Hofkirchen: Waterfall round
4142 Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis

Hofkirchen - Neubau - Danube view (2.8 km) - Niederranna (3.5 km) - Klingelmühle (5.1 km) - Bockbach Waterfall (6 km) - Hofkirchen (8.1 km)
Scenic, geological highlights, with options for refreshments
Recommended season:
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Geological highlights
INTERESTING POINTS ALONG THE WAY:
Legendary cultural life:
- Labyrinths Hofkirchen i.M., three large labyrinths connected by a hiking trail, www.labyrinthe-hofkirchen.at
Nature space & movement:
- Outdoor pool Hofkirchen with beach volleyball court
- Danube view Danube view point
- Bockbach Waterfall
SPIRITUAL HIKING ON THE DONAUSTEIG:
TAKE NEW PATHS in the municipality of Hofkirchen through four large labyrinths. The plant labyrinth, the stone labyrinth, the art labyrinth, and the Baltic wheel are connected by a circular hiking trail. The labyrinth is one of the oldest symbols of humanity and can be found all over the world. Labyrinths are places of deceleration, encounter, silence, and transformation. Their winding path leads to the center and back out again. Many see it as a symbol of their own life path with all its twists and turns. At the beginning, we believe we already have the goal in sight, but it doesn't go that fast. There are unexpected turns. Sometimes the path takes us far away from the goal before we suddenly arrive unexpectedly.
While on the path, we often lose sight as well. Only from a distance do we understand the winding path and realize that it is beautiful. People feel invited in the labyrinth to come to rest, find themselves, and sense the mystery of life.
It's worth experiencing all four labyrinths (please allow approx. 2.5 hours extra), if time doesn't allow it, the plant labyrinth and the Baltic wheel are located in the town of Hofkirchen directly on the "waterfall round".
Events + info: www.labyrinthe-hofkirchen.at
Tours available at: info@labyrinthe-hofkirchen.at
I take my time to walk a labyrinth.
From the starting point in Hofkirchen (market square), we follow the main street and then the Pfarrkirchen circular route to Niederranna. There, however, we continue along the left side of the Danube. At a row of trees in front of a few houses, we turn left and climb up the Danube slopes. The hiking trail leads on wonderful paths through the forest and we have the opportunity to make a small detour to the Bockbach Waterfall. We leave the forest and hike through fields and meadows back to Hofkirchen. An interesting, very varied path down the Danube slope to Niederranna, along the Danube and steeply back up to the high plateau. Wonderful views and the Bockbach waterfall are further highlights. Route characteristics: Challenging circular route through the Danube slopes to the large river with lots of forest. Not necessarily a "running route", but due to the gradient suitable for sure-footed hikers. (Hiking boots recommended)Tip:
Labyrinths Hofkirchen i. M.
Take the "New Paths" and hike to the three large labyrinths of Encounter, Inner Reflection, and Transformation.
Good footwear necessary (Danube slopes)Equipment:
Hiking backpack (including rain cover), sturdy footwear, possibly hiking polesAdditional information:
Market municipality office Hofkirchen i. M.
Markt 8
4142 Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis
Tel.: 0043(0)7285 7011
gemeindeamt@hofkirchen.at
www.hofkirchen.at
DONAUSTEIG HOSTS ALONG THE ROUTE:
Gasthof Draxler
Niederranna 3, 4085 Wesenufer, Tel.: +43 7285 511, www.donau-urlaub.at
Austrian, hearty cuisine and good drops from the rustic wine cellar, 40 beds
OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS ALONG THE ROUTE:
Gasthof Froschauer, Markt 37, 4142 Hofkirchen i.M., Tel.: +43 7285 7025, closed Tuesday
Hildes Treff – Cyclist's meeting place, Niederranna 62, 4085 Hofkirchen i.M., Tel.: +43 7285 6262, Apr.–Oct. from 10:00 a.m.
Country inn Cafe Am Weiher, Am Weiher 22, 4142 Hofkirchen i.M., Tel.: +43 7285 24673, closed Oct.–April Mon, Tue; May–Sept. Mon
Gasthof Froschauer, Markt 37, 4142 Hofkirchen i.M., Tel.: +43 7285 7025, closed Tuesday, 8 beds
Paths covering:
further information:
- Flatly
- Possible accommodation
- Board possible

Getting there
Car:
From Linz: via the Nibelungen bridge towards Rohrbach (B 127) - Puchenau - Ottensheim - Walding - Altenfelden - then turn left on the Altenfelden bypass - towards Oberkappel - Lembach bypass - Hofkirchen i.M.
