Stehrerhof Open-Air Museum: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Austrian Farm Life

The Freilichtmuseum Stehrerhof, located in Neukirchen an der Vöckla, Upper Austria, is more than just a museum; it's a living testament to the region's rich agricultural past. Opened in 1978, the museum centers around a 400-year-old Hausruck farmhouse, meticulously preserved and furnished to provide an authentic glimpse into peasant life during the 19th century. Visitors can explore various historical buildings relocated from other villages, including a Troadkasten (granary), Hoarstube (flax processing room), a reconstructed Dörrhaus (drying house), and a Göpelhütte. In 1985, the Austrian Threshing Machine Museum was added, showcasing a collection of harvesting equipment from across Austria. In 1993, the Handwerkerhaus (craftsmen's house), a Mittertennhof from the 16th century, was added. This building displays over 70 crafts and skills, some of which are demonstrated during special events. The museum also features a herb garden with rare plants used by ancestors for healing and flavoring. Throughout the year, the Stehrerhof hosts special events such as the Easter market and Druschwochen (threshing weeks), offering visitors unique experiences related to rural life and traditions. During these events, you can witness demonstrations of traditional crafts, sample local products like Most (cider), Sauerkraut, and Bauernkrapfen (farmer's donuts), and even see a fully functional threshing machine in action. The museum is operated by the Heimatbund Freilichtmuseum Stehrerhof, with the help of volunteers.