Schärding (Upper Austrian: Scháréng) is a town in Upper Austria with 5269 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2020). Schärding is known as a baroque town on the Inn, with its numerous baroque town houses and historical squares. It is the district capital of the Schärding district and at the same time the local center for the surrounding district.
Oberer Stadtplatz and Silberzeile
The Oberer Stadtplatz (Upper
Town Square) is the heart of Schärding's historic center, featuring the
iconic Silberzeile—a stunning row of baroque gabled houses painted in
vibrant pastel colors, reflecting the town's prosperous trading past
under wealthy merchants who amassed "silver" fortunes. This ensemble,
with its ornate facades and steep roofs, dates back to the 17th and 18th
centuries, creating a photogenic square often adorned with flowers,
fountains, and seasonal decorations. The square buzzes with cafes,
shops, and events, offering a perfect spot to admire the architectural
harmony and perhaps enjoy a coffee while people-watching. Nearby, the
Christopher Fountain adds a sculptural element, depicting St.
Christopher and serving as a central landmark.
Schlosspark
The
Schlosspark (Castle Park) is a tranquil green oasis surrounding the
remnants of Schärding's historic castle, which was once a key fortress
along the Inn River. Featuring manicured gardens, ancient trees, and a
preserved castle well from medieval times, the park offers scenic paths
for strolls and panoramic views of the river and surrounding
countryside. Parts of the castle now integrate with modern uses, but the
park retains its historical charm, including elements from the 14th
century when the area was under Wittelsbach rule. It's an ideal spot for
picnics or quiet reflection, especially in spring when flowers bloom.
Linzer Tor
The Linzer Tor (Linz Gate) is one of Schärding's
well-preserved medieval city gates, built in the 15th century as part of
the town's fortifications. This imposing structure features a clock
tower, arched passageway, and decorative shields, serving as an entrance
to the historic center from the direction of Linz. Flanked by colorful
buildings and flower arrangements, it symbolizes the town's defensive
history and is a popular photo spot, often integrated into walking
tours.
Wassertor
The Wassertor (Water Gate) is another remnant
of Schärding's medieval walls, dating to the 14th century and providing
direct access to the Inn River. Painted in striking green, it features a
rounded arch and historical frescoes, leading to the riverbank where it
once facilitated trade and defense. Today, it's a gateway to the
promenade, blending seamlessly with the town's baroque aesthetic and
offering glimpses into its port heritage.
Stadtmuseum Schärding
Housed in the historic Schlosstor (Castle Gate), the Stadtmuseum
Schärding showcases the town's rich history through exhibits on local
crafts, trade, and daily life from medieval to modern times. Artifacts
include tools, clothing, and documents highlighting Schärding's role
under the Wittelsbach family and its border significance. The museum's
location in a preserved gate adds to the immersive experience, with
displays often including temporary art shows.
Inn River Promenade
and Bridges
The Inn River promenade offers a scenic walkway along the
water's edge, with views of colorful riverside buildings, the old
Innbrücke Bridge (dating back to 1310 with historic pillars), and across
to Neuhaus am Inn in Germany. This area is perfect for cycling or boat
tours, emphasizing Schärding's role as a river port and starting point
for trails like the Inn Cycle Path. The river's milky-green waters and
bridges create a peaceful ambiance, ideal for sunset strolls.
Other Notable Sights
Unterer Stadtplatz (Lower Town Square):
Connected to the upper square, it features more baroque architecture and
is a quieter extension with shops and cafes.
St. George's Church: A
large baroque church with an impressive tower, interior frescoes, and
historical significance, often visible from the river.
By Plane
Schärding does not have a major commercial airport, but
several nearby airports serve as convenient entry points. The closest is
Linz Airport (LNZ), located about 61-87 km southeast, with international
and domestic flights. From Linz, you can take a direct ÖBB train (about
1 hour) or a bus to Schärding's central train station. Other options
include Salzburg Airport (SZG), 80 km southwest, with good connections
via train (around 1.5-2 hours) or bus; and Munich Airport (MUC) in
Germany, 122 km northwest, from where you can catch a train via Passau
(total 1.5-2 hours) or drive directly. For longer-haul flights, Vienna
International Airport (VIE) is farther (about 250 km east) but offers
frequent ÖBB trains to Schärding (2-3 hours, with changes possible in
Linz or Wels). A small private airfield, Schärding-Suben (LOLS), exists
7 km south but is not for scheduled commercial use.
By Train
Schärding is well-connected by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), with
its train station centrally located in the town. Direct or one-change
trains run from major cities like Vienna (2-3 hours, from €30-€70),
Salzburg (1.5-2 hours), and Linz (1 hour). From Germany, frequent
services arrive from Passau (just 10-15 minutes away, €2-€5) or
Nuremberg (2-3 hours, €50-€80). Use ÖBB's website or apps like Omio or
Rail Europe for bookings, schedules, and tickets, which often include
regional options like Regionalzug or REX trains. Trains are reliable,
with amenities like Wi-Fi on many routes.
