Photo: tman

Krippenhaus Steinbach - Sammlung Pils

Steinbach an der Steyr, Upper Austria

ausstellungmuseumstour

Since 2001, the initially private small collection has found its home in its own Krippenhaus (nativity house) on the village square. It is so extraordinary because it clearly differs from conventional nativity exhibitions, which usually focus on artfully designed houses, palaces, cities, caves, etc. Here in the Krippenhaus in Steinbach, however, the figures, materials, and curious craftsmanship techniques from various countries are in the foreground. Rarities such as the only large Japanese nativity scene or a hand-knotted Iranian carpet with 700,000 knots, works by Native Americans, Aborigines, Papuans, and Inuit can be admired. The most exciting thing, however, is a guided tour in the Krippenhaus, because then you get a look "behind the scenes" and learn about the incredible ways in which some nativity scenes found their way to the Krippenhaus in Steinbach. This year's Nativity Scene of the Year is a hand-blown, painted glass ball nativity scene from the period shortly after the First World War.Christmas decorations of yesteryearWho remembers the beautiful old Christmas decorations from childhood? Colorful and made of glass, they once hung as bells, snowmen, pine cones, birds, and much more on our Christmas trees. Rediscovered today, the Krippenhaus offers genuine nostalgic Christmas decorations from Gablonz and Thuringia. A large selection of nativity accessories is also available.Holzknechtweihnacht (Lumberjack Christmas)The fire crackles in the Lanfthütte next to the Krippenhaus, the lumberjack soup hangs in the cauldron over the fireplace, and punch and snowballs are waiting to be tasted. The lumberjacks reveal the secrets of old craftsmanship and explain where some idioms like "Aufreißer und Obizahrer" (literally "tearer-upper and puller-downer") actually come from. A cozy atmosphere emerges when darkness falls and you enjoy heartwarming food and drink for body and soul over an open fire in the old lumberjack hut.Public transport:The Steyrtal is served by bus lines 452 (Rohr-Bad Hall-Steinbach a. d. Steyr) and 433 (Steyr-Molln-Kirchdorf).Details at www.ooevv.at Arrival by car:From Salzburg/Linz: A1 motorway exit Sattledt > via Kremsmünster > Bad Hall > into the SteyrtalFrom Vienna: A1 motorway exit Haag > B42 > B122 > B140 into the SteyrtalFrom Passau: A8 Passau > Wels > A9 motorway exit Sattledt > Kremsmünster > Bad Hall > into the SteyrtalFrom Graz: A9 Pyhrnautobahn > motorway exit Klaus > into the Steyrtal