|
Due to its strategically important position,
in mediaeval times it was a flourishing trading centre. In the Peasants' War of 1526/27 the town was besieged by the rebel
forces of Michael Gaismair, and its determined defence was recognised by
the grant of special rights (Grosser Freiheitsbrief) by
Archbishop Matthaus Lang and the motto Allzeit getreu - 'Ever
Loyal'.
During the first half of the nineteenth century Radstadt was occupied
by Austrian, Bavarian and French garrisons, coming finally into Austrian
possession in 1861, together with Salzburg.
The Fortifications
The thirteenth century walls are of unique symmetrical design and
include three watch towers, Hexen, Teich and Kapuzinerturm, built
between 1527 and 1535 and all in a good state of preservation. Six
routes radiate from the city centre - Scheikstiege, Metzgerloch,
Baderstiege, Sparkassenpassage, Stöcklloch and Friedhof - and the 'Millenniumspfad'
walk along the walls, ending in the city square, guides the visitor, in
1000 steps, through a thousand years of history on information panels.
Castle Lerchen, dating from 1298, and the Kapuzinerturm tower, house
the local heritage museum in which the history, sacred art, culture and
geology of the area are displayed. Both are open daily during the summer
season; the tower museum is closed in the winter months. Of the three
churches, the Kapuzinerkirch has a notable baroque high altar.
Radstadt Today
Radstadt is now a sunny holiday resort of about 5000 inhabitants.
From the nearby mountain, Rossbrand, there is a panoramic view of more
than 150 peaks of the Eastern Alps, Dachstein, Eisriesenwelt,
Grossglockner, Liechtensteinklamm, Jägersee and Salzburg.
For winter sports, one ticket gives access to 120 modem cable
railways and ski lifts and 220 kilometres of cross country trails in
this most beautiful part of Austria. In summer there is tennis, golf,
cycling, swimming, riding and walking. In the town, festivals create a
special atmosphere - the festival of dumplings, Gardefest, the mountain
festival on the Rossbrand, classical and modern music, theatre - there
is much to delight the whole family.
Drosendorf I
Eggenburg I
Friesach I
Horn
I
Radstadt I
Waidhofen an der Thaya I
Weitra |
