12 Best Things to Do in Freistadt and Nearby

When you arrive in Freistadt, you will immediately notice the massive stone walls. These fortifications have protected the town for centuries. The layout of the old town has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. This makes it a paradise for history buffs. You can easily walk between all the major sights listed below.

Beyond the town walls, the surrounding Mühlviertel region offers rolling hills and lush forests. If you have extra time, consider exploring the nearby Czech-Austrian borderlands. These areas are rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are the top items for your Freistadt itinerary.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Freistadt Castle (Schloss Freistadt)
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - The Medieval City Walls Walk
• Quick Pick: Best Free Activity - Hauptplatz (Main Square)
• Quick Pick: Best Rainy-Day - Mühlviertler Schlossmuseum

1. Name: Hauptplatz (Main Square) Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is one of the largest and most beautiful medieval squares in Austria. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: The very center of the Old Town. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any town gate. Tip: Look for the historic town houses with colorful facades.
2. Name: Schloss Freistadt (Freistadt Castle) Type: Sight Why go: This 14th-century castle features a striking 50-meter-high keep called the Haberturm. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: Northeast corner of the old town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies for museum entry. Getting there: A short walk from the Main Square. Tip: The castle courtyard is a great spot for quiet photos.
3. Name: Linzer Tor (Linz Gate) Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the most impressive of the town's original gates. Best for: Photographers. Where: Southern entrance to the old town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the main road south from the square. Tip: Notice the intricate frescoes on the gate tower.
4. Name: Freistädter Brauhaus Type: Local experience Why go: Freistadt has a unique communal brewery owned by the local citizens. Best for: Beer lovers. Where: Just outside the northern walls. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Moderate (price of a meal/beer). Getting there: Walk through the Böhmertor gate. Tip: Try the "Ratsherrntrunk," a local specialty beer. You can find more details in this top sights in Freistadt guide.
5. Name: The Medieval City Walls Type: Viewpoint Why go: Freistadt is one of the few towns with a nearly complete double wall system. Best for: Scenic walks. Where: Encircling the entire old town. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from multiple points around the perimeter. Tip: Walk the path between the inner and outer walls for the best experience.
6. Name: Böhmertor (Bohemian Gate) Type: Iconic sight Why go: This gate historically led the way toward Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). Best for: History fans. Where: Northern end of the old town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from the castle. Tip: Look for the old stone markers indicating distances to Czech towns.
7. Name: Stadtpfarrkirche St. Katharina Type: Sight Why go: A beautiful Gothic church with impressive interior artwork and vaulted ceilings. Best for: Art and religion history. Where: Near the Main Square. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Located just off the Hauptplatz. Tip: Check the schedule for occasional organ concerts.
8. Name: Mühlviertler Schlossmuseum Type: Museum Why go: It houses a massive collection of local folk art and historical artifacts. Best for: Learning about local culture. Where: Inside Freistadt Castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Small entrance fee. Getting there: Enter through the main castle gate. Tip: Don't miss the collection of glass paintings from nearby Sandl.
9. Name: Frauenteich Pond Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful pond located just outside the city walls, perfect for a break. Best for: Relaxation. Where: West of the Linzer Tor. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the south gate. Tip: It is a lovely spot to sit with a takeaway coffee from the square.
10. Name: Vyšší Brod Monastery Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning Cistercian monastery located right on the Czech side of the border. Best for: Spiritual and architectural interest. Where: 25 minutes north of Freistadt. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid tours available. Getting there: Drive north on Route 38. Tip: Visit the Vyšší Brod Monastery to see its world-famous library.
11. Name: Linz Type: Day trip Why go: The capital of Upper Austria offers modern museums and a vibrant riverside. Best for: Urban explorers. Where: 40 minutes south of Freistadt. Time: Half-day or full-day. Cost: Variable. Getting there: Easy drive or train connection. Tip: Read more about visiting Linz from Krumlov to maximize your time.
12. Name: Rožmberk nad Vltavou Type: Day trip Why go: A fairytale village with a castle overlooking the Vltava River. Best for: Scenic views. Where: 30 minutes from Freistadt. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free to walk; paid castle tours. Getting there: Drive across the border toward Český Krumlov. Tip: Check out this Rožmberk sightseeing guide for the best photo spots.

Travel Logistics for Your Trip from Český Krumlov

Getting to Freistadt is straightforward for most travelers. If you are driving, the journey takes about 45 minutes from the center of Český Krumlov. You will cross the border at Wullowitz. Make sure you have your passport or ID card ready. While there is usually no border check, it is required by law. Most people visiting the Český Krumlov Castle area find Freistadt to be the easiest Austrian town to reach.

If you prefer public transport, there are bus options. You can find specific details on getting to Freistadt from Český Krumlov by bus online. Buses often require a transfer, so check schedules in advance. Driving is generally the fastest and most flexible method. Parking is available just outside the city walls in designated lots.

The local currency in Freistadt is the Euro. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. However, carrying some cash is helpful for small cafes or markets. German is the official language, but many people speak basic English. The town is very safe and welcoming to international tourists. Most sights are open year-round, but summer and the Christmas market season are the most popular times.