By Bus
Bus services
provide affordable alternatives, especially for regional travel. FlixBus
and other operators connect Schärding to cities like Vienna (3-4 hours,
€20-€40), Linz (1.5 hours), and Passau (20-30 minutes). Local buses from
Upper Austria Verkehr (OÖVV) link to nearby towns and airports. For
international arrivals, buses from Munich or Salzburg airports transfer
to Schärding via Passau. Check Rome2Rio or bus company apps for
real-time schedules, as services may vary seasonally.
By Car
Driving offers flexibility, with Schärding accessible via
well-maintained autobahns. From Vienna (about 250 km, 2.5 hours): Take
the A1 west to Linz, then A25 north to the A3 toward Passau, exiting at
Suben and following signs to Schärding. From Salzburg (100 km, 1 hour):
A1 east to the A8 (Innkreis Autobahn), then north to Suben exit. From
Munich (140 km, 1.5 hours): A94 east to the A3 south toward Linz,
exiting at Suben. Tolls apply on Austrian highways (vignette required,
€10 for 10 days), and parking is available in town centers. Note border
crossings with Germany are seamless within the Schengen Area.
Prehistoric and Ancient History
The area around Schärding,
situated in the Innviertel region of Upper Austria, has evidence of
human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. During the Roman
era, starting around 15 BC, the Innviertel, including what would become
Schärding, was incorporated into the province of Noricum and was
primarily populated by Celtic tribes. Roman influence persisted until
around 488 AD, when King Odoacer withdrew his troops southward, marking
the decline of Roman control in the region.
Early Medieval Period
and Founding
Following the Roman withdrawal, the region saw
significant migration. Around 518 AD, West Germanic Bavarians advanced
up the Danube, occupying the area between the Vienna Woods and the Lech
River. This shift is reflected in local place names ending in suffixes
like -ing, -ham, and -heim. The name "Schärding" (originally
"Scardinga") derives from a settlement founded by a Bavarian named
Skardo and his clan. The town was first documented in 804 AD as an
agricultural settlement and Passau farmyard. By the 10th century,
Schärding had emerged as the administrative center of the county under
the Counts of Formbach-Neuburg, leveraging its strategic position near
the Inn River. The castle rock along the river became a key defensive
site, aiding the town's growth.
Medieval Period
In 1160,
control of Schärding passed to the Counts of Andechs, followed by the
Wittelsbach dynasty in 1248. The town's location on the Inn River
transformed it into a vital trade hub, facilitating commerce in salt,
timber, ores, wine, silk, glass, grain, textiles, and livestock. Market
rights were granted by the end of the 13th century, solidifying its
economic importance. In 1316, it came under full Wittelsbach control,
but ownership shifted dramatically in 1364 when it was acquired by
Rudolf IV of the House of Habsburg on September 24.
A pivotal event
was the 1369 Peace of Schärding, which resolved a territorial dispute
between Austria and Bavaria over Tyrol. The Habsburgs retained Tyrol,
but Schärding was pawned back to Bavaria as compensation. During the
14th and 15th centuries, the town developed robust fortifications under
Duke Ludwig the Bearded (1429–1436), including the outer castle gate,
moat, Linz and Passau Gates, and the Water Gate. These defenses, along
with the relatively intact town wall and medieval gates like Linzertor,
Wassertor, and Passauertor, highlight Schärding's strategic role.
Early Modern Period and Baroque Era
The Wittelsbach family
maintained ownership until 1779, profoundly influencing the town's
architecture and culture. Schärding's baroque character emerged
prominently in this period, with colorful Late Baroque facades on the
Silberzeile (a row of gabled-roof houses) at the central Stadtplatz.
These pastel colors—such as blue for bakers, red for butchers, and
yellow or green for innkeepers—originated from medieval guild
traditions. The baroque style is evident in landmarks like the Church of
St. George and the former castle gateway, now housing a local museum
with religious sculptures by Johann Peter Schwanthaler.
The
Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) brought devastation, with repeated plague
outbreaks in 1628, 1634, 1645, 1647, and 1651. In the War of the
Austrian Succession, a significant battle occurred on January 17, 1742,
when an Austrian army under Field Marshal Ludwig Andreas von
Khevenhüller defeated Bavarian forces near Schärding during a harsh
winter campaign. The medieval castle was destroyed in 1809 during the
Napoleonic Wars.
Modern History
In the 19th and early 20th
centuries, Schärding transitioned from a trade center to a more
tourism-oriented town, capitalizing on its preserved baroque charm and
riverfront location. A notable event in April 1939 involved local Nazi
officials, including Mayor Hans Ominger and Kreisamtsleiter Johann
Pachman, hosting a hunters' meeting to celebrate the incorporation of
the Sudetenland into German territory, decorating a portrait of Hermann
Göring.
