--- title: Molln – A National Park Community in the 360° Alpenland url: "https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln.html" description: Molln is located in the heart of Upper Austria, within the Kalkalpen National Park. Forests, hiking trails, and authentic encounters await. Discover your nature getaway. image: "https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/user_upload/360alpenland/Logos/360Alpenland-Logo.png" date: 2026-02-26 modified: 2026-06-09 --- # Molln – A National Park Community in the 360° Alpenland ![](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/2/d/csm_MaultrommelManufakturWimmerBades_T-Man_5bcaa415b7.jpg "T-Man Produktion der Mollner Maultrommel in der Manufaktur Wimmer-Bades, die Erzeugung zählt zum Immateriellen Kulturerbe der UNESCO") ![](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/2/d/csm_MaultrommelManufakturWimmerBades_T-Man_61dc23b840.jpg "T-Man Produktion der Mollner Maultrommel in der Manufaktur Wimmer-Bades, die Erzeugung zählt zum Immateriellen Kulturerbe der UNESCO") Open copyright © T-Man Produktion der Mollner Maultrommel in der Manufaktur Wimmer-Bades, die Erzeugung zählt zum Immateriellen Kulturerbe der UNESCO Close copyright [ Accommodation Booking ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/accommodation.html) 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**](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-tour/detail/430005754/rinnende-mauer-schluchtweg.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") and the [**Steyr Gorge**](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/430015166/steyrdurchbruch-jugendstilkraftwerk-am-steyrfluss.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") 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**](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/400680/wallfahrtskirche-frauenstein.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") 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. [continue reading ](javascript:void())A special instrument has been resounding in Molln for centuries: the jew's harp. [**Jew's harp**](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/430032646/groesste-maultrommel-der-welt.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster"). 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. [ ![Symbol photo hotel room](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/d/9/csm_16zu9_unterk%C3%BCnfte_symbolbild_shutterstock-boyloso_e8924460a0.jpg "Photo: Shutterstock") Accommodation ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/hinterstoder/accommodation-7-9.html) Open copyright © Photo: Shutterstock Close copyright [ ![Roasted salmon trout on herb risotto beautifully arranged on a plate.](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/0/3/csm_Gastronomie_56c94c773e.jpg "Photo: Steyr and the National Park Region/Hans Mader: Roasted salmon trout on herb risotto") Gastronomy ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-gastronomie/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") Open copyright © Photo: Steyr and the National Park Region/Hans Mader: Roasted salmon trout on herb risotto Close copyright [ ![Leute beim Tanzen | Foto: Daniel Hinterramskogler](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/a/d/csm_Veranstaltungen_b79d00cedc.jpg "Leute beim Tanzen | Foto: Daniel Hinterramskogler") events ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-veranstaltungen/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln.html) Open copyright © Leute beim Tanzen | Foto: Daniel Hinterramskogler Close copyright [ ![Ein Finger zeigt auf ein Bild | Foto KI](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/9/9/csm_Museen-Kultur_7a2081c92a.jpg "Ein Finger zeigt auf ein Bild | Foto KI") Culture & Museums ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-pois/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln/kultureinrichtungen.html) Open copyright © Ein Finger zeigt auf ein Bild | Foto KI Close copyright [ ![Sportliche Beine beim Laufen | Foto: Alpenland Tourismus GmbH/Melanie Eichenauer](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/b/4/csm_Wanderwege_1ce2f012b3.jpg "Sportliche Beine beim Laufen | Foto: Alpenland Tourismus GmbH/Melanie Eichenauer") Routes & Tours ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-touren/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln.html) Open copyright © Sportliche Beine beim Laufen | Foto: Alpenland Tourismus GmbH/Melanie Eichenauer Close copyright Best of Molln [ ![A large, modern sculpture in the shape of a contracted instrument stands in front of a mountain landscape. The sky is clear, and there are trees visible in the foreground.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: TVB Steyr und die Nationalpark Region") Largest jew's harp in the world ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/430032646/largest-jew-s-harp-in-the-world.html) Open copyright © Copyright: TVB Steyr und die Nationalpark Region Close copyright [ ![A modern sculpture stands in front of a picturesque landscape with mountains in the background. The image also features a banner and information panels.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Wimmer-Bades") Jew's harp maker Molln ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/402168/jew-s-harp-maker-molln-museum-show-operation.html) Open copyright © Copyright: Wimmer-Bades Close copyright [ ![An old wooden box stands in a room full of machines. Next to it, a large wheel is visible, which is part of the equipment.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Schwarz GmbH") Jew's harp and harmonica black ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/400957/jew-s-harp-and-harmonica-experience-schwarz.html) Open copyright © Copyright: Schwarz GmbH Close copyright [ ![Two blacksmiths are working in a traditional forge. One is striking a glowing piece of metal with a hammer, while the other is shaping it.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Johann Schmiedberger") Swordsmith and armourer Schmidberger ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/401288/schmidberger-sword-armour-production.html) Open copyright © Copyright: Johann Schmiedberger Close copyright [ ![A historic room with a wooden floor and a wooden ceiling. There are various pieces of furniture, hunting trophies, and displays on the walls.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: Wilderer Museum") Wilderer Museum Molln - Jew's harp & handicraft ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/400043/poacher-museum-molln-jew-s-harp-crafts.html) Open copyright © Copyright: Wilderer Museum Close copyright [ ![Eaves spring with a curtain of water at the steep slope of the Steyr](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: TV Nationalpark Region Steyrtal") Guttering wall - ravine path ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-tour/detail/430005754/rinnende-mauer-gorge-trail.html) Open copyright © Copyright: TV Nationalpark Region Steyrtal Close copyright [ ![A hiker with a backpack walks on a path between fields. In the background, gentle hills and mountains can be seen.