Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn
Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn - at the gateway to the mountains.
Three places, one strong community: Klaus, Steyrling, Kniewas.
Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn is located where the upper Krems Valley opens up towards the Alps and the landscape becomes noticeably quieter. Nestled between wooded slopes, the Steyr river and the striking mountain panorama of the northern Limestone Alps, the municipality combines natural space, history and quality of life in a special way. As a mountain community on the left bank of the Steyr, its territory stretches from the Kremsmauer to the northern walls of the Priel massif - a wide arc of rock, forest and water.
The Klauser See lake characterises the townscape, as does the clear valley location. Created by the construction of the power station, the approximately seven kilometre long lake now blends harmoniously into the landscape and has become a popular local recreation area - with walking paths, boating opportunities and quiet spots by the water. Klaus Castle rises just a few steps above it with its early baroque mountain church, which has been a cultural and spiritual inspiration for decades and has helped shape the village both architecturally and atmospherically.
Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn is closely linked to its transport history. Its location on the Pyhrn railway made the town an important point on the north-south corridor between Upper Austria and Styria. Today, the railway line, Pyhrn Pass road and the nearby A9 motorway ensure good accessibility - without the village character being lost.
Clubs, events and an active community life characterise everyday life between the villages of Klaus, Steyrling and Kniewas. Nature and community are not juxtaposed here, but intertwine.
Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn thus presents itself as a place with a clear attitude: characterised by the Alps, an impressive landscape and at the same time down-to-earth. A community that consciously embraces its location at the gateway to the Pyhrn-Priel region - with a view of the mountains and firm roots in the valley.
Facts & Figures
History of the municipality of Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn
Where water, forest and history come together.
Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn looks back on a long and varied history that is inextricably linked to its location in the striking Steyr valley. The area was already used in the Bronze Age, as archaeological finds prove. Later, an important Roman road ran through the Steyr Valley - an early indication that Klaus was already a strategically important transit point between north and south.
In the High Middle Ages, Klaus comes more clearly into the light of history. The first documentary evidence dates back to the late 12th century: in 1192, the town is mentioned as a princely possession of the Babenbergs. Klaus Castle secured the narrow point in the valley and was both the administrative centre and a symbol of power. Over the centuries, the place name also changed - from "Clusa" to "Chlausa" to today's "Klaus" - reflecting the linguistic and cultural changes in the region. From 1490, the village belonged to the Principality of Austria ob der Enns and was thus firmly integrated into the history of the country.
Like many places in Upper Austria, Klaus was also characterised by the upheavals of modern times. During the Napoleonic Wars, there were several occupations. After 1918, Klaus became part of the newly founded federal state of Upper Austria, was assigned to the Gau Oberdonau in 1938 and then reincorporated into the federal state of Upper Austria after 1945.
The construction of the Klaus run-of-river power plant between 1973 and 1975 was a major turning point in recent history, and the resulting reservoir changed the landscape forever. At the same time, a technical infrastructure project developed into a local recreational area, which is now an integral part of community life.
Klaus also makes its mark culturally: The listed locomotive shed was used as part of the "Land of Hammers" regional exhibition in 1998 and is now a lively venue for events and meetings as the "Lokschuppm".
The history of Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn tells of transport and change, of power and nature, of technology and community - and of a place that knows its past and consciously shapes its future.
Interesting facts about the municipality of Klaus an der Pyhrnbahn in 360° Alpenland
Klaus is located in the south of Upper Austria, in the Steyrtal valley, directly on the Pyhrn railway and close to the A9 Pyhrn motorway. The location makes the village easily accessible and at the same time nestled in the mountains between Pyhrn and Priel - an ideal starting point in the 360° Alpine region.
Well-marked paths lead around the lake and up to the mountain church. From a leisurely stroll along the shore to an extended tour towards the Kalkalpen National Park, hikers will find suitable tours.
Klaus offers easy access to valley paths, mountain pastures and more challenging mountain tours in the Pyhrn-Priel region. The proximity to peaks and water creates variety without long journeys.
Klaus Castle has characterised the townscape for centuries. It stands for history, encounters and cultural impulses - visible above the village and closely linked to the mountain church.
The mountain church is a special place of power above the village. In addition to its historical significance, it is now a venue for events such as the renowned summer music festival.
Cycle routes with moderate gradients run along the Steyr. Ambitious bikers will find more challenging routes in the direction of Pyhrn-Priel.
Klaus is only a few kilometres away from the foothills of the Kalkalpen National Park. Ancient beech forests and vast woodland landscapes are within easy reach.