Neustift: Bishop Firmian Path
4040 Linz
Varied hiking trail with magnificent views, ascents and descents, with views of the Danube and walking along the Ranna.
Scenic
Recommended season:
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Botanical highlights
- Faunistic highlights
INTERESTING POINTS ALONG THE WAY:
Legendary cultural life:
- Scharrer Wood Art Workshop
- Penzenstein Pilgrimage Chapel
Nature space & movement:
- Kneipp and fitness trail, 45 m high dam at the Ranna reservoir nature reserve
- Ranna valley
- Danube view Penzenstein
SPIRITUAL HIKING ON THE DONAUSTEIG:
Leopold Ernst Count of Firmian (1708 / 1783)
He is regarded on the one hand as the last “Baroque prince” on the Passau bishop's throne and on the other as an important reformer. As an advisor to Empress Maria Theresa he initiated the school reform of 1769 / 74 and thus the introduction of compulsory education. To open up food sources for the population, he had large parts of the episcopal hunting grounds in the Bavarian Forest cleared, where the villages of Vorder-, Mitter- and Hinterfirmiansreuth (reuth = clearing) still recall his work. He was one of the first to promote religious tolerance and already allowed, for example, in 1777 the burial of Protestants in the Catholic cemetery. As one of only 70 cardinals worldwide at the time, he had influence on the world church in the sense of “finally out of the Middle Ages”.
On the "Bishop Firmian Path" I reflect on what I need to reform in my life.
From the village center walk towards the Ranna reservoir and at the end of the village turn left (Kagerstraße). Follow the path down to the Konzinger footbridge (1.4 km) and cross the small bridge. Follow the path to the right along the lake shore (this section also features the Kneipp and fitness trail) to the Ranna dam (3.5 km). At the beginning of the stone wall, descend into the Ranna valley nature reserve (3.4 km) and follow the path for about 2 km downstream into an exciting natural area with different vegetation zones. From now on the path leads into the Ranna valley, which is a nature reserve due to its rare animal and plant life. At the 9th ford, leave the Ranna Gorge to the right, climb the path to Steinlacke (8.4 km) and then left towards Pühret. Past Guesthouse Weiss, walk to the Danube view at Penzenstein (10.3 km). Here you can enjoy the magnificent view over the Danube valley and the neighboring community of Engelhartszell. Follow the path along the edge of the forest towards “Frauensteig” (descent to the Danube) and continue to the Mollsberg farm road. Before Kleinmollsberg, turn right to Forstedt (12.1 km). Behind the Schürz guesthouse, a meadow path leads to Grub. Through a small forest you reach the state road, on which a short ascent takes you back to the starting point in Neustift (12.9 km).
Tip:Located on the Danube ridge, between the Ranna and Danube valleys lies Neustift near the Bavarian border.
A holiday paradise for families, cyclists, and hikers.
Hiking boots are recommendedEquipment:
Hiking backpack (incl. rain cover), sturdy footwearAdditional information:
Guest Association Neustift in Mühlviertel
Passauerstr. 14
4143 Neustift i.M.
Tel.: +43 (0)72 8481 55 or Tel. +43 (0)664 111 93 82
info@urlaub-neustift.at
www.familienurlaub-neustift.at
DONAU STEIG HOSTS ALONG THE ROUTE:
Family Guesthouse Weiss
Pühret 5, 4143 Neustift, Tel.: +43 7284 8104, www.familiengasthof-weiss.at
- Barbecue evenings from June – September, beer specialties, wellness oasis, 60 beds
Guesthouse Wundsam
Passauer Straße 1, 4143 Neustift, Tel.: +43 7284 8101, www.gasthaus-wundsam.at
- Kitchen is regional, seasonal, and fresh, with products from the surrounding region, 16 beds
Inn-Pension Luger
Kramesau 4, 4085 Wesenufer, Tel.: +43 7285 507, www.gasthhof-luger.co.at
- very good fish restaurant
- 16 beds
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
Details - hiking
- themed path
The Danube view Penzenstein is the most popular destination of our guests in the municipality of Neustift im Mühlkreis. From this lookout rock, situated above the Danube, you have a magnificent view over the Danube valley and to the Danube power plant Jochenstein.
Directly at the Danube view Penzenstein is a small chapel. Every year, in the summer months, a pilgrimage to the Penzenstein Chapel is always organized on the thirteenth day of the month.
At 10 stations along Ranna reservoir, you`ll find many training options to keep fit and healthy for everyday life
The trail begins just after the dam wall and leads in direction of Oberkappel to the so-called "Konzinger Steg" footbridge. After crossing the fottbridge, the trail continues down the lake with five stations. Training options for keeping fit and healthy include cardiovascular training, strength training, balance training, stretching, brain gym, all the way to the foot world of experience at the tenth and last station. After the fitness trail at "konzinger Steg" footbridge begins at Kneipp-path, leading directly to Oberkappel along six Kneipp stations ( 2km)
We produce genuine HANDWORK for you,
We also endeavor to implement your personal motifs or ideas.
