Steyr
such as sight and insight
Steyr, the City of Romance – 1,000 Years and a Moment
The Old Town and views of the Alps. Culture and nature in harmony.
Steyr combines city life with natural splendour – right in the heart of Upper Austria’s 360° Alpine landscape. Between the Enns and Steyr , narrow alleyways, town houses and the historic town square tell the story of over 1,000 years of history.
Charming cafés and restaurants overlooking the water, along with small, owner-run shops, characterise the townscape and invite you to take a leisurely stroll, whilst the town’s museums recount history and stories. Numerous guided tours, from the highest tower to the deepest cellar, bring all this to life – ideal for your next business trip or holiday.
Nature begins right in the heart of the city: cycle paths along the rivers and walks, such as up the Damberg or towards the Kalkalpen National Park, combine a cultural journey with a nature holiday in the 360° Alpine landscape.
During Advent , Steyr shows its particularly atmospheric side: here, the historic old town and the pilgrimage site of Christkindl come together to form ‘Christkindlstadt Steyr’ – a blend of tradition and contemplation, city life and Christmas magic. In 2026, the Ö3-Weihnachtswunder will come to Steyr for the first time, broadcasting 120 hours live from the town square – from the glass ‘wish hut’ in the heart of the historic old town.
Anyone strolling through Steyr can sense this special interplay – urban flair, the murmur of the river and the view of the mountains to the south. This makes a stay in Steyr more than just a city break. It becomes a retreat in the heart of Upper Austria, where culture, indulgence and activity come together as a matter of course.
Our special offers at unbeatable prices
from €155 per person
Spend a few days relaxing in Steyr, the 1,000-year-old romantic town with its unique charm and atmosphere.
- From 2 nights’ stay in your chosen accommodation
- Access to a range of experiences
Travel period: 28 March – 15 November 2026
from €183 per person
Open-air event in the moat of Lamberg Castle in Steyr.
- Stay of 2 nights or more at your chosen accommodation
- Festival cocktail
- Ticket for ‘HAIR’ in the moat
Travel period: 23 July – 8 August 2026
from €140 per person
Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Steyr, the Christmas market town.
- From 2 nights’ stay
- Christmas punch including a mug
- Things to do in Steyr
Advent and Christmas magic in Steyr, the Christmas market town
The pilgrimage site of Christkindl gives the 1,000-year-old town of Steyr its evocative name, ‘Christkindlstadt’, and, with its world-famous post office, has always been the centre of Steyr’s Christmas celebrations. Old customs and traditions – often regional in nature – are lovingly preserved here, leaving both visitors and locals in awe!
Facts & Figures
History of the City of Steyr
The history of the town of Steyr is closely linked to its unique location at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers. Thanks to the processing of iron from the Erzberg, some 100 kilometres away, the town developed into a major centre of the iron industry during the Middle Ages. At that time, Steyr was regarded as the second-largest and second-richest town in Austria after Vienna.
Steyr was first mentioned in a document in the year 980. A major milestone in its development was the granting of the Great Privilege by Duke Albrecht of Austria in 1287, which conferred upon the town both town privileges and the right of staple.
A prosperous middle class emerged around what is now the Stadtplatz, commissioning the construction of magnificent town houses. The Gothic Bummerlhaus still serves as a reminder of this economic heyday. Town fires, particularly that of 1727, permanently altered the townscape, but also led to new Baroque buildings such as Lamberg Castle in its present form.
In the second half of the 19th century, the arms manufacturer Josef Werndl shaped the industrialisation of Steyr with his entrepreneurial drive and pioneering spirit. In addition to developing the breech-loading rifle with a tabernacle breechblock, Werndl recognised the importance of electricity at an early stage and had the first electric street lighting on the European continent installed in Steyr.
To this day, Steyr remains a major centre for industry and research, home to international companies in the fields of mechanical engineering, the metal industry and high-tech. Furthermore, the campus of Steyr University of Applied Sciences provides practical training for the leaders of tomorrow.
At the same time, Steyr combines history and tradition with a modern way of life. Historic buildings, theatres, museums, galleries and studios shape the city’s cultural life and lend it its special charm.
Interesting facts about the town of Steyr in 360° Alpenland
Steyr lies between Salzburg and Vienna, where the rivers Enns and Steyr converge. This 1,000-year-old town is characterised by Gothic townhouses, tranquil courtyards and a vibrant cultural scene, with unspoilt river meadows right next to the town square. Set against the backdrop of the 360° Alpine landscape, this creates a city break that brings together architecture, history and nature, all within easy reach.
