Freilichtmuseum Großdöllnerhof

About the museum

The Großdöllnerhof is a three-sided farmstead in the Mühlviertel, around 400 years old, first mentioned in documents in 1629. Until 1968 the Pehböck family farmed it full-time. Because none of the six children took over the farm, it stood empty afterwards. In 1994 the municipality of Rechberg bought the property, had it extensively renovated and set up a farm museum with an event centre in it.

The living quarters were left in their original state. The parlour, kitchen and parents' bedroom are furnished with the original inventory and show how modest rural life once was. The tiled stove is the centre of the three rooms; in winter, life took place almost entirely in the parlour, where brooms were tied, wool was spun, feathers were stripped and wooden shoes were made. Daughters and maids slept in a chamber above, while sons and farmhands had none of their own.

A permanent exhibition is devoted to folk medicine and superstition. Because there was hardly any medical care in the countryside until the 20th century, beliefs in spirits, worms, faith healers and witches arose, along with healing and blessing customs that were closely tied to everyday life. The grounds also include a herb garden, outdoor areas and a seminar room that opened in 2019. The museum lies directly on the Naturpark-Weg in the Mühlviertel Nature Park; the operator is the municipality of Rechberg.

Highlights

• Mühlviertel three-sided farmstead, first mentioned in documents in 1629
• Original parlour with tiled stove, kitchen and parents' bedroom
• Permanent exhibition "Folk Medicine and Superstition"
• Herb garden and outdoor areas, accessible at any time
• Location on the Naturpark-Weg in the Mühlviertel Nature Park

Permanent exhibitions

• Volksmedizin und Aberglaube – The exhibition shows centuries-old folk medicine practices of healers and "Wender" as well as healing and blessing customs in everyday farm life.
• Originaleinrichtung des Dreiseithofs – The parlour, kitchen and parents' bedroom with a tiled stove convey the everyday life of a Mühlviertel farming family.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Gemeinde Rechberg

Admission & discounts

Reduced rate also for civilian service participants and Austrian armed forces.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The farm lies in the Mühlviertel Nature Park about 1.5 km east of the centre of Rechberg, around 13 km north of Perg and about 40 km east of Linz. Address: Döllnerstraße 3, 4324 Rechberg.

Amenities & dining

No catering at the farm; for meals the municipality refers visitors to the Rechberg inns "Zum Goschert'n Wirt" and "Der Dorfwirt".

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The farmhouse parlour with tiled stove and a seminar room opened in 2019, with sound system, projector, screen and small kitchen, can be rented for celebrations, seminars and corporate events. Prices 2026: €51.30 per hour or €255 day rate (including operating costs and 20% VAT), heating surcharge for the farmhouse parlour €32.

Plan your visit