Places to Visit in the Mühlviertel & Bohemia
Experience the highlights of the Mühlviertel and Bohemia with new friends
Experience the unique surroundings of AVIVA – alone or with new friends – at 1,000 meters above sea level!
The area surrounding the AVIVA Hotel is a true paradise for anyone who loves culture, history, and unique sights. From the Mühlviertel to South Bohemia, historic towns, magnificent fortresses, impressive castles, and fascinating museums await you. Discover the diversity of this unique vacation destination and let yourself be enchanted by the stories of times gone by.
Perfect Day Trips
These attractions are easily accessible from the Hotel AVIVA and are ideal for day trips filled with culture and inspiration. Wander through the picturesque old towns, soak up the atmosphere at historic market squares, and discover the stories hidden around every corner. Whether you’re on your own or with other guests, sightseeing here is an unforgettable experience. For more inspiration on places to visit in the Mühlviertel region, check out the official excursion tips on the Mühlviertel website and plan your visit to suit your preferences.
Your cultural adventure starts here
At AVIVA, you’ll find yourself in the heart of one of the most beautiful vacation regions in Upper Austria and South Bohemia. Enjoy the unique combination of relaxation at the hotel, culinary delights, and exciting excursions.
Whether it’s museums, castles, or historic towns—there’s something here for every culture and history enthusiast.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with others—your sightseeing adventure in the Mühlviertel and South Bohemia begins here at AVIVA. Let yourself be inspired, discover the most beautiful museums, castles, and historic town centers, and enjoy unforgettable moments in a region rich in culture and history.
Museums & Cultural Highlights
Immerse yourself in the world of museums and historical exhibitions and experience culture up close:
Between the Mühlviertel and South Bohemia, an extraordinary variety of cultural treasures, historical collections, and vibrant traditional crafts awaits you. Here, history isn’t just told—it’s brought to life.
- Freistadt Castle Museum – a place steeped in history. Discover the region’s fascinating past within the castle’s venerable walls, from ancient trade routes to urban culture.
- Haslach Weaving Museum – traditional craftsmanship you can experience firsthand. See how threads are transformed into works of art and immerse yourself in the centuries-old history of linen weaving.
- Glaswelten Weitra – where tradition meets modernity. Admire sparkling works of art made of glass and learn more about the regional art of glassmaking and its significance for the Mühlviertel region.
- Egon Schiele Art Centrum in Český Krumlov – contemporary art in the heart of the romantic old town. Inspiring exhibitions and international artists make this venue a cultural highlight of South Bohemia.
- South Bohemian Museum in České Budějovice – discover fascinating insights into the culture, history, and customs of a region that proudly upholds its traditions to this day.
Demonstration Workshops – Living Crafts and Regional Treasures
Numerous lovingly run demonstration workshops offer unique insights into the traditional crafts of the Mühlviertel region. Here, you can watch as people preserve centuries-old traditions with passion and skill:
- Kastner Gingerbread Bakery – immerse yourself in the fragrant world of gingerbread, learn more about this sweet craft, and taste delicacies made with honey, nuts, and spices
- Kräuteralm – discover the power of nature. Explore the world of herbs, teas, and essential oils—an experience for all the senses
- Starlinger Oil Mill – see how high-quality oil is produced using traditional, handcrafted methods, and sample regional specialties full of character.
- Pitch Oil Burning, Blueprint Printing & Linen Weaving – gain insights into ancient techniques that have remained alive to this day, and watch as craftsmanship and history come together to create art.
Here, the Mühlviertel reveals its most authentic side -handcrafted, genuine, and full of stories. Whether it’s a museum, a studio, or a demonstration workshop -everywhere you go, you’ll meet people who are dedicated to preserving their culture and share it with enthusiasm.
Castles, Palaces, and Historic Cities
The region also boasts a multitude of impressive castles, palaces, and historic city centers that seem to come from another era:
The Mühlviertel and South Bohemia are a true paradise for lovers of history, architecture, and culture. Nestled among rolling hills, dense forests, and ancient trade routes stand magnificent castles, mysterious ruins, and impressive palaces that have been telling stories for centuries. Here, history comes alive—carved in stone and palpable in the atmosphere.
- Freistadt Castle – one of the most striking landmarks of the Mühlviertel region. Its imposing walls, tall castle tower, and fascinating exhibitions on local and regional history make it a must-see for culture enthusiasts.
- Clam Castle – majestically perched above the Klammtal valley, it is one of Austria’s best-preserved medieval castles. Today, it serves as a venue for international concerts and festivals, blending history with vibrant culture.
- Greinburg Castle – Austria’s oldest inhabited castle, featuring a magnificent arcaded courtyard, frescoes, and the Maritime Museum. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube and the town of Grein.
- Waxenberg Castle Ruins – perched high above the valley, they offer not only breathtaking views but also a sense of a mystical past. The ancient walls tell stories from the Middle Ages—a quiet, magical place that invites you to linger.
- Helfenberg Castle – a cultural gem in the Upper Mühlviertel. Today it hosts numerous events, exhibitions, and concerts—a place where history, art, and music come together in harmony.
- Český Krumlov / Krumau – this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its fairytale-like Old Town, imposing castle complex, and views over the Vltava River, is a highlight for any cultural traveler.
- Weitra Castle – perched high above Austria’s oldest brewing town, the castle features exhibitions, arts and crafts, and a stunning castle garden—a place steeped in aristocratic tradition.
- Iron Curtain Memorial – on the Austrian-Czech border, this impressive memorial commemorates the era of Europe’s division. Today, it stands as a symbol of peace, freedom, and the growing unity of the regions.
- Linz – European Capital of Culture 2009, with an impressive blend of modern art, museums, and historic buildings.
- Historic Market Squares & Old Towns – romantic alleyways, colorful facades, and traditional architecture make every stroll an experience.
Each of these sights tells its own story—from medieval knights, noble families, war, and peace to living culture. Whether you’re strolling through enchanted castle gardens, climbing a ruin, or enjoying a quiet moment at a memorial—here, you’ll experience history up close.
Sightseeing FAQ
Here you’ll find the answers to your questions.
The Mühlviertel is perfect for active sightseeing, such as:
- Hikes to castles, ruins, and lookout points
- Bicycle and e-bike tours to regional attractions
- Walks through historic towns
Sightseeing is possible all year round!
- Spring & Summer: Nature, Cities, Lakes
- Fall: Colorful landscapes, Hiking
- Winter: Christmas markets, Winter landscapes & Museums
From the AVIVA, you can reach many highlights in no time. For example:
- Sternstein Lookout Tower – breathtaking panoramic views all the way to the Alps
- Bad Leonfelden – a spa town with cafés and shopping
- Moldaustausee (Lipno) – swimming spots, promenade
- Freistadt – a medieval town with city walls and craft beer
and much more.
Yes, in some cases – for example, walking and hiking trails that start right at AVIVA, or e-bike tours to scenic overlooks and towns.
For destinations farther away, we recommend carpooling with other AVIVA guests, or you can rent our AVIVA car 🙂
Ask the Community
Don’t feel like exploring the area on your own? Ask the community if anyone wants to join you, and discover the most beautiful parts of the Mühlviertel and Bohemia together.
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