Things to do in Attergau when the weather’s bad

5 rainproof day-trip destinations around Lake Attersee

In the footsteps of Gustav Klimt

Even when it rains, the region around Lake Attersee has plenty to offer. The village of Schörfling am Attersee is all about Gustav Klimt. The world-famous painter spent his summers at Lake Attersee every year between 1900 and 1916. Many of his famous landscape paintings were created here. His legacy is still visible today, and not just in his paintings. At the Gustav Klimt Centre, you can get a real feel for Gustav Klimt’s life and work. Exhibitions, audio guides and guided tours provide an insight into the artist’s work and daily life. During the summer months, you can also book an exclusive guided tour of the picturesque Villa Paulick in Seewalchen, where Gustav Klimt and his artist partner Emilie Flöge loved to stay.

Beer from the smithy

Authentic craft brewing can be found in the nature park municipality of Steinbach am Attersee. A brewery tour takes you on a journey into the world of beer. The art of brewing, brewing knowledge and the philosophy of the Bierschmiede are all on the agenda. In the cosy Braustub’n, you can then enjoy the fine brew or refine your own palate during a beer tasting. Souvenirs such as beer chocolate, wooden beer crates, beer spirits and, of course, beers from the Bierschmiede are available to purchase in the adjoining shop. But why is the brewery actually called Bierschmiede? This has to do with the owner’s grandfather, who once worked as a blacksmith in Steinbach and serves as the namesake for the strength and character of the brewery’s own beers.

Between traditional costumes and coffee

When the weather’s bad, you need a good coffee to get you going. At Café Brandlkramerey in Seewalchen, you’ll find all the drinks and food you need to lift your spirits. And 99% of the products used are organic. What makes this café special, however, is the traditional costume museum on the first floor. Alongside the company and family history of the Tostmann traditional costume firm, it also showcases the history of textiles and a unique collection of bonnets and hats. But that’s not all! Tostmann Trachten still exists today – just a few metres from the café. So if you’d like to dress in traditional costume, you should definitely pop into the shop.

Farmers in the rain

When the rain falls, you can also take a closer look at the culture of the local farmers. Franz Meinhart has created a unique farmers’ museum in Schörfling am Attersee, where old implements, household items, crockery, ceramics, wooden panels and many tools from the carpentry trade are on display. Franz Meinhart is not only a museum operator, but also a passionate (and retired) carpenter. Anyone wishing to see the inside of the farmers’ museum should ring ahead, as even a carpenter can get fed up with wood from time to time.

Wood in front of the hut

During the Austrian Empire, the so-called ‘wood keeper’ lived in the former Huthaus in Steinbach am Attersee. He was responsible for ensuring that the transport of timber to the salt works in Ebensee ran smoothly. This was organised by floating the timber down streams, rivers and lakes. The salt works needed the timber to drive forward the tunnelling and maintain salt production. This house explores timber harvesting, the transport of timber and many everyday objects from that era.

The Hotel Winzer is the starting point for exploring the most beautiful parts of the Attergau – even in rainy weather!

written by Christian Messmer