Donausteig Stage 4_G08 Waldhausen - Grein: "Summit rush - Through the Mühlviertel hilly landscape"
4040 Linz
Donausteig - simply amazing! On this panoramic stage, we hike through the atmospheric hilly landscape of the Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland: from Waldhausen to Bad Kreuzen and down along the Danube to Grein. Along the way, we discover the magnificent Waldhausen Abbey as an end and beginning, divine stonemasonry and their signs, the second-largest castle complex in Upper Austria, the healing waters of the Wolfsschlucht, …
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Cultural/historical value
- Geological highlights
- Insider tip
- Summit route
Seal of approval:
- Quality route according to "Österreichisches Wandergütesiegel"
The starting point of this wonderful stage is Waldhausen. The historic market lies in a valley basin surrounded by wooded mountain peaks of the atmospheric Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland. The market and the abbey of the same name are a symbol of the land reclamation of this remote region. Wonderful facades, skillful granite work, beautiful gardens, … make the village a little gem! From the market square, we pass the unique parish church and follow the Klostersteig to the former Waldhausen Abbey - a jewel! The magnificent abbey church tells of god-fearing foundation and fateful splendor. Shortly thereafter, we leave the village area of Waldhausen and hike with gentle ups and downs through the beautiful hilly landscape. At Langenbach, the forested ascent to the edge of the Waldhausen basin begins. Only at the top does the view back reveal the full dimension of the basin - a painstakingly created landscape full of harmony! On the other side of the ridge, the landscape opens up to a viewing balcony: wide views towards the Danube valley, from Ötscher to Traunstein, ... Over forest paths, farm roads, and field paths, we hike down a scenic ridge to the Aumühle in the Gießenbach valley. There begins the summit rush. We briefly follow the meanders of the Gießenbach and then quickly gain height over forest and meadow paths. The views sweep far over the Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland to the Alps. A few meters later, we discover the mystical Moonstone. The descent to Bad Kreuzen proceeds enjoyably through the hilly cultural landscape. Shortly before Bad Kreuzen, we traverse the wild romantic Kasmüllerbach valley. Here the Dr. Otto Fleischanderl trail reminds us of the beginnings of the spa business in Bad Kreuzen. A short ascent to the next ridge brings us to a Donausteig junction. Uphill to the right, we reach the beautiful village center of the historic spa town Bad Kreuzen. Downhill to the left, we reach Kreuzen Castle, once the second-largest fortress complex in Upper Austria. The magnificent panoramic view from the castle's keep is one of the most beautiful on the Donausteig - simply amazing! Over wonderful hiking trails, we descend the wild romantic Wolfsschlucht. Wonderful mixed forest, wildly blocked stream terrain, beautiful light moods, historical spa stations,... shape this special experience. At the end of the Wolfsschlucht, a short farm road leads up to Lehen. From there, we again go down through rural hilly landscape to the Danube in Grein, the gateway to Strudengau. Pure landscape enjoyment - simply amazing!
Discover the following special features with the Donausteig diary:
- Waldhausen - a little gem
- Donausteig starting point "Waldhausen"
- Parish church Waldhausen - divine granite art
- Anniversary bust - Long live the Emperor!
- St. Nepomuk with chronogram
- Waldhausen Abbey - end and beginning
- The Dimbach and the Struden
- Kleingruber farm - a departure house
- ...
