Stadtturm Waidhofen an der Ybbs

About the museum

The Stadtturm goes back to a corner tower from the early settlement phase of Waidhofen an der Ybbs and dates in its origins to the 13th century. After the Turkish Wars, from 1532 the town expanded it into the striking building that now dominates the Oberer Stadtplatz. The project was financed from the so-called "Türkenschatz" (Turkish treasure), the booty from a skirmish with Ottoman horsemen. The clock face of the tower clock still shows 11:45, the hour of victory.

For a long time the tower was home to the Türmer (tower warden), who also served as night watchman and fire watch. This duty ended only in the interwar period. An inscription from 1932 with German-nationalist text is today the occasion for a critical examination.

A museum association looks after the exhibition "Das Leben vor 100 Jahren", which across seven floors shows the everyday life of ordinary people: night watchman's room, laundry room, bathhouse, shoemaker's workshop, forge and historical kitchen, along with themes such as piety and pilgrimage. In the Türmerstübchen (tower warden's room), everyday objects and rare pieces from crafts and faith are on display. Most recently it was supplemented by the tailor's workshop of the Floh family, with an old sewing machine and Blaudruck (blue-dye block printing).

Highlights

• Exhibition "Das Leben vor 100 Jahren" across seven floors
• Night watchman's room, laundry room, bathhouse, forge and historical kitchen
• Türmerstübchen with objects from crafts and religious life
• Tower from the 13th century, expanded from 1532
• Tower clock showing 11:45

Permanent exhibition

• Das Leben vor 100 Jahren – Across seven floors, the night watchman's room, laundry room, bathhouse, shoemaker's workshop, forge and historical kitchen show the everyday life of ordinary people.

Admission & discounts

Admission on opening Sundays. The prices for the evening tours refer to the 2026 dates.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The tower stands on the Oberer Stadtplatz in the old town. According to the NÖ-Museumsportal, parking is available.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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