Upper Austria - A trip to Steyr

Along the Steyr River

Last weekend we visited Upper Austria and the city of Steyr, where the rivers Enns and Steyr meet.  Steyr is one of the best preserved towns in Austria.  It's square or "Stadtplatz" winds long and narrow like the adjacent Enns River.

Along the Enns River

We were lucky enough to meet a wonderful lady - a friend of a friend - who took us to view Steyr from the heights of St. Michael's Church.

St. Michael's Church, Steyr

The views from above were spectacular.

Steyr viewed from St. Michael's Church

We also entered one of the best preserved Gothic buildings on the Stadtplatz, the Bummerlhaus. To get there from the church, we had to descend a long narrow covered passage.

Descending to the Bummerlhaus

We knocked on the door and much to our surprise the caretaker let us in!  We discovered a lovely ancient courtyard inside.

Bummerlhaus exteriors (left) and interiors (right)

Another impressive structure, just across from the Bummerlhaus, is the Town Hall or "Rathaus", with its Rococo facade.  I particularly liked the creature suspended above the main balcony.  It looked like a lion/goat with flames burning from all orifices.  What is that all about?

The Rathaus of Steyr

The flaming lion/goat of the Rathaus

There are so many lovely details to discover in Steyr.  I have to share a few more!  For example, the house where Schubert stayed...

Schubert was here...

And the building with the cannon ball, a suspended relic from past battles...

The trapped cannon ball

Many thanks to dear friends in Upper Austria for showing us beautiful Steyr.  If you are ever in Austria, I encourage you to visit this picturesque city of red rooftops and rivers.

Walking path along the Steyr River

Do you have a favorite place in Austria?