Salzburg's open-air Freilichtmuseum
An open-air journey into the past
Are you interested in the development of the federal state of Salzburg over time? Would you like to find out more about the agriculture, handcraft, rural development and industry of the region? If so, you should definitely visit the open-air Salzburg Freilichtmuseum in Grossgmain.
Join us on a journey to the past
See how the land used to be, presented in exciting and authentic displays housed in a collection of original buildings from a bygone age. A visit to Salzburg's open-air Freilichtmuseum will give you tremendous insights into the simpler, yet still diverse, life of earlier days. Explore the interior of the traditional, perfectly-preserved farm buildings and take a tour of the property on the historic museum train.
More than a cultural experience and natural wonder
Salzburg's cultural heritage set in a magnificent natural landscape – that's the best way to describe the open-air Freilichtmuseum. The property at the foot of the Unterberg lies within a stunning nature reserve, reflecting the historic divisions of the Federal state of Salzburg. Over seven kilometres of pathways connect clusters of buildings representing Flachgau, Tennengau, Pongau, Pinzgau and Lungau – just like the various regions within the state, only smaller. The historic buildings house a selection of permanent exhibitions, and regular demonstrations of traditional handcrafts are a particular highlight. These provide genuine insight into the ways people lived and worked many centuries ago.
Train or time machine?
At first glance, you might think the train at the open-air Freilichtmuseum is a time machine. It takes travellers back to a time long past as they follow the 1.7km line. The train runs all day from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and the ticket is included in your entry. The railway connects the clusters of buildings in the Freilichtmuseum, starting in the Flachgau area. You will find the welcoming museum guesthouse, the Salettl, right next to the central station in Tennengau.
Welcome refreshment after a long day at the museum
After a long and fascinating day at the Freilichtmuseum, you've earned a rest and a good meal. Call in to see Rudi Wohland and let him and his team look after you. The Salettl serves regional specialities and provides beautiful views from comfortable seating arrangements in a historic gazebo. The spacious outdoor dining area is the perfect option in good weather, with seating for large groups available.
Read on for a summary of the various exhibitions currently on display:
- The Lungau – the land behind the Tauern
- Oldtime tractors – an exhibition of historic machinery and tools
- Fascinating facts about the breweries of the region – Salzburger brewing practices
- A servant's life – daily life for the servant classes
- Ploughing then and now – from the Neolithic Age to the pre-war era
- The Fürstenbrunn power station – power station operation and the electrification of the region
- The Grossglockner high-alpine road – a history of the road's construction and operation
Well then, what are you waiting for?
We will be happy to help you plan your expedition. For more information on travel arrangements and reservations, please contact the reception team here at the Landgasthof Kirchbichl. The Zipperer family look forward to meeting you soon. Send us your obligation-free enquiry or give us a call on +43(0)662 6659 00.