From Wels: towards Eferding via Breitenaich, Eferding, Pupping, Haibach ob der Donau Schlögener Schlinge - then at the Danube bridge Niederranna, over the Danube and towards Hofkirchen i.M.
From Passau/Germany: motorway exit Passau Mitte - Engelhartszell - Danube bridge Niederranna - Hofkirchen i.M.
Public Transit
Boat: Dock in Niederranna
www.donauschiffahrt.de
Parking
In the town center of Hofkirchen i. M., opposite the Raiffeisen bank
- Suitable for groups
- Suitable for schools
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
Markt 8
4142 Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis
Phone +43 7285 7011
Fax machine +43 7285 7011 - 4
E-Mail gemeindeamt@hofkirchen.at
Web www.donauregion.at/hofkirchen
Web www.donauregion.at
https://www.donauregion.at
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1. The tours presented for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc. are to be considered non-paid tour recommendations and only serve as non-binding information. We have no intention of concluding a contract with the users of this website. The utilisation of the data does not lead to the establishment of a contract with us.
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We point out that neither the tour recommendations included on this website nor the associated data and information were posted by us, but rather by third parties (Art. 16 Austrian E-Commerce Act). We have no influence on whether the details provided (e.g. distance, level of difficulty, change in altitude, description etc.) are authentic, correct and complete. We do not review these third-party contents. For this reason, we assume no liability for the authenticity, correctness and completeness of the information.
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2.Some of the tours lead over roads with normal traffic conditions. Please observe that there is an increased risk which can be avoided by means of appropriate attention and proper estimation and implementation of one’s own abilities. For this reason, please travel a route that is unfamiliar to you slowly and with special care. Pay constant attention to potential dangers and always observe traffic. Do not leave the routes featured in descriptions.
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We recommend that you conclude an accident and liability insurance policy. Use an onboard computer that displays the respective kilometres travelled per day and is calibrated for the front wheel.
4.Special for mountain bikers – Fair-play rules:
Mountain biking is one of the most wonderful outdoor leisure-time activities. Whilst biking or on a mountain biking tour, mountains and lakes, meadows and cabins are re-discovered in new ways. A couple of rules for fair play in the forest help to avoid conflicts whilst mountain biking.
a.Pedestrians have the right of way: We are accommodating and friendly to pedestrians and hikers. Upon encountering these fellow travellers, we alert them by using the bicycle bell and slowly overtake them. We avoid paths with heavy pedestrian traffic altogether. Take nature into account: We do not leave refuse behind.
b.The braking distance should be half of the total distance visible: We ride at a controlled pace, are ready to brake and maintain a braking distance half as long as the total distance visible, especially in curves, because we always have to count on obstacles on the path. Damage to the path, stones, branches, wood piles, grazing livestock, cattle grids, barriers, tractor-type forestry machines and authorised vehicles pose dangers that we need to be ready for.
c.Don’t drink and drive!: Do not drink alcohol when mountain biking. Take care at stop-off points (dealing with bike racks, dirty shoes or clothing).
It is obligatory to provide first aid!
d.Marked routes, closed paths and blockades: Keep to the marked routes, observe the blockades and accept that these roads are primarily for agricultural and forestry use!
Blockades can often not be avoided and are in your own interest. Biking beyond the intended path and outside of opening times is punishable and turns us into illegal bikers.
e.We are guests in the forest and behave accordingly, including vis-à-vis forestry and hunting staff. Whilst mountain biking, mobile telephones and music players are forbidden! Biking requires your full attention.
f.Avoid unnecessary noise. Out of consideration to the animals living in the wild, we only bike during full daylight. As a principle, we always wear our helmet (even when riding uphill)! Don’t forget emergency supplies: We always have a repair set and bandages along.
g.Don’t overestimate your skills: We should not overdo it when it comes to biking technique and physical fitness. Take the level of difficulty posed by the route into consideration and make a precise estimate of your experience and skills as a biker (braking, bell, lights)!
h.Close gates: We approach grazing livestock at a walking pace and close every gate behind us. We should avoid causing escape and panic reactions in the animals. Nothing stands in the way of the fun and athletic challenge in the mountains and forests!
i.Traffic rules: The general traffic rules (StVO) apply for all the mountain biking routes and we adhere to them. Our bike therefore needs to be in perfect technical condition and equipped in line with the traffic rules, including brakes, a bell and lights. We inspect and service our mountain bikes regularly anyway.
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1. Each of your tour recommendations for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc., along with other details and information, is free of charge. In particular regarding the correctness of the information, we assume no liability, nor do we assume any liability whatsoever for the consequences of the use of your tour recommendation by a third party (in particular by a user of this website). We do not review the tour recommendations you post, including other details and information, at any time.
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