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Urheber: Weiermeier Copyright: Weiermeier") Adventure walks Bad Hall ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/430038526/adventure-walks-in-bad-hall.html) Open copyright © Urheber: Weiermeier Copyright: Weiermeier Close copyright [ ![A friendly seller stands behind a sales booth and advises two customers. The booth offers various local products, including fresh food and beverages.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Urheber: TVB Bad Hall Copyright: TVB Bad Hall") Farmers' market Bad Hall ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/104788/farmers-market-bad-hall.html) Open copyright © Urheber: TVB Bad Hall Copyright: TVB Bad Hall Close copyright [ ![A colorful logo with a jester hat and the lettering "BHCC". In the background, a stylized map of Austria in red and white can be seen.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "© Copyright: BHCC") Bad Hall Carnival Club ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/molln/oesterreich-poi/detail/430036467/bad-haller-carneval-club.html) Open copyright © Copyright: BHCC Close copyright [ ![Mountainbike auf einem Weg | Foto: KI](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/f/1/csm_Sporteinrichtungen_2da4dab90b.jpg "Mountainbike auf einem Weg | Foto: KI") Sports facilities ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-pois/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln/sporteinrichtungen.html) Open copyright © Mountainbike auf einem Weg | Foto: KI Close copyright [ ![Eine Person hält eine Karte in der Hand | Foto: KI](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/9/csm_Freizeiteinrichtungen_a2fad49fa4.jpg "Eine Person hält eine Karte in der Hand | Foto: KI") Leisure facilities ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-pois/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln/kultureinrichtungen.html) Open copyright © Eine Person hält eine Karte in der Hand | Foto: KI Close copyright [ ![Zwei Damen beim Shoppen auf der Straße beim Gehen | Foto: Wolfgang Spekner](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/4/3/csm_Einkaufen_und_Bezahlen_in_einem_Shop_7287532655.jpg "Zwei Damen beim Shoppen auf der Straße beim Gehen | Foto: Wolfgang Spekner") Shopping ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-pois/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln/einkaufen.html) Open copyright © Zwei Damen beim Shoppen auf der Straße beim Gehen | Foto: Wolfgang Spekner Close copyright [ ![Drei Damen im Gespräch | Foto: KI](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/3/csm_Dienstleistungen_d2cb972e79.jpg "Drei Damen im Gespräch | Foto: KI") Service & Services ](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-stadt-ort-pois/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln/infrastruktur.html) Open copyright © Drei Damen im Gespräch | Foto: KI Close copyright [ ![Hauseck mit einem Fenster | Foto: KI](https://www.360alpenland.com/fileadmin/_processed_/6/9/csm_Sehensw%C3%BCrdigkeiten_4449ca4cc2.jpg "Hauseck mit einem Fenster | Foto: KI") Places of interest ](https://www.360alpenland.com/en/oesterreich-stadt-ort-pois/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln/sehenswuerdigkeiten.html) Open copyright © Hauseck mit einem Fenster | Foto: KI Close copyright 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Facts & Figures ------------------- 3,644 Inhabitants 191 km² Area 442 m above sea level 47.89, 14.26 GPS coordinates 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. [continue reading ](javascript:void())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 ------------------------------------------------- [ Where is the national park municipality of Molln located? ](#ttgNCECollapse490982) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. [ What sights are there in Molln? ](#ttgNCECollapse490983) ------------------------------------------------------------- Cultural highlights include the [Frauenstein pilgrimage church](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/400680/wallfahrtskirche-frauenstein.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") with its famous protective mantle Madonna, [Jew's harp production](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-stadt-ort/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster"), the [poaching museum](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/400043/wilderer-museum-molln-maultrommel-handwerk.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") and the [Schmidberger sword and armour smithy](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/401288/schwertschmiede-und-harnischschmiede-schmidberger.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster"). Natural monuments such as the [Rinnende Mauer](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-tour/detail/430007517/rinnende-mauer-vom-parkplatz-gradau.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") or the [Steyrdurchbruch](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/430015166/steyrdurchbruch-jugendstilkraftwerk-am-steyrfluss.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") show the power of water. In Molln, culture and landscape are close together - typical of the 360° Alpine region. [ What is the Rinnende Mauer? ](#ttgNCECollapse490985) --------------------------------------------------------- The [Rinnende Mauer](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-tour/detail/430007517/rinnende-mauer-vom-parkplatz-gradau.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") 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. [ What is the significance of the Jew's harp in Molln? ](#ttgNCECollapse490986) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/402168/maultrommelmacher-molln-museum-schaubetrieb.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") & [Jew's Harp and Harmonica Experience Schwarz](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-poi/detail/400957/maultrommel-und-harmonika-erlebniswelt-schwarz.html "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") [ Can you cycle in Molln? ](#ttgNCECollapse490987) ----------------------------------------------------- The Steyrtal valley around Molln offers a wide variety of [cycle routes](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-stadt-ort-touren/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln.html#q=category%3A(%22E-Bike-Tour%22%20OR%20%22Mountainbike-Tour%22)&removeEmptyItems=false&sort=title%2Basc "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster") - 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. [ Are there guided tours in the Kalkalpen National Park? ](#ttgNCECollapse490988) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Rangers in the Kalkalpen National Park ](https://www.360alpenland.com/oesterreich-stadt-ort-veranstaltungen/detail/430001027/nationalpark-gemeinde-molln.html#q=category%3A%22gef%C3%BChrte%20Wanderung%22&removeEmptyItems=false&startdate=2026-06-09&enddate=2027-06-09&layout=liste&sort=start%2Basc "Link öffnet sich in neuem Fenster")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.