innkreis, Tumeltsham, Utzenaich, Weilbach, Wippenham.

For the regional travel overview: Upper Austria.