Kirchdorf Am Inn combines the distinctive terraced landscape of the Lower Inn with natural surroundings, cycling paths and a rich cultural history. The town lies in the heart of the Lower Inn European Nature Reserve and directly on the Inn Cycle Path. When planning your trip, you can choose from a range of themes: birds and river landscapes, religious history and Katzenberg Castle, or an interactive experience for children. This mix offers a variety of ways to explore during your stay, without prescribing a set itinerary.
The Inn Landscape and Trails
Up to 300 bird species nest in the unspoilt floodplain forests of the Lower Inn European Nature Reserve. Together with the distinctive terraced landscape, this natural environment shapes the character of Kirchdorf. Those interested in river landscapes and birds will find both at the heart of this protected area.
Kirchdorf Am Inn lies directly on the Inn Cycle Path. The “Lower Inn European Nature Reserve” viewing platform is also right on the Inn Cycle Route. The Castle Hiking Trail passes a viewing platform offering a view of the Lower Inn European Protected Area. Along the trail, several information boards titled “Life on the Inn” provide information about the history, culture, geology and traditions of this natural environment. The Inn Hiking Trail has a different focus: after about one kilometre, it returns to Kirchdorf Am Inn along the Inn Cycle Path. The trails can therefore be distinguished by their stated features: viewpoints and information on the Castle Hiking Trail, and a short route for orientation on the Inn Hiking Trail.
Church, Castle and Religious History
By the mid-16th century, the parish church in Kirchdorf Am Inn was already an important Marian pilgrimage site. It also contains tombs of the owners of Katzenberg Castle. Katzenberg Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1196 as property of the Bishops of Passau, under the name Chotzenperig Castle. The church’s pilgrimage tradition and the castle’s medieval history form distinct chapters in the town’s history.
The Lourdes Chapel is another part of Kirchdorf’s religious heritage: it was built in 1901 following the miraculous healing of Aloisia Aigner. The Feast of the Sacred Heart has been celebrated in Kirchdorf Am Inn with great festivity since 1903, and a procession takes place on Sacred Heart Sunday. Religious history here thus encompasses the building of chapels and pilgrimage, as well as festivals and processions.
Books, Gardens and DINOLAND
The ground floor of Katzenberg Castle houses a prayer book and bookbinding museum. Its exhibits include splendid Bibles, prayer books and pocket calendars, as well as old bookbinding machines and tools. The landscaped garden at Katzenberg Castle features mature trees, rose beds, spring flowers and shrubs, based on a historical design. Together, the museum and garden offer different themes: the history of books and craftsmanship on the one hand, and plants and historic garden design on the other.
Another highlight is DINOLAND Katzenberg Castle. This 40,000-square-metre woodland and meadow site features more than 70 life-size dinosaurs, along with skeletons and fossils. Interactive areas for children offer opportunities to discover, touch and try things out. At the research camp, children can sift for treasures and uncover fossils. Here, hands-on exploration takes centre stage, while the church, castle history and bookbinding museum offer other historical and cultural experiences.
Discover more destinations: Taiskirchen im Innkreis, Sankt Marienkirchen am Hausruck, Aurolzmünster, Mehrnbach, Senftenbach, Mörschwang, Utzenaich, Peterskirchen.
See the broader travel overview: Ried Im Innkreis.
