Popular excursion destination

Abandoned fairytale forest about to be revived

The access to the fairytale forest - a bridge - is dilapidated and therefore closed off.(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

A once popular excursion destination in Upper Austria could be reactivated: As part of a hotel project in the Schindlbachtal valley in Grünau, Rapunzel, Snow White and co. are to be resurrected. It is currently dangerous to enter the former fairytale forest - the "Krone" took a look around.

Snow White, Rapunzel and Rübezahl: for decades, the lovingly designed figures in the Schindlbach fairytale forest in Grünau made children's eyes light up. At the adjoining inn, visitors could not only enjoy refreshments, but also let off steam in the playground with its merry-go-round and electric boats. However, the inn, including the children's area and fairytale forest, has been closed for almost ten years - and is gradually falling into disrepair.

Photos of it recently even appeared on "lost places" pages on social media platforms. A visit to the "Krone" paints a sad picture, with numerous barrier tapes and warning signs to prevent curious day trippers from entering. Due to the increasing decay, the danger for normal walkers would simply be too great.

Snow White's prince and his horse look scary.(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

Rapunzel's hair is weathering.(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

A weathered warning sign next to the path warns of poisonous substances.(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

The old ticket office is no longer needed.(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

Major tourism project underway
"The gentleman who took care of the figures after the inn closed has unfortunately passed away in the meantime," regrets landowner Alois Altmann. However, efforts are being made to revive the once popular excursion destination - as part of a larger tourism project.

"We would like to build a hotel on the site of the former inn and revive the fairytale forest. It should be a year-round business, a health and recreation resort in the middle of the wasteland," reveals Wels master builder and Alpine Club chairman Herbert Petersdorfer to the "Krone" newspaper.

I have many childhood memories of the former fairytale forest. I would love to reactivate it.

Herbert Petersdorfer, HP Bauconsulting Wels

Failed due to dedication
He has been trying to revive it for around three years, but has so far failed to get the necessary dedication for the hotel. "Unfortunately, the municipality doesn't support us. The guest beds would also be important for the Kasberg," regrets Petersdorfer.

The landowner would have had until the end of the year to get the dedication and investors in place. At least there doesn't seem to be a problem with the old fairytale figures: they no longer officially have an owner and are available for use. And that is a crucial point for Petersdorfer, who spent a lot of time in Grünau as a child: "Without a fairytale forest, it won't work."