Community of Lichtenau im Mühlkreis

Cycling and hiking trails run through the typical Bohemian Forest landscape and the surrounding area of the municipality of Lichtenau im Mühlkreis. The Holy Water Chapel in Hörleinsödt is located in the middle of a forest next to a high-energy water spring. The water has been proven to strengthen almost all acupuncture meridians and releases many blockages. The healing spring has made the chapel a popular place of pilgrimage.

History:

The history of the municipality of Lichtenau im Mühlkreis relates to Lichtenau Castle. Sifrit der Hugenberger was the first known owner of the castle. He died in 1293 and was buried in Schlägl Abbey. The fortress was a fief of the Rosenbergs and passed through marriage to the Anhangers, the Jörgers and the Oedters. In the meantime it had become a fief of Wallsee and passed by marriage to the Herleinsperger family until the family died out in 1624. The castle passed again by marriage to the Schiffer family and in 1661 to the Counts of Sprinzenstein. In 1728 it passed by marriage to the Counts of Welsberg until it was bought by the linen merchant Georg Fölser of Haslach in 1831, and from the Fölsers it passed again by marriage to the owner family of the Vonwiller linen and cotton factory in Haslach. During the Russian occupation in 1945, the castle, its collections and interior furnishings were burnt down. The castle was partially rebuilt and is now privately owned.