Gunskirchen: Churches, Paths and Historic Traces

The geographical centre of Upper Austria is located in the municipality of Gunskirchen in the district of Wels-Land and marks the state’s centre of gravity by area. Gunskirchen offers several specific points of reference when choosing a hotel location: sacred architectural history, distinctive topographical features, paths and seasonal activities. You can explore these topics separately—from historical references to hiking and cycling opportunities or winter activities. This makes it easier to assess which aspects of the town suit your travel interests.

Churches and historical references

The parish church of Gunskirchen is Late Gothic and dedicated to St Martin. It was first mentioned in the Mondsee Book of Traditions for the year 819 or 820. This date refers to its first mention, not to a year of construction. The setting is also part of the description of local sacred buildings: St Martin’s Church stands on the spur of a high terrace. Gunskirchen thus offers insight into both a church’s dedication and architectural history, and its relationship with the terrain.

At the pilgrimage church of Maria Fallsbach, architecture and landscape come together. It lies north of Gunskirchen, clearly visible from afar on a slope of the hills that descend to the south and east. The church is a single-nave Late Gothic hall church with a western entrance tower. A single-nave building has one main nave; the term “hall church” describes its elongated form. Its style, floor plan and location offer different points of reference for understanding the building.

The present-day church was built in 1516–1517. This should be distinguished from the earlier documentary mention of Maria Fallsbach, dated to 1121–1138: the name “Manegolt de Volespach” is recorded in this connection. The two dates refer to different things—one to the construction of the present-day church, the other to an earlier mention of a name. South of the church stands the pilgrims’ fountain. Its elaborate wrought-iron work features additive patterns of round iron and bars with flowers; the Baroque, eight-sided, curved fountain canopy dates from around 1700.

Baroque touches and local tradition

St Peter’s in Liedering is a Baroque subsidiary church belonging to the parish of Gunskirchen. This places Late Gothic churches and Baroque architecture side by side as distinct stylistic references. The Wiesenquelle spring lies beneath the church. According to local tradition, it was believed to have healing powers, particularly for eye ailments. This story adds a connection to local tradition to the architectural features, without presenting the historical belief as a medical claim.

Landscape, paths and activities

The landscape also has distinctive features: Gunskirchen has glacial gravel terraces, while younger cover gravels are found around Fallsbach. St Martin’s Church stands on the spur of a high terrace, linking the description of a sacred building with a particular topographical setting.

Numerous hiking and cycling trails lead to the areas around Gunskirchen and to well-maintained refreshment stops and restaurants. Gunskirchen is the destination of the Great Hiking Trail. In winter, there are opportunities for curling and ice skating in Gunskirchen. Alongside trails for hiking and cycling excursions, there are therefore two seasonal activities to choose from.

Another local point of interest is the Stockingergut’s sales room. Its product range extends from the Upper Austrian classic “Mischlingsmost” to Frizzante. If you are looking for a specific product, check before your visit whether it is in stock. In addition to churches, landscape and activities, regional products offer another distinct focus for exploring Gunskirchen.

Discover more destinations: Wels, Neukirchen Bei Lambach, Bachmanning, Stadl-Traun, Buchkirchen, Lambach, Edt Bei Lambach, Marchtrenk

For the main travel overview: Wels-Land.