Whether as a picture, clock, home accessory, gift or much more,
or simply choose from the existing works of art in our store.
The Rannatal is a piece of old and unspoiled nature with unwooded screes where moss and lichen overgrew the stones. In this area different block forests can be found: Deciduous forests and spruce forests. Especially the spruces and blueberry bushes have their own appeal as they are light green during spring and become auburn in autumn.
Another nature phenomenon are the block trains that go steeply down from the valley slopes.
Moss and lichen have settled those rocky undergrounds. Due to the gold dust lichen (Chrysothrix chlorina), rocks look quite colourful with their lightening yellow. One can speak about block trains as they are still in motion.
It is not a miracle that the natural jewel with its forests and rocks still appears as an important
refugium for endangered species, such as the green lizard.
The nature reserve is also a habitat for less known animals and plants. Besides, it is one of the best European areal units for different linchen species. Many block trains with silicate rocks are the main characteristics of the Rannatal. Low temperatures in the spaces of those rocks gave some insects the possibility to survive since the last glacial epoch. Next to this, some marshlands have been created after a long time.
Rannatal nearly had to move for a power station but was luckily declared as a nature reserve in 2002. Only two years later, the nature reserve Rannatal was nominated as a Natura 2000 area.
Between 1947 and 1950, the "OÖ Kraftwerke AG" built the Rannatal dam in its current form. The reservoir behind the dam serves as a water reservoir for the power station in Kramesau.
The powerhouse in Kramesau is located on the Danube and is connected to the Ranna reservoir by a tunnel.
The dam - which is almost 50 metres high and the dam crest is 125 metres long - dams up the Ranna for four kilometres to near the village of Oberkappl to 2.35 million cubic metres of water.
The Ranna reservoir is used from the dam wall to Oberkappel as a fishing water known for its biodiversity.
See under "Rannastausee fishing water"
Info: Gästeverein Neustift im Mühlviertel
Tel.: +43 (0)72 8481 55
Blaue Männer und Medizinschlangen…
An Aussichtspunkten erkennt man die Gegensätze der Donauhänge. Auf der einen Seite felsige, trockenwarme, steile Hänge, auf der anderen Seite flache Stellen und sanft ansteigende Hügel. Die steilen Hänge der Donauleiten bieten auf engstem Raum eine Vielzahl verschiedener Lebensräume. Nebeneinander kommen schattige Wälder, steile felsige Abstürze, Blockströme und enge Bachschluchten vor. Diese verschiedenen Lebensräume ermöglichen eine hohe Vielfalt an Tier- und Pflanzenarten. Zwei besonders interessante Bewohner sind die Smaragdeidechse und die Äskulapnatter. Die Smaragdeidechse ist in Bayern vom Aussterben bedroht und in Österreich stark gefährdet. Auffällig ist die blau gefärbte Kehle der Männchen in der Paarungszeit. Die Äskulapnatter ist die größte Schlange Mitteleuropas und ein geschickter Kletterer. Sie ist als Symbol an jeder Apotheke zu finden, wo sie gekonnt den Äskulapstab erklimmt.
Der Teufel trieb auch rund um den Penzenstein sein Unwesen. Wie die Gegend von ihm befreit wurde und warum noch heute seine Fußabdrücke am Penzenstein zu sehen sind, verrät die Donau-Sage "Zum Teufel mit dem Stein!".
When you enter the small manufactory of the chocolate shop run by Kurt and his daughter Karina Wöss, one thing is immediately clear: it smells of sweets! The familiar, warm smell of honey and chocolate takes you back to Grandma's kitchen. If you linger a little longer in the manufactory, you not only get to see extraordinary pralines and chocolates, but also experience a unique joy: the joy of the art of creating special treats from simple ingredients. Because behind every piece is pride, dedication and the endeavour to give people a little moment of pleasure.
The chocolate shop is located in the Danube region, more precisely in Pühret near Neustift, where handmade chocolate creations that are renowned for their quality and creativity have been produced since 2016. The centrepiece of the business is the handmade chocolate products in numerous variations. Kurt and Karina are particularly proud of their liqueur chocolates, which were originally created for the monastery in Engelhartszell. In addition to the liqueur chocolates, the chocolate shop offers a wide range of nougat and fruit pralines as well as seasonal specialities.
Karina and Kurt have been running the chocolate shop as a joint family business since the beginning of 2023. Kurt Wöss, whose passion began over 20 years ago, has made it his mission to produce exceptional pralines and chocolates. What once began as a small experiment in the home bakery developed into a true vocation. "You need time and peace and quiet to work with chocolate," says Kurt with a palpable dedication to his profession. With Karina, the company gained a breath of fresh air and creative ideas. Originally working in the metal trade, she also found her calling in the chocolate shop - her interest in creative work and customer contact is what fulfils her.
