Gaflenz
Gaflenz - Places of power around the Heiligenstein.
Nature that moves - peace that lasts.
In the 360° Alpine region between the Enns and Ybbstal valleys, nestled in the gentle expanse of the Upper Austrian Alpine foothills, lies Gaflenz - a market town in the Steyr-Land district, quiet, close to nature and steeped in history. Anyone arriving here immediately senses that the paths are widening. The view opens up. And the pace slows with every step.
Gaflenz lies at around 480 metres above sea level, surrounded by forests, hills and peaks that reach over 1,100 metres. More than half of the municipal area is forested - nature is not a backdrop here, but a habitat. Between alpine pastures, forest paths and open mountain ranges, a landscape unfolds that is moving in every season: clear and quiet in winter, full of new beginnings in spring, wide and green in summer, warm and colourful in autumn.
The pilgrimage church of St Sebald am Heiligenstein watches over the village. It is a landmark of Gaflenz and a place with a special aura. Situated at around 782 metres above sea level, it offers a wide panoramic view over the valleys - a place to pause, reflect and take a deep breath. The Gothic parish church with the patron saints St Andrew and St Vitus also tells of the deep-rooted history of the village. Gaflenz was first mentioned in a document in 1140 - a trace of time that can still be felt in the townscape today.
Nature and movement go hand in hand here. The Forsteralm is known far beyond the region - as a family ski area with clear winter air and wide pistes. In summer, the slopes are transformed into panoramic hiking trails. Step by step, they lead through forests, across alpine pastures and up to quiet heights. Pilgrims also find their way: the Sebaldus pilgrimage route combines spiritual tradition with exercise close to nature.
Gaflenz is not a noisy place. It is a place for people who seek expansiveness - in their gaze and in their thoughts. For all those who want to feel nature without having to forego established culture. For those who are travelling between mountains and river valleys and appreciate genuine encounters.
Gaflenz is a powerful haven of peace in 360° Alpenland. Between alpine foothills and cultural depth. Between movement and tranquillity. A place that is not staged - but works. And this is precisely where its special attitude to life lies.
Facts & Figures
History of the municipality of Gaflenz
Where nature and culture come together.
Between the mountains and river valleys, Gaflenz tells a story that is deeply rooted in the heart of Upper Austria. Step by step, the village has developed from an early medieval settlement into a lively market town in the Steyr-Land district - characterised by faith, agriculture and community.
The name goes back to the "Abelenzi" estate and is of Slavic origin. It means "apple tree" and refers to the early settlers who shaped this valley. In the 12th century, Sophia, the widow of Leopold von Steyr, donated the estate to Garsten Abbey. This marked the beginning of a close connection between Gaflenz and the Benedictine monastery, which determined economic and ecclesiastical life for centuries to come.
On 24 October 1140, Bishop Reginbert of Passau consecrated the parish church - the first documented mention of Gaflenz. The parish quickly developed into a spiritual centre of the valley. For generations, baptisms were celebrated here, marriages were solemnised and stories were passed on. Where faith and everyday life come together, identity is created.
In the High and Late Middle Ages, the valley grew through clearing and colonisation. Slavic and later Bavarian settlers opened up forests, established farms and formed the cultural landscape that still characterises the area today. Gaflenz has been part of the Principality of Austria ob der Enns, now Upper Austria, since 1490.
Turbulent times have also left their mark. During the Turkish wars in the 16th century, bands of marauders reached Gaflenztal; they were beaten back at the so-called Türkenschanze. During the Napoleonic years, the village was once again occupied by troops. And yet Gaflenz remained a place of stability - sustained by agriculture, forestry and the solidarity of its people.
A special sign of this history is the Heiligenstein with the pilgrimage church of St Sebald. Since the 15th century, the path has led up to this place of power, which is still a landmark of the municipality today. Here you can feel the vastness - in the view over the valley and in the awareness of over 600 years of tradition.
Today, Gaflenz combines past and present. Historic farms, ecclesiastical artefacts and living customs tell of a place that knows its roots and at the same time looks openly to the future. A history that remains - and continues to be written.
Things to know about Gaflenz in 360° Alpenland
Gaflenz is located in the southern part of the 360° Alpenland in Upper Austria - nestled between wooded mountain ranges and open valley areas. The location combines alpine foothills with short distances to towns such as Steyr and the nature surrounding the Kalkalpen National Park. The interplay of adventure areas can be felt here: mountains, culture and movement intertwine.
Gaflenz is known for the Forsteralm, a family-friendly ski area in the foothills of the Alps, and for the pilgrimage church of St Sebald am Heiligenstein. Both places epitomise what 360° Alpenland is all about: The power of nature, living tradition and views that make your mind wander.
Around Gaflenz, hiking trails lead through forests, across alpine pastures and up to panoramic peaks. Whether a leisurely family walk or a more challenging mountain tour - hiking in 360° Alpenland means travelling between the mountains and river valleys. Nature holidays in Upper Austria take on a quiet, powerful note here.
The Forsteralm offers pistes for families and connoisseurs. There are also cross-country ski trails and winter hiking paths. A winter holiday in Gaflenz combines exercise with tranquillity - nestled in the vast landscape of the 360° Alpenland.
The mountain church of St Sebald towers above Gaflenz and offers a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside. It has been a destination for pilgrims and hikers for centuries. Here you can feel how nature and culture come together in 360° Alpine country.
The Sebaldus Pilgrimage Trail leads through landscapes that offer tranquillity. Pilgrimage in Upper Austria here means: walking mindfully, listening to nature, perceiving the vastness.
Whether easy hikes, winter days on the Forsteralm or swimming breaks in summer - Gaflenz offers space for shared experiences. Families can enjoy a nature holiday here in 360° Alpine country without long distances.
Gaflenz can be reached by car and via the Ennstal railway. Despite good transport links, the village remains embedded in a peaceful landscape.