A mining altar, a medieval residential and defensive tower, and metalworking in a historic smithy give Hütten a clearly defined cultural and historical profile. In the mining village near Leogang, the Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum presents mining masterpieces and sacred Gothic art of the highest European quality. The themes have different focuses: the collection explores art and mining, the Annakapelle chapel offers a special altar tradition, and the Hüttschmiede smithy focuses on craftsmanship. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus mainly on the museum and architectural history or also include a demonstration and a cycling route.
Museum in the Thurnhaus Tower
The Thurnhaus is a medieval residential and defensive tower dating from the 13th century. Miners later used the building as a grain store; today, it houses medieval collections of international standing. Its history therefore encompasses distinctly different uses: the tower initially served as a residence and defensive structure, and later as a place to store grain. The Mining and Gothic Museum also features mining masterpieces and sacred Gothic art. In Hütten, the history of a single building thus meets a museum devoted to a range of cultural themes.
The museum’s new main entrance on the south side of the Thurnhaus is fully accessible by lift. Guided tours of the Mining and Gothic Museum are available at any time on request. If you are planning a guided tour, confirm its availability for your visit in advance.
Annakapelle Chapel and Mining History
The Annakapelle chapel is part of the mining village of Hütten and houses one of the five mining altars preserved in Europe. It was built between 1769 and 1770 in honour of Saint Anne, the patron saint of miners. It was built considerably later than the medieval Thurnhaus. The two buildings therefore represent different periods, while the chapel’s dedication also makes a direct connection to mining. Alongside the museum and architectural history, the chapel offers a distinct sacred theme for anyone interested in the cultural history of Hütten.
Hüttschmiede: Crafts Demonstrated at Set Times
From the 16th century onwards, the Hüttschmiede was part of a smelting works in the mining village of Hütten. Since 2012, volunteer blacksmiths have been demonstrating the art of metalworking there to visitors. Alongside the collections and architectural history, a live craft demonstration is therefore another highlight. The Hüttschmiede is open from May to October every Wednesday from 10:00 to 17:00, as well as during special events. The seasonal opening period and fixed Wednesday hours are especially important when planning your visit; check the schedule before you travel. Museum tours follow a different arrangement: they are available at any time on request, but should also be arranged in advance.
Combine Culture and Cycling
The LE 01 Forsthofalm Loop offers another perspective. It first follows the cycle path to Hütten and then continues into the Schwarzleotal valley. Alongside art, architectural history and craftsmanship, you can also choose a specific cycling route with a clearly described sequence. If you would like to include both culture and cycling in your travel plans, you can treat the route as a separate activity. The route first follows the cycle path to Hütten and then continues into the Schwarzleotal valley.
Discover more destinations: Maishofen, Niederland, Reith, Jochbergthurn, Erlberg, Lofer, Sulzau, Almdorf Königsleiten.
View the main travel overview: Zell Am See.
