Things to Do in Steyr: Austria's Most Underrated Town?

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Steyr is one of Austria’s most underrated towns. While it doesn’t have one famous landmark that draws visitors from around the world, it more than makes up for it with its picturesque old town and beautiful riverside setting.

I recently spent a day exploring Steyr and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Wandering through the historic streets and admiring the spot where the Enns and Steyr rivers meet was easily my favourite part of the visit.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a relaxing weekend in Upper Austria, here are the best things to do in Steyr.

Table of Contents

1. Walk from the Train Station to the Old Town

View across the turquoise river toward Steyr's historic center with church towers, red tiled roofs, and riverside buildings under a blue summer sky. A pedestrian bridge crosses the water in the foreground.

If you’re arriving in Steyr by train, you’re in for a great first impression. Instead of catching a bus or taxi, simply follow the white footsteps painted on the pavement outside the station. They’ll lead you all the way into the historic centre.

On the way, you’ll cross the Ennssteg footbridge, which offers beautiful views over the river and the buildings of Steyr.

Even if you’re not arriving by train, I recommend making the short walk to the bridge. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city and a lovely way to start exploring.

2. Explore the Hauptplatz

Ornate Baroque town hall with a tall clock tower dominates Steyr's main square on a sunny day. Flower planters, cyclists, and surrounding historic buildings add life to the cobblestone plaza.

Stone fountain topped with a sculpted figure stands in the middle of Steyr's historic town square. Colorful gabled buildings with red tiled roofs frame the square beneath a bright blue sky.

Steyr’s Hauptplatz is one of the prettiest town squares I’ve visited in Austria. It’s surrounded by historic buildings, many with beautifully decorated façades, so don’t forget to look up as you wander around.

If you’re visiting on a Thursday or Saturday morning, you’ll also find a weekly market selling local produce and other goods, which makes the square feel even more lively.

One thing to keep in mind is that cars are allowed to drive through parts of the square. I initially assumed it was pedestrian only because of the cobblestones, so make sure to keep an eye out while exploring.

3. Wander Through Engelgasse

Historic building façade with painted decorative panels beneath an arcade and an ornate wrought iron hanging sign shaped like a top hat. The black sign reads "HUTMACHER J. BÜCSEK," highlighting the traditional hat maker's shop in Steyr's old town.

Historic gateway and adjoining building decorated with colorful medieval-style murals and coats of arms. A flower-filled terrace and café seating create a welcoming entrance beneath the painted arch.

Just off the Hauptplatz, Engelgasse was one of my favourite streets in Steyr. The narrow lane is lined with historic buildings, independent shops, and traditional cast iron shop signs that give it plenty of character.

Take your time browsing the local businesses here. I especially liked Heidelbeere, one of the nicest second hand shops I’ve visited. There are also small artisan shops, including one where you can watch the owner handcrafting bags while you browse.

Even if you don’t plan on shopping, Engelgasse is well worth walking through. It’s one of the prettiest streets in Steyr and perfectly captures the town’s relaxed atmosphere.

4. See Where the Enns and Steyr Rivers Meet

Turquoise river flows over a low weir beside a tree-lined riverbank on a sunny day in Steyr. A bridge and historic buildings are visible in the distance beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

One of the things that makes Steyr so special is the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers. The two rivers meet right next to the old town, creating some of the most beautiful views in the city.

As you explore Steyr, you’ll cross several bridges, each offering a different perspective of the city and the rivers below. In a few places, you can even walk down to the water’s edge, making it a lovely spot to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

5. Ride the Free Tabor Lift

Tina wearing sunglasses stands at a scenic viewpoint overlooking Steyr's rooftops, churches, bridges, and river on a clear summer day. The elevated perspective showcases the city's historic center and surrounding hills.

For one of the best views of Steyr, take the free Tabor Lift. The elevator takes you up the hillside in just a few seconds, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the old town and the surrounding rivers.

At the top, you’ll also find the Taborturm. From the outside, the building almost looks like a church, but it’s actually a restaurant where you can stop for a drink or a meal.

I only enjoyed the view from the free viewing platform before heading back down.

6. Visit the Museum Arbeitswelt and Stollen der Erinnerung

Bright atrium with a glass roof, exposed steel beams, and exhibition displays inside a renovated industrial building. Large white letters suspended from the ceiling spell "TIME TO ACT."

Arched tunnel entrance covered by a black metal gate built into a mossy stone wall with ivy growing above it. Red letters above the entrance read "Stollen der Erinnerung," marking the entrance to the memorial tunnel.

If you’re interested in Steyr’s history, I highly recommend buying the combination ticket for the Museum Arbeitswelt and the Stollen der Erinnerung. You buy the ticket at the museum, where you’ll receive a chip that gives you access to the Stollen.

I thought the Museum Arbeitswelt itself was quite small, although the building and its location on a small peninsula are worth seeing. Personally, I wouldn’t pay for the museum on its own.

The Stollen der Erinnerung, on the other hand, was one of the most memorable attractions in Steyr. The former air raid tunnel tells the story of forced labour in Steyr during World War II and the nearby concentration camp.

7. Stop by Schloss Lamberg

Vibrant pink rose bushes bloom in the formal gardens of a Baroque palace courtyard. Ornate pale pink and white façades provide an elegant backdrop beneath a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Formal castle garden filled with blooming orange and pink roses surrounds a carved stone sculpture. A historic palace building and square tower rise behind the flower beds on a sunny day.

Just a short walk from the Hauptplatz, Schloss Lamberg is worth visiting for its beautiful setting, even though you can’t explore the castle itself. Today, the building houses various organisations and offices, so access to the interior is limited.

I still recommend walking through the castle grounds to see the lovely courtyard, especially when the roses are in bloom.