Download: Donausteig Diary Stage 4_G08 Waldhausen-Grein
Directions:
From the Donausteig starting point in Waldhausen we first go along the south side of the market square, then past the parish church and the cemetery. Afterwards, the Klostersteig, a magnificent linden avenue, leads us almost level to the former monastery complex of Waldhausen on the Schloßberg. At the intersection with the starting point of the honey extractor trail turn left. After about 200 m, before a beautiful stone wayside shrine, turn right and follow the field path through a short wooded area. At the paved farm road turn left to the next T-junction. Now turn right and go uphill over the road embankment, past the Marian chapel to the small saddle. There, follow the field path to the left over the hill. At Gumpetshof we take the forest path downhill to the right until we reach the paved road near the transformer in Langenbach. Here turn right uphill and after about 400 m turn left. A forest path quickly takes us uphill, past the Kleingruber and Großgruber farms. At the forest road high on the mountain, continue left to the paved road. Then turn right uphill. At the next farms we turn left and after a few meters downhill reach the Donausteig rest area "Dörl, Gameritt". We continue hiking downhill towards the south. Over field paths and short paved sections, we reach the hamlet of Dorferhäuser. From there, a field path takes us in a large right loop further down into the Gießenbach valley to the inn Aumühle. We follow the paved road uphill to the right and after about 250 m turn left onto the paved farm road "Gießenbachtal." On a long uphill stretch, the Donausteig briefly leaves the farm road and immediately follows the Gießenbach to the Klausmühle. There it returns to the farm road. Before a sharp right curve, a forest path branches off to the left. Over this, we soon reach a large four-sided farm. Here turn right, past the second residential house. Then a sharp left-right curve combination takes us through a short wooded area and over the fields to the next farmstead. Over a paved farm road, we go downhill to reach the Donausteig rest area "Mondstein". We follow the paved road downhill on the right and cross the next intersection straight ahead—a driveway takes us through the following wooded area. Then we briefly follow the paved road to the left and just before the large quadrangular farm turn right again onto a field path. First over meadows, then downhill through the forest, we reach a paved road by a stream. Here turn right uphill to the Kollroß Chapel. Cross its intersection straight ahead. The path now goes through the valley hollow, past a farm, and in an S-curve to the paved road on the opposite hillside. There turn left downhill. In the forest, a hiking trail branches off to the right and leads past the forest shrine through the Kasmüllerbach valley. At a former mill, we reach the paved road again, which then shortly curves sharply right uphill to the Bad Kreuzen junction point (large intersection, granite wayside shrine). Those who want to enter the market town of Bad Kreuzen must turn right here and follow the opposite road uphill into the village. The path to Grein goes left here. Immediately past Castle Kreuzen and the Donausteig rest area "Burg Kreuzen", a hiking trail then leads downhill through the Wolfsschlucht. At the southern end of the gorge, follow the forest road uphill to the left to reach a farmstead, then turn right downhill. In front of the Speckalm (Lehen) the path turns left and follows the farm road downhill. From a white wooden chapel, a meadow path brings us to the next farmstead and from there a hiking trail through the forest to a paved road. We follow this to the left to the right-angled junction. There turn right downhill, past the Hahnwirt. At the next forest edge, turn sharply right. Through a wooded area and over meadows, we reach the Donausteig rest area "Mühberg". Meadow and forest paths now lead down to the first residential street of Grein. At the T-junction turn left and always follow the larger road to the railway tracks. In the green area afterwards is the Donausteig rest area "Storchenblick" (opposite Luger nursery). The Donausteig skirts this green area on the south side and leads over a footpath to the town center of Grein. The Donausteig starting point "Grein" is located directly on the Danube promenade.
To facilitate your orientation, the Donausteig has been equipped with its own orientation system - the description can be found here.
Tip:
Take your time and enjoy!Equipment:
In addition to your personal hiking equipment, there are no special requirements.Additional information:
WGD Donau Upper Austria Tourism GmbH
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz, Austria
Tel. +43(0)732/7277-800
Fax. +43(0)732/7277-804
info@donausteig.com
Waldhausen
4391 Waldhausen, Markt 14
Tel.: +43(0)7260/4505
tourismus@waldhausen.ooe.gv.at
www.waldhausen.at
Grein/Danube
4360 Grein, Stadtplatz 7
Tel./Fax: +43(0)7268/7055
info.grein@oberoesterreich.at
www.oberoesterreich.at/grein
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Board possible
Direction information: Departure
Direction information: Destination
Getting there
The Donausteig starting point "Waldhausen" is located within sight of the southern exit of the market square in Waldhausen (GPS: A-4391 Waldhausen, Markt).
Public Transit
Waldhausen can be reached by bus. A return transfer from Grein to Waldhausen is possible by bus. Information about the times can be found at http://www.ooevv.at .