The historic town square is one of the most beautiful ensembles in Austria. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles stand side by side here, and the Bummerlhaus is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Anyone strolling through the narrow streets of Steyr experiences architectural history as part of everyday life – authentically and without any staging.
Steyr has 119 bridges and footbridges. The locals often joke that this city on two rivers has more bridges than Venice.
Furthermore, after Vienna, Salzburg and Graz, Steyr has the most listed buildings in Austria.
Among the main attractions in Steyr are the town square with the Bummerlhaus, the parish church, Lamberg Castle and St Michael’s Church, as well as the pilgrimage site of Christkindl. The town’s ironworking heritage is documented in the Town Museum in the Innerberger Stadel.
The sights in the city centre are all within walking distance – ideal for a cultural trip through the 360° Alpine region.
The Museum of the Working World explores social issues within a historical industrial setting. The City Museum documents the development of Eisenstadt.
The programme is complemented by smaller collections and further exhibitions such as the Mostböck Archive, the Schmollgruber Iron Clock Collection and the Stollen der Erinnerung – a diverse cultural programme in the 360° Alpenland region.
The Steyr Music Festival in the Schlossgraben, the Steyr City Festival and the FM4 Festival bring culture to historic settings every year. The Baroque Alte Theater is a venue for concerts, cabaret and children’s theatre. There is a lively festival scene featuring literature, theatre, Baroque music and cabaret. Cabaret is a key feature at the AKKU cultural centres, whilst youth culture thrives at the Röda.
Events bring locals and visitors together – lively, open and firmly rooted in the annual cycle of the 360° Alpine region.
Galleries, concerts, theatres and festivals shape the city’s cultural life. Historic buildings serve as a backdrop for contemporary events. Steyr thus remains a city that is mindful of its heritage whilst looking openly to the future.
Popular photo spots include the connecting bridges, the view of the Old Town from Lamberg Castle, the footbridge over the River Enns, and the viewing platform by the Panoramalift.
The combination of the river, the architecture and the sky creates images that linger in the memory.
Steyr’s old town is compact and easy to explore on foot – although the terraced layout of the town means the different areas are connected by gentle inclines. Themed walks and self-guided strolls take you through narrow streets, over bridges and to vantage points.
With an audio tour, you can explore impressive sights in the city centre at your own pace. Guided city tours can be booked through Austria Guides Steyr.
The Bummerlhaus at Stadtplatz 32 is Steyr’s landmark. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved Gothic secular buildings in the country; part of the building dates back to the 13th century. In the 19th century, the ‘Zum goldenen Löwen’ inn was located here. The lion above the entrance still serves as a reminder of this today. However, the guests found it a little too cute – they jokingly called it ‘Bummerl’, which in the local dialect means a small, chubby dog. Over time, the ‘Bummerlwirtshaus’ became the Bummerlhaus – a name that has stuck.
The town’s shopping scene is centred around Stadtplatz, Enge Gasse, Grünmarkt and Pfarrgasse. Here you’ll find fashion boutiques, bookshops, jewellery and watch shops, opticians, specialist retailers and cafés – ideal for anyone who enjoys browsing through small shops and values personalised advice.
The City Point Steyr shopping centre is located at Leopold-Werndl-Straße 2 – close to the city centre and easily accessible.
The modern HEY! STEYR shopping centre offers around 33 shops as well as ample parking facilities with approximately 400 convenient parking spaces. International brands, restaurants and services make it another key destination for shopping in Steyr.
At the Taborland shopping centre, you’ll find 11 shops, 3 restaurants and a hairdresser, as well as 380 free parking spaces.
Short-stay parking zones subject to chargesapply around Stadtplatz, Ennskai, the Promenade and in the area around the Museum Arbeitswelt (Monday to Friday 08:00–18:00, Saturday 08:00–12:00, parking duration 1 to 3 hours depending on the zone). Outside these times – in the evenings, from Saturday lunchtime onwards, and on Sundays and public holidays – parking is free in many areas.
If you’d like to park in the shelter of the elements and with flexibility, use one of the central car parks:
- Stadtplatzgarage (Dukartstraße 1A)
- City Point Car Park (Leopold-Werndl-Straße 2)
- Pachergasse / Südpool car park – close to the city centre
- Schlossparkgarage (Sepp-Stöger-Straße 5) – just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town
- Stadthalle car park (Kaserngasse 6) – up to 3 hours free of charge
Exact rates may vary depending on the operator.
Free parking spaces are available just outside the core zone, for example at the Reithoffer site – a short walk from the Old Town.
You can find further information on how to get here here.