Discover Freinberg: Border History and Trails

Freinberg brings together border history, church art and trails with a range of different focuses. The Maria im Walde Chapel stands right on the border, by historic boundary stone No. 20 between Freinberg and Bavaria. There is also a short paved panoramic loop, a mixed woodland trail and cultural themes ranging from local dialects to clay mining. You can tailor your stay to whether you prefer being outdoors, exploring historic places or combining the two.

Border History and Churches

Along the route from Voglau (Schardenberg) to Achleiten (Freinberg) are 42 historic boundary stones bearing dates and coats of arms. They reflect the area’s history. The oldest stone stands in the woods just before Haibach and bears the date 1608. The Maria im Walde Border Chapel is also part of this historical context. The Passaublick-Severinsweg passes by it; the chapel was built in 1919 and renovated in 1968 and 1987.

Freinberg Parish Church also tells a story of change: it is dedicated to Saint Willibald. In 1784, the church burned down; the local population then began building a new church. The high altar painting in the parish church is by Josef Bergler. Boundary stones, the chapel and the parish church each offer a different perspective—from the history of a border to the development of a church building.

Trails with Different Focuses

The Hindinger Panorama Circular Trail is a short, paved loop. Its views extend across Passau’s entire old town, including the confluence of the three rivers, the Danube Valley and the towns of the neighbouring Bavarian Forest. If you are looking for a trail with designated panoramic views, this offers a clear option. The Passaublick-Severinsweg offers a different point of interest: it passes by the Maria im Walde Border Chapel.

The Edtwald Trail is a well-paved mixed woodland trail. It can be cycled, and horse riding is possible there. This means there are different ways to enjoy the trails: a short paved loop with named viewpoints and a woodland trail suitable for cycling and horse riding. Which one suits your stay depends on the activity you have in mind.

Culture, Bees and Local Products

At the Old Forester’s House in Freinberg, an audio table presents the development of dialects in the dialect region of Freinberg and Bavarian Passau. The clay museum in the Old Forester’s House is devoted to the centuries of clay mining in Freinberg. This brings together the history of language and a topic from the area’s working history. The Old Forester’s House grounds are also home to an educational apiary and the “BiWaNa” bee trail, located in an adjoining bee hut.

Freinberg also has cider taverns selling farm products directly. As individual businesses may change, check which offers are currently available before visiting. Another project in the works is the Freinberg Adventure Tower, being created from a repurposed feed silo on the grounds of the “Über den Dächern von Passau” golf course in the municipality of Freinberg.

Choose the Right Base

When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to decide on your priorities first: do you want to focus on border history, explore the trails mentioned here, or are you especially interested in culture and local products? Choose accommodation based on the places that matter to you, and check its location against your plans. Passau railway station is about four kilometres from the area around Freinberg; this approximate distance can help you plan your journey.

Discover more destinations: Raab, Zell An Der Pram, Wernstein Am Inn, Baroque Town of Schärding, Sigharting, Suben, Kopfing Im Innkreis, Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding

Return to the main travel overview: Schärding.