Scharnstein

Scharnstein is located in the heart of the Alm valley. Historical sites and wonderful places in nature invite you to hike and linger. Excellent gastronomy and stores as well as excellent businesses characterize the village. Scharnstein was first mentioned in a document in 1204. At that time, the Counts of Rebgau had already begun building Scharnstein Castle, the remains of which (Scharnstein Castle Ruins) are an extremely popular destination for excursions. The history of the castle is available via audio guide on site. 

In the district of Viechtwang you will find a wonderful neo-Romanesque church dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. The history of Scharnstein is very much influenced by the Jörger family, who in 1584 acquired the Scharnstein dominion, which included the castle, which had burned down a few years earlier, and the newly built Scharnstein Castle.  

Helmart Jörger founded five scythe hammers on the alpine pasture from the year 1588 and laid the foundation for scythe production, which reached its heyday through the Redtenbacher company. After the 1st World War, more than one million scythes were sold from Scharnstein all over the world. The tradition of scythe production is still alive today in the Geyerhammer Scythe Museum. In the densely wooded region, forestry is also of great importance. In the Almtal forest school, knowledge is imparted on all aspects of the forest.