Things To Do
in Ried im Innkreis
Ried im Innkreis is a compact market town in Upper Austria's Innviertel region known for its tidy pedestrian Hauptplatz, historic town tower and a pleasant riverside setting along the Antiesen. The town combines small-town Austrian charm with accessible services, local festivals and easy access to rolling farmland and nearby nature reserves. Ried is also home to a notable regional football club, lending a lively local sports culture.
It makes an excellent base for exploring the Innviertel, day trips to Linz or Salzburg, and sampling hearty regional cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Ried im Innkreis, taking in the beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Visit the St. Florian Church, known for its stunning frescoes and intricate altar, providing a glimpse into the town's rich history. Enjoy a traditional Austrian breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and coffee while soaking in the morning ambiance.
After lunch, head to the Ried Museum, where you can delve deeper into the local culture and history through engaging exhibits. Wander around the town square, stopping at artisan shops and boutiques to find unique souvenirs and local crafts. Don't miss the chance to relax in the nearby park, enjoying a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to savor traditional Austrian dishes, such as Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. After dinner, consider joining a guided night walk to explore the town's illuminated streets and hear fascinating stories from local guides. Cap off the evening with a drink at a nearby bar, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a nature walk along the Inn River. The crisp morning air and vibrant greenery will invigorate your spirit as you take in the stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside. Keep your camera ready for the picturesque landscapes and charming wildlife that you might encounter along the way.
After your walk, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the riverside parks, surrounded by the beautiful Austrian landscape. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby hills and forests, where well-marked trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of nature as you listen to the sounds of the forest and the gentle flow of the river.
Return to Ried im Innkreis and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a local restaurant that offers seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the town to admire the serene atmosphere and perhaps catch a glimpse of local events or performances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $4-6 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L at a pub) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $10-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with authentic small-town Austrian charm
- Good base for exploring the Innviertel countryside and nearby cities (Linz, Salzburg)
- Strong local food culture and seasonal markets
- Low crime and family-friendly atmosphere
- Limited late-night entertainment and nightlife options
- Smaller selection of international dining compared with larger cities
- Public transport options to remote villages can be infrequent on weekends
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day (common greeting)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Die Rechnung, bitte" - The bill, please
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ich habe eine Allergie gegen ..." - I have an allergy to ...
- "Wo ist die Bushaltestelle?" - Where is the bus stop?
Places to Visit in Ried im Innkreis
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square with historic facades and the distinctive town tower offers classic architectural shots, especially at golden hour.
Peaceful riverside scenes, bridges and reflections — good for quiet nature and lifestyle photography.
Flowerbeds, mature trees and seasonal blooms provide close-up and landscape opportunities within walking distance of the center.
Forested trails, canopy light and panoramic viewpoints over the Innviertel hills — excellent for nature and wildlife photos.
Rolling farmland, quaint farmhouses and tree-lined lanes create idyllic rural images, best captured early or late in the day.
Food in Ried im Innkreis
Ried im Innkreis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Austrian-style cheesy dumpling/noodle dish (similar to Käsenocken) — rich comfort food often found at local Gasthäuser and regional festivals.
Must-Try!
Roast pork with bread or potato dumplings and gravy — a staple at traditional inns in and around Ried.
A cold-cut board with local cheeses, smoked meats and pickles; perfect at farm shops, beer gardens or mountain huts nearby.
Classic Austrian dessert pastry available in nearly every Konditorei and café on the Hauptplatz.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market on the main square offering seasonal produce, cheeses, smoked meats and baked goods — a great place to sample regional products and buy picnic supplies.
Local village markets and Christmas markets in winter offer sausages, warm punch (Punsch), pastries and handmade goods — ideal for street-food style tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite greeting such as 'Grüß Gott' (common in southern Germany/Austria) or 'Guten Tag' when entering shops or meeting people. A handshake is standard in formal introductions.
Austrians value punctuality — arrive on time for appointments, tours and restaurant reservations.
Respect Ruhezeiten (quiet hours), especially in residential areas: late-night noise and lawn mowing on Sundays are frowned upon.
Use formal 'Sie' with strangers and in business contexts unless invited to use 'du'. Dress smart-casual in town and conservative in religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Ried im Innkreis
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common practice for good service. For taxis, round up or add a small euro amount; tip hotel porters and cleaners a few euros for good service.
Austria uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in restaurants and stores, but many small shops, markets and rural inns prefer cash — carry some euros. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours ideal for hiking, cycling and outdoor dining; beer gardens and local festivals are active — bring sun protection and light clothing.
Crisp air and colorful foliage across the hills make it a great time for scenic drives and mushroom/foraging excursions; temperatures cool quickly in the evening.
Chilly conditions with regular frost and occasional snow; town is quieter but cozy with Christmas markets and nearby ski areas accessible by car — pack warm layers and sturdy shoes.
Gradual warming, blooming fields and fewer tourists; mud possible on trails after thaw, so waterproof footwear is advised.
Ried im Innkreis at Night
Hiking in Ried im Innkreis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive forest trails offering varied difficulty levels, good wildlife-spotting opportunities and peaceful woodland scenery just a short drive from Ried.
A local, easy loop following the Antiesen river that is ideal for family walks, birdwatching and short runs close to town.
Hilly routes through pastoral landscapes and small woods providing panoramic views of the Innviertel — suitable for hiking and cycling.
Multiple mapped circular walks linking villages, farmsteads and viewpoints — perfect for half-day hikes and sampling rural scenery.
Airports
How to reach Ried im Innkreis by plane.
The closest major airport (about 60–80 km by car) with regional and some international flights; rental cars and taxis connect to Ried, and regional trains/buses provide onward travel.
Approximately 80–110 km away depending on route; good option for more international connections and about an hour to 1.5 hours by car.
Major international hub around 140–170 km away; convenient for many long-haul flights and reachable by car or train in roughly two hours.
Farther afield (about 280–320 km), but a major hub offering many international routes; useful if combining a longer Austria itinerary with visits to the east.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are multi-generational local families involved in small businesses, agriculture and services — community-oriented and family-focused.
Like many small towns, Ried has a significant proportion of older adults, reflected in quieter daytime rhythms and community services oriented to seniors.
Some younger residents commute to larger nearby cities (Linz, Salzburg) for work or university, creating a mix of local traditions and modern influences.
A modest population of residents with immigrant backgrounds and some international workers add diversity to the local community and workforce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the town's most popular spectator sport — SV Ried is the local club with a dedicated fan base and regular matches that are a key part of community life.
Although not in the high Alps, many residents travel to nearby ski areas in winter for downhill and cross-country skiing; winter sports are popular recreational activities.
Cycling is widespread for both leisure and sport, with scenic rural routes and organized local cycling events through the Innviertel.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ried im Innkreis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited in traditional inns; look for dishes like Kasnocken, vegetable sides, salads and dedicated vegetarian cafes in town.
Vegan choices are growing slowly — bakeries often have plant-based sweet options, and some cafes offer vegan sandwiches or bowls; bring translation cards to explain restrictions if unsure.
Many restaurants can accommodate common allergies if notified; smaller inns may have limited GF options, so ask staff and carry allergy cards in German ("Ich habe eine Glutenallergie").