The close connection to the region is reflected in the use of regional ingredients: Spruce needles from the surrounding forests for the forest chocolate - which won the Upper Austrian Craftsmanship Award - honey from local beekeepers and fruit from local farmers. "We make sure that everything comes from the region," emphasises Kurt. The Wöss family's personal homage to the region is particularly evident in the specially created element chocolates, which symbolise the elements of earth, fire, water and air.
The chocolate shop is located along the Donausteig, which makes a visit during a hike perfect. One highlight is definitely the chocolate fountain, which delights young and old visitors alike. Kurt fondly remembers all the reactions when you see the chocolate fountain for the first time: "The eyes light up not only in the children, but also in the adults. Sometimes I wonder who enjoys it more!" These little moments make Kurt and Karina Wöss' chocolate shop a place that goes far beyond mere enjoyment.
Info: Gästeverein Neustift im Mühlviertel
Tel.: +43 (0)72 8481 55
Arzt und Hausapotheke, Tel.: 8260
Postamt Neustift, Tel.: 0577677 4143
Rotes Kreuz, Notruf: 144
Polizei, Tel.: 059133 4255, Notruf: 133
Taxi, Tel.: 0664/3447929
Wandertipps
Schmugglerweg: 12 km langer Rundweg, grenzüberschreitend (Reisepass mitnehmen)
Burgherrenweg: 10,8 km Rundroute an der Donauleit´n
Pühretsteig: 2 km langer Verbindungsweg zwischen Pühret und Donau
Seenweg: 16,7 km langer Rundweg zwischen Rannabadesee und Stausee.
Fitnessweg: 4,5 km langer Weg rund um den Rannastausee Details finden Sie in der Wander/Panoramakarte, erhältlich am Gemeindeamt.
Tipp
Radrouten:
Seenradrundweg: 20 km lange, anspruchsvolle Strecke teilweise im Naturschutzgebiet Rannatal.
Am Höhenrücken der Donau gelegen, zwischen Ranna,- und Donautal liegt Neustift nahe der bayerischen Grenze. Ein Urlaubsparadies für Familien, Radfahrer und Wanderer. Vom Rannabadesee (Bootsverleih u. Wasserrutsche) bis zum Donauradweg finden Sie viele Sehenswürdigkeiten: den Donaublick Penzenstein, die Freizeitanlage mit großem Kinderspielplatz, den Rannastausee mit Fitness,- und Kneippweg und zum Besichtigen lädt die Kunstwerkstatt Scharrer herzlich ein.
Wussten Sie, dass die Eierschwammerl mit ihrer satt-gelben Farbe angeblich auf "Jesus, Petrus und einen Krapfen" zurückgehen? Die Donau-Sage kennt die ganze Geschichte.
Info: Tourismusverband Neustift
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 84 / 81 55
Wandertipps
Schmugglerweg: 12 km langer Rundweg, grenzüberschreitend (Reisepass mitnehmen) Burgherrenweg: 10,8 km Rundroute an der Donauleit´n Pühretsteig: 2 km langer Verbindungsweg zwischen Pühret und Donau Seenweg: 16,7 km langer Rundweg zwischen Rannabadesee und Stausee. Fitnessweg: 4,5 km langer Weg rund um den Rannastausee Details finden Sie in der Wander/ Panoramakarte, erhältlich am Gemeindeamt. Am Höhenrücken der Donau gelegen, zwischen Ranna- und Donautal liegt Neustift nahe der bayerischen Grenze. Ein Urlaubsparadies für Familien, Radfahrer und Wanderer. Vom Rannabadesee (Bootsverleih u. Wasserrutsche) bis zum Donauradweg finden Sie viele Sehenswürdigkeiten: den Donaublick Penzenstein, die Freizeitanlage mit großem Kinderspielplatz, den Rannastausee und Naturschutzgebiet Rannatal samt Fitness,- und Kneippweg. Zum Besichtigen lädt die Kunstwerkstatt Scharrer herzlich ein.
Getting there
Car:
From Austria: Voralpenkreuz - Welser Westspange - towards Eferding - Passau - Niederranna Danube bridge - Neustift i.M.
or
Linz - Eferding or Aschach - towards Passau - Niederranna Danube bridge - Neustift i.M
Train: Nearest station Neufelden 33 km away
Passau/BRD station 30 km away
Public Transit
www.postbus.at
Parking
Place Neustift ob der Donau, recreational facility
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz
Phone +43 732 7277 - 800
mobile +43 664 1119382
Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804
E-Mail info@familienurlaub-neustift.at
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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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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