Post-World War II, Schärding became part of the Innviertel
district, focusing on cultural preservation and tourism. Today, it is
known for its historic old town, cycling paths (including the Danube,
Inn, and Roman Cycle Paths), and events like guided tours of medieval
curiosities. The town's historical significance is further highlighted
in local museums and archives, offering insights into its evolution from
a Bavarian stronghold to a vibrant Austrian cultural site.
Schärding is a town in Upper Austria, serving as the capital of the Schärding District in the Innviertel region. It is situated at coordinates 48°27′25″N 13°25′54″E (or approximately 48.46051°N, 13.43268°E), placing it directly on the Inn River, which forms the natural border with the German state of Bavaria. The town lies near Passau in Germany, with Neuhaus am Inn on the opposite Bavarian bank, connected by two bridges. This strategic riverside position makes Schärding a major port on the Inn River, historically important for trade and navigation. The surrounding district encompasses a broader area within Upper Austria, characterized by its proximity to the Bohemian Massif and the Danube Valley.
Schärding sits at an elevation of 313 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level, on a relatively flat to gently undulating terrain typical of the Inn River valley. The municipality covers a compact area of 4.08 km² (1.58 sq mi), extending 4.1 kilometers north to south and 1.9 kilometers west to east. Land use reflects a mix of urban, agricultural, and natural elements: approximately 31.7% is dedicated to agriculture, supporting local farming, while 2.4% is forested, providing small wooded areas along the riverbanks and outskirts. The Inn River dominates the topography, curving along the town's eastern edge and creating a picturesque riverside setting with embankments and ports. To the west, the landscape transitions into the Sauwald plateau, part of the Bohemian Massif, featuring low hills and forested ridges that rise gradually from the valley floor. The town's baroque architecture is nestled along the river, with the historic center on a slight elevation overlooking the water, offering scenic views across to Bavaria. Topographic maps highlight the river's meandering path and the town's integration with the valley's gentle slopes, which are prone to occasional flooding but generally stable.
Schärding experiences a temperate continental climate with moderate seasonal variations, influenced by its location in the Inn Valley and proximity to the Alps. The average annual temperature is around 9.6°C (49.3°F), with warmer summers and cold winters. Summers (June to August) are comfortable and wet, with average highs reaching 24°C (75°F) in July and lows around 13°C (56°F), though temperatures can occasionally exceed 30°C. Winters (December to February) are very cold, with highs often below freezing and lows dropping to -5°C (23°F) or lower, accompanied by snowfall. Annual precipitation is approximately 933 mm (36.7 inches), distributed fairly evenly but with higher amounts in summer due to thunderstorms and frontal systems from the west. The area sees partial cloud cover year-round, with about 1,800 hours of sunshine annually. Winds are generally light, but the valley can channel foehn winds from the south, warming temperatures sporadically. Climate change impacts are noted, with a severity score of 62/100 (very high) in recent analyses, indicating worsening conditions over the past 15 years, including increased extreme weather events. Data from nearby stations like Rohrbach (27 miles away) or Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding confirm these patterns, with the region classified as having a humid continental climate.
Geologically, Schärding is part of the Bohemian Massif, one of Europe's oldest crystalline basement complexes, shaped by ancient tectonic processes and uplift. The area features granitic intrusions, such as the Schärding Granite, part of the Variscan orogeny from the Paleozoic era. Nearby quarries, like the one in Allerding (Sankt Florian am Inn), expose granite overlain by Miocene sedimentary rocks (Schlier formation), rich in fossils from the Burdigalian stage (Lower Miocene, about 16-20 million years ago). These sediments include marine deposits with elasmobranch fauna (sharks and rays), indicating a shallow sea environment during the Upper Marine Molasse period. The Inn Valley itself was deepened during the Ice Age by glacial erosion, following tectonic faults in the Bohemian Massif. Quaternary deposits, including river terraces and loess soils, cover much of the valley floor, supporting agriculture. The Sauwald region to the west represents the southern extension of the Bohemian Massif, with rugged, forested hills formed by erosion-resistant granites and gneisses. Fossil occurrences in the district date back to the Miocene, with no significant older Paleozoic or Mesozoic exposures directly in the town. The geology influences local resources, with granite quarrying historically important, and the stable bedrock minimizing seismic risks in this low-activity zone.
The Inn River is the defining hydrological feature, serving as a navigable waterway and international border, with ports facilitating trade and tourism. The river's floodplain supports riparian ecosystems, including meadows and wetlands that enhance biodiversity. Surrounding the town are agricultural lands in the fertile Inn Valley, interspersed with small forests and parks. The Sauwald plateau adds a hilly backdrop, offering hiking trails and panoramic views over the valley. Environmental challenges include potential flooding from the Inn and climate-induced changes, such as altered precipitation patterns. Overall, Schärding's geography blends riverine, valley, and upland elements, making it a gateway between Austria and Germany in a culturally and naturally rich borderland.