National park community of Molln
Jew's harp sound and mountain feeling
Between the Steyr Valley and the Kalkalpen National Park lies a place that makes you feel the vastness. At 191.3 km², Molln is one of the largest municipalities in Upper Austria - and is also a lively gateway to the forest wilderness of the Kalkalpen National Park.
Natural monuments such as the Rinnende Mauer and the Steyr Gorge show how powerfully water and rock interact here. Around Molln, more than a hundred kilometres of hiking and cycling trails lead through forests, along the Steyr and up to panoramic heights. Step by step, a landscape opens up that combines movement and tranquillity.
Culture also has its place here. The Frauenstein pilgrimage church with the Virgin of Protection by Gregor Erhardt tells of living history. In the National Park Centre, exhibitions and events accompany you throughout the year - close to nature, close to people.
A special instrument has been resounding in Molln for centuries: the jew's harp. Jew's harp. Over 30 master craftsmen once worked on its production. Today, the traditional craft is carried on with great care - a sound that has travelled far beyond the Steyr Valley and continues to touch people today.
Molln combines the power of nature and craftsmanship, history and the present.
A place where paths lead further - and moments remain.
Facts & Figures
History of the municipality of Molln
The national park community of Molln looks back on a long and eventful history. The place name goes back to the Slavic "Smolna" - a reference to an early pitch settlement in the densely wooded Steyrtal WORDING & TONE-...SHEET.docx. Molln was first mentioned in documents in 1233 as the knightly seat of Heinrich von Molna. In 1336, Duke Albrecht elevated the town to market status due to its lively commercial and trading activity. This market right was later lost and was granted again in 1977.
For centuries, agriculture characterised people's lives - from the settlement of the Neolithic period to Roman influences and the liberation of the peasants in 1848 WORDING & TONE-...SHEET.docx. Mining and iron processing also played an important role; they are documented from the 16th century and flourished until around 1790. Scythe production also developed from 1780.
A special cultural heritage is jew's harp making, which has made Molln famous throughout the region for centuries. The fine "trouser sack instrument" still stands for craftsmanship and living tradition in the Steyrtal today.
History has also been characterised by conflicts: in 1704 there was the so-called Molln riot, when farmers prevented the felling of thousands of trees austria-forum.org. This was followed in 1717 by an organised hunting riot against game damage. In 1919, the "Poachers' Battle of Molln" shook the town.
Today, Molln is closely linked to the Kalkalpen National Park; the National Park Centre was opened in 2001. Between history, crafts and forest wilderness, Molln combines past and present - in the heart of Upper Austria.
A special cultural heritage is jew's harp making, which has made Molln famous throughout the region for centuries. The fine "trouser sack instrument" still stands for craftsmanship and living tradition in the Steyrtal.
History has also been characterised by conflicts: in 1704 there was the so-called Molln riot, when farmers prevented the felling of thousands of trees austria-forum.org. This was followed in 1717 by an organised hunting riot against game damage. In 1919, the "Poachers' Battle of Molln" shook the town.
Today, Molln is closely linked to the Kalkalpen National Park; the National Park Centre was opened in 2001. Between history, crafts and forest wilderness, Molln combines past and present - in the heart of Upper Austria.
Interesting facts about the municipality of Molln
The national park community of Molln is located in the central Steyrtal valley in Upper Austria - nestled in the valleys surrounding the Kalkalpen National Park. In 360° Alpenland, it forms a peaceful centre between mountains, river valleys and a lively cultural landscape. Here, dense forests meet open meadows, short distances meet great nature.
Cultural highlights include the Frauenstein pilgrimage church with its famous protective mantle Madonna, Jew's harp production, the poaching museum and the Schmidberger sword and armour smithy. Natural monuments such as the Rinnende Mauer or the Steyrdurchbruch show the power of water. In Molln, culture and landscape are close together - typical of the 360° Alpine region.
The Rinnende Mauer is an impressive natural monument near Molln: water emerges from the rock and has been shaping the landscape for centuries. Embedded in the forests of the Kalkalpen National Park, it shows just how alive geology can be. A place for quiet observation and mindful steps.
Molln is considered the centre of Austrian Jew's harp production. The small instrument has been made here for centuries - by hand and with a great deal of knowledge about the material and sound. As an element of regional culture, the Jew's harp stands for living tradition in the 360° Alpine region.
Traditional Jew's harp production can be experienced up close in two businesses: Jew's Harp Maker & Jew's Harp and Harmonica Experience Schwarz
The Steyrtal valley around Molln offers a wide variety of cycle routes - from leisurely river paths to more challenging mountain bike routes. Between forest wilderness and open meadows, a cycling holiday in 360° Alpenland is an eventful journey through Upper Austria.
Rangers in the Kalkalpen National Park accompany visitors through gorges, forests and mountain pastures. It's not just about walking, but about understanding: How does a beech forest grow? Which animals live here? In Molln, knowledge of nature becomes part of the experience.