Parking
The few parking spaces in the market square are intended for short shopping stays. Unlimited free parking is possible at the cemetery car park about a 3-minute walk from the market square.
free entrance
- Suitable for groups
- Suitable for kids (all ages)
- Pets allowed
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz
Phone +43 732 7277 - 800
Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804
E-Mail tourismus@waldhausen.ooe.gv.at
Web www.donauregion.at
Web www.waldhausen.at/system/web/defaul…
https://www.waldhausen.at/system/web/default.aspx?sprache=1
Vis-à-vis users
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.
The data may only be used for private use; any commercial use is prohibited. In particular, it is not permissible to offer the data on commercially run websites, file-sharing platforms etc. or to use it to develop commercial products. Downloading data does not imply that users are granted rights to the data concerned.
The tour recommendations posted were created with utmost care; nevertheless, we assume no liability for the correctness and completeness of the information.
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.
Construction-related measures or other influences (e.g. landslides and similar occurrences) can lead to temporary or permanent changes in a route (e.g. loss of a bridge and similar occurrences). Such occurrences can lead to part of the route or the entire route becoming impassable.
The use of the data as well as undertaking (riding, walking, taking etc.) the recommended tours or using the network of paths occurs at users’ own risk and on their authority. In particular, users themselves are responsible for the choice of route, outdoor orientation, adherence to traffic rules, supplies and equipment for tours listed in Point 1 (e.g. bicycle etc.), wearing a helmet, estimating their own fitness, recognising dangers and maintaining an appropriate velocity. We exclude ourselves from any liability whatsoever for damages, in particular accidents, that occur whilst taking part in the recommended tours.
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.
The potential use of private roads, in particular forestry roads and agricultural transport roads, can be subject to legal restrictions, which must be observed and adhered to.
The normal traffic rules apply. Each user (e.g. biker, motorbiker) is responsible for adhering to these rules and maintaining his/her bike/vehicle and its equipment (lights, brakes etc.) in good working order. Each user is also responsible for ensuring that he/she rides at a velocity that is appropriate for the conditions and his/her skill level and for maintaining sufficient distance to the rider in front. We explicitly recommend adjusting velocity to correspond to the respective field of vision, wearing a helmet, using reflective clothing (or similar) and employing bicycle lights in line with regulations.
3.Each tour requires good physical fitness as well as detailed planning. We explicitly recommend only taking the tours in the case of optimal healthiness.
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.
5.We assume no liability for the contents of external websites; in particular, we assume no liability for their statements and contents. Moreover, we have no influence on the design or contents of the websites to which hyperlinks on guide.oberoesterreich.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to guide.oberoesterreich.at. There is no on-going review of websites to which hyperlinks on guide.oberoesterreich.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to guide.oberoesterreich.at. We do not appropriate the contents of websites to which hyperlinks on guide.oberoesterreich.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to guide.oberoesterreich.at.
Vis-à-vis bloggers
PLEASE OBSERVE:
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.
We have no intention of concluding a contract with persons who post tour recommendations and/or other details and information on this website. Posting data (information) does not imply that a contract has been concluded.
By recommending a tour, we assume special responsibility vis-à-vis other athletes. Please take this responsibility seriously and describe your tour recommendation with utmost care and to the best of your knowledge and belief.
2.Your tour recommendations must therefore clearly and unambiguously include at least the following criteria and provide a sufficiently detailed description:
• Starting point
• Detailed route description
• Distance/Overall distance
• Level of difficulty
• Dangerous spots
• Average duration of trip
• Change in altitude
• Finishing point.
If possible, please provide the change in altitude.
3.When you post a tour recommendation, you give us the order to save your tour recommendation and/or the details you provide on our website and to make it/them accessible to third parties, in particular to users of this website, in the long term. We reserve the right to block or delete tour recommendations and/or other details and/or information that you post, either partially or entirely, at any time without providing a justification. Should this occur, it grants you no rights whatsoever.
Thank you for your efforts!
4. We are not responsible for the contents of external websites; in particular, we do not assume any liability for their statements or contents. Furthermore, we do not influence the design or contents of websites that can be accessed from guide.oberoesterreich.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to guide.oberoesterreich.at. The websites that can be accessed from guide.oberoesterreich.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to guide.oberoesterreich.at are not regularly monitored. Furthermore, we do not assume any claims to the websites that can be accessed from guide.oberoesterreich.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to guide.oberoesterreich.at.