Stelzhamer Square has had several names over the years, starting with the simple description, “the upper square”.

In 1626 it became the Tandlmarkt, or junk market. Around 400 years ago, the western side of the square was flanked by junk shops and craft shops. The town houses along the old fortress wall were built from 1788. Number 18 and its two-window façade still recalls the narrow Gothic structures.Firewood and timber for construction were sold on the square, and so it became known as Holzplatz, or wood square.

In 1911 it was named for author and poet Franz Stelzhamer. At the same time, a memorial to Stelzhamer by Gmunden sculptor Anton Gehart was unveiled. The memorial was financed from the personal funds of Emperor Franz Josef I and public donations.

Until 1949, Stelzhamerplatz was Ried’s transport hub. After that, the bus station was moved to the Marktplatz.