4 Things to do in the Small Town of Sirnitz, Austria

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Hidden in a the Carinthian Nockberge Mountains is the small town of Sirnitz, Austria.  This small town is little more than a church, a store, a couple of small hotels and guesthouses, and a hand full of residents.  I spent two days  in this Austria town while traveling through Austria on my 2006 People to People trip.

Enjoy a stroll through Sirnitz.

5 Things to do in the Small Town of Sirnitz, Austria
The view from walking around town.

The town is quite small.  The roads have little in the way of traffic. The town is full of well-groomed Alpine cottages which you can check out here if you need more information. They look like they belong in the Sound of Music. Take a walk from you hotel to the town store or the lake.

Take a tour of the Sirnitz Church.

5 Things to do in the Small Town of Sirnitz, Austria
The Roman Catholic Historic Church of Sirnitz.

The steeple of the small Roman Catholic Church is easily the oldest and tallest building in Sirnitz.   One of the most interesting aspects of the church is the visible bones in the catacombs under the church.  These bones were placed there after they were discovered during some renovations.

Hike into the wood to see Sirnitz’s 400 year old grain mill.

5 Things to do in the Small Town of Sirnitz, Austria
The mill and attached waterwheel that turns the grindstone.

A short walk into the mountains from the town of Sirnitz is their 400-year-old grain mill.  The building and waterwheel have been replaced several times, but the grindstones and much of the mechanisms are still original.  The mill is now used as a tourist attraction as it is one of the oldest still operational mills in Europe.

Take a dip in the snow melt fed lake.

5 Things to do in the Small Town of Sirnitz, Austria
Taking the Plunge.

Warning! The water is cold.  The lake is a short walk from the town center.  On a warm summer day, it is a great place to jump in and cool off.  The lake is fed by the mountain snow melts.

Discover the medical benefits of cold water.

5 Things to do in the Small Town of Sirnitz, Austria
Roll up your sleeves and dip your arms into this water feature.

A famous Austrian from Sirnitz helped discover the medical benefits of soaking the body in cold water.  Along the Sirnitz creek is a series of sign posts with directions for activities to do in specially designed water features.  All the features are made using local materials and fed by the yearly snow melts.

Have you ever been to the Small Town of Sirnitz, Austria or a similar town?  If so, tell me where in the comments below.

Sirnitz