While you’re here, skip the Schlosspark and head for the nearby Handel Mazzetti Promenade instead. I found the promenade much more enjoyable and the benches are perfect for a short break.

When heading back into the old town, take one of the historic staircases, such as the Mayerstiege, for another great perspective of Steyr.

8. Visit St. Michael’s Church

Tall Baroque church façade with twin clock towers and a pastel pink decorative pediment beneath a vivid blue sky. Stone steps lead up to the main entrance, which is framed by statues and carved architectural details.

Ornate Baroque church interior with rows of wooden pews leading to a richly decorated high altar beneath a vaulted white ceiling. Marble columns, gilded details, and religious paintings line the spacious sanctuary.

You’ll naturally pass St. Michael’s Church on the way to the Tabor elevator. Since entry is free, it’s worth stepping inside for a quick look.

Personally, I didn’t find it particularly memorable. It has the classic look of many Austrian churches, so if you’ve travelled around Austria before, it probably won’t stand out.

Just opposite the church is the Christmas Museum. It’s only open from late November until early January, so if you’re visiting Steyr during the festive season, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.

9. Take a Break at Café Frau Franzi

Narrow medieval courtyard lined with stone arches and café tables creates a peaceful place to dine in Steyr's old town. The entrance beneath the painted building is marked with the sign "FRÄU FRANZI."

Plate of fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and served with vanilla sauce, blueberries, strawberries, red currants, pomegranate seeds, and a golden berry. A purple herbal lemonade with rosemary and lemon sits beside the dessert on a café table in the courtyard of "FRÄU FRANZI."

After a morning of exploring, I highly recommend stopping at Café Frau Franzi. The café has a beautiful courtyard that feels like a hidden gem, with historic architecture creating a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy streets.

I ordered a lavender lemonade and vegan pancakes with vanilla sauce and berries, both of which I really enjoyed. The café also offers a few other vegan options, making it one of the better choices in Steyr if you’re looking for a vegan friendly café.

My only disappointment was that they charge extra for plant based milk, which I don’t think is necessary these days. Even so, I’d happily return because the lovely courtyard and relaxed atmosphere more than make up for it.

10. Learn About Steyr’s History at the Stadtmuseum

Historic courtyard with an ornate stone fountain in front of a Renaissance building decorated with white sgraffito patterns.

If you’d like to learn more about Steyr’s history, the Stadtmuseum is well worth a visit. The exhibitions cover the town’s past and help put many of the historic buildings you’ll see around the old town into context.

Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum, it’s worth walking past the building. It’s located next to one of Steyr’s historic city gates and a picturesque fountain.

I also recommend taking a moment to enjoy the views over the river from the nearby Aussichtsterrasse beim Neutor viewing platform.

11. Visit the Christmas Museum (Winter Only)

Decorated Christmas tree filled with vintage glass ornaments, candles, and handmade decorations stands beside mannequins dressed in traditional Austrian clothing. Antique toys, puppets, dolls, and children's furniture are arranged beneath the tree, recreating a nostalgic holiday display.

If you’re visiting Steyr between late November and early January, the Christmas Museum is worth adding to your itinerary. Located opposite St. Michael’s Church, the small museum showcases how Christmas decorations have changed over the years.

The museum itself isn’t very large, so don’t expect to spend hours here. Still, I found it interesting, especially seeing vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations from different eras.

But if you’re deciding between visiting Steyr in summer or winter, I’d choose summer. The colourful old town, rivers, and scenic walks are what make Steyr special, and I enjoyed experiencing them in warm weather.

Optional Day Trip: Visit Enns

Tall medieval clock tower built from gray stone rises above the town square with a large clock face, painted imperial coat of arms, and historic sundial on its façade. The tower's arched entrance sits at street level beneath a dramatic sky filled with layered clouds.

Panoramic view over Steyr's rooftops, churches, and surrounding countryside seen from inside a tower observation deck. The protective safety mesh in the foreground frames the cityscape stretching toward rolling hills beneath a stormy summer sky.

If you’re spending a weekend in Steyr, consider taking a short trip to Enns, one of Austria’s oldest towns. It’s best known for being the oldest town in the country with documented town privileges and is only a short bus ride away.

The highlight of my visit was the impressive Stadtturm, which dominates the main square and is well worth seeing. Enns is also home to the Museum Lauriacum and the archaeological site of the ancient Roman settlement of Lauriacum.

That said, I think Enns is only worth visiting if you’re fascinated by Roman history. Otherwise, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit.

Is Steyr Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy exploring charming small towns rather than ticking off famous landmarks.

Steyr isn’t a destination with one major attraction. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours wandering through the historic streets, admiring buildings, crossing bridges, and enjoying the views where the Enns and Steyr rivers meet.

I think one day is enough to see the main sights, making Steyr a perfect day trip in Upper Austria. But if you enjoy slow travel, it’s also a lovely place to spend a relaxing weekend with long coffee breaks and riverside walks.

Panoramic viewpoint overlooking Steyr with church towers, red rooftops, and rolling green hills in the distance. Large metal letters in the foreground spell "Steyr."

Visiting Steyr as a Day Trip from Linz

With direct train connections and a journey of less than an hour, Steyr is one of the easiest day trips from Linz.

One day gives you plenty of time to explore the old town, enjoy the river views, visit a museum or two, and stop for a lunch or coffee before heading back.

If you’re looking for a destination that’s less crowded than Austria’s most famous towns but just as picturesque, I highly recommend adding Steyr to your itinerary.

Looking for more ideas? Check out my guide to the best day trips from Linz, where I share my favourite destinations that are easy to reach by public transport.

Things to Do in Steyr: Austria’s Most Underrated Town?