Public School
Neulengbach, Austria
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Here is the old Public School building found near the center of Neulengbach. With its tall windows, symmetrical front, and sturdy institutional look, there is no mistaking this for anything other than an old-fashioned schoolhouse. 04-09

The building was constructed in 1911 and 1912 as a Bürgerschule, or civic school, and opened in September 1912. It later became the town’s main school before being converted into an elementary school in 1976.

UPDATE: The old building was renovated and expanded between 1999 and 2001, gaining additional classrooms and a gymnasium. It remains in use as the Volksschule Neulengbach, so generations of local students are still filing through the doors more than a century later.. 08-26

Town Square
Schladming, Austria
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Here's a photo of the historic town square in Styria, Austria. 04-09

Here is the Hauptplatz in the old center of Schladming. The town square is lined with shops, hotels, restaurants, and plenty of signs, all tucked beneath the surrounding Austrian mountains. It makes a good place to slow down and wander around for a while. 04-09

Schladming was once an important mining town, and reminders of that history can still be found around the square and nearby streets. The old Salzburger Tor, the last survivor of the town’s three original gates, stands only a short walk away.

UPDATE: Today the square is the busy pedestrian center of town, with outdoor tables replacing the miners and traders who once passed through here. Skiers now come down from the nearby Planai slopes looking for food, coffee, or perhaps another glass of Schladminger beer. 08-26

Town Hall
Eisenerz, Austria
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Attached is a picture of the Rathous at Eiserntz. If you look close you will notice the blowing snow on the mountain in the background. From this spot the road makes a large zig-zag up over the mountain. the temperature drops and the wind picks up and the snow goes from none to about 10 feet. There is a ski resort that you pass. What is strange about this blowing snow is that I am used to seeing is blow across the road alright, but here the plowed snow is way over the height of the car so the blowing snow actually drops down on you as you are driving by. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 04-09

Here is the old Town Hall standing on Bergmannsplatz in the Austrian mining town of Eisenerz. The heavy stone walls, arched entrance, and town crest give the building the proper civic look for this historic little square.

Eisenerz means “iron ore,” which is a pretty appropriate name. The town grew beneath the enormous Erzberg mine, Erzberg mine, where the mountainside has been carved into giant steps. For generations, the bell in the nearby Shift Tower rang out to tell the miners when it was time to begin or end their work.

The town offices eventually moved to a newer building, but the old Rathaus was saved. It now houses a museum devoted to Eisenerz, the Erzberg, and the long relationship between the town and its iron-mining industry.

UPDATE: The old Town Hall remains open as the Museum im Alten Rathaus. 08-26