Donausteig stage 4_G06 Grein - Sarmingstein: “Through the wild Strudengau”
4040 Linz
Donausteig – simply amazing! This stage takes us through the magnificent Danube notch valley of Strudengau. Once feared by boatmen because of its treacherous water whirlpools, today we hike enjoyably through this fascinating piece of Danube history – from Grein via St. Nikola to Sarmingstein. Along the way, we discover Grein as the gateway to Strudengau, the legendary Stillensteinklamm, the most dangerous water vortices of the entire Danube course, Säbnich Castle as a stronghold in the east, …
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Family friendly
- Cultural/historical value
- Geological highlights
Grein, the gateway to Strudengau, is the starting point for this wonderful Donausteig stage. The historic town was once the last safe mooring spot before the dangerous whirlpools of Strudengau! Magnificent facades, elegant bay windows, … bear witness to wealth from Danube shipping. On the Danube promenade, we stroll to the Halterkreuz, which still warns today of the once first Strudengau obstacle. From there, the Donausteig leisurely climbs through a settlement area. A short detour to Kalvarienberg opens a wonderful view of Grein at a Donausteig viewpoint and shows us an unusual granite gallery. Afterwards, the urban settlement area quickly transitions into a rural cultural landscape and further into the typical forest landscape of the steep Danube notch valley. Over forest roads, we hike uphill in the forest to the view of Werfenstein Castle. Then forest paths lead us back down to the Danube at the Gießenbachmühle. Here on the Danube once began the most dangerous section of Strudengau!
However, we leave the Danube immediately again and hike up through the wild romantic Stillensteinklamm. The quiet stream soon turns into splashing cascades and suddenly disappears under the Stone Chamber for about 300 m underground – a highlight! After this small detour, return briefly through the gorge. A little later we enjoy a hike high above the Danube through atmospheric mixed forests along the Danube valley. Sporadic glimpses down to the Danube stream let us imagine the once danger. In a forest clearing, the Donausteig rest area “Donaublick” invites us to linger and allows a view back to Gobelwarte, one of the seven Donausteig peaks! Historic forest paths lead us down into a settlement above Struden. In Struden were once the mightiest water whirlpools of the entire Danube run! From here, we go over scattered settlements further down to the Danube and reach St. Nikola via the old Danube road after a short uphill. St. Nikola is the place of the church of the patron saint of the boatmen. Here, the dangers of Strudengau were once overcome and it's time to show gratitude. From the Donausteig rest area below the church, we have a wonderful view back to the former danger spots!
The last section of the route is an absolute hiking highlight! First, the ancient church path leads us up the valley slope through magnificent forest stands. Then we hike alone through atmospheric mixed forests along the Danube valley past individual meadows to the Moststation Kleinleitner. Here opens a magnificent view far beyond the end of the wild Strudengau – up to the Ötscher! After a wonderful descent, we reach the historic Danube village of Sarmingstein past the historically significant Säbnich Castle, the end of Strudengau. Simply amazing!
Discover the following special features with the Donausteig diary:
- Grein - the gateway to Strudengau
- Donausteig starting point “Grein”
- Greinburg Castle - the oldest castle north of the Alps?
- Halterkreuz-Votive and warning
- Kalvarienberg granite gallery
- Donausteig viewpoint “Grein”
- Werfenstein Castle toll or chain
- Wörth Island - rapids and rock blocks
- ...
Download: Donausteig diary stage 4_G06 Grein-Sarmingstein
Directions:From the Donausteig starting point in Grein, we walk along the Danube riverside downstream to the large intersection at the edge of the village (to the right of which stands the Halterkreuz on a small Danube rock). There, turn left and immediately right onto a footpath between the houses uphill. The footpath leads into Jubiläumsstraße, which we follow. At the railway underpass, a short detour to the right to the Donausteig viewpoint or the granite gallery on the Kalvarienberg is recommended. After the railway underpass, at the next intersection, we follow Wienerweg through a residential area – first straight uphill, later in a left curve downhill. At the asphalt road from the Danube valley, we turn right downhill towards the Danube. Shortly after, the “Zufahrt Ramersböck” branches off to the left. We keep left uphill on this. Before the Ramersböck farm, the Donausteig takes a hairpin turn and now follows a field path further uphill. Through forest-rich forest roads, after a longer walk, we reach three granite rocks with petroglyphs and a view of Werfenstein Castle. Now right through the forest downhill to the Gießenbachmühle on the Danube. From the Donausteig starting point “St. Nikola/Gießenbachmühle,” we initially hike over forest roads, then over idyllic hiking trails up the romantic Stillensteinklamm – up to the Stone Chamber. Shortly back through the gorge, then forest paths lead higher up the valley slope. Afterwards, we walk along a pleasant forest path past the Donausteig rest area “Donaublick” to a settlement above Struden (signpost with a junction to Werfenstein Castle). Here we follow the asphalt road first left uphill and after 250 m at the next intersection right downhill – St. Nikola is in view. After a right curve, the Donausteig turns sharply left opposite an old factory building. A footpath leads via a bridge over the Danube riverside railway, further through rows of houses down to the Danube. Now under the railway bridge, over the Dimbach and the old cobblestone street uphill to the Danube farm in St. Nikola. A short detour takes us from here to the St. Nikola church and the Donausteig rest area “Kirchenplatz” behind it. To continue, we circle the Danube farm on the north side. At the next intersection, first left and then immediately right again. We follow the asphalted service road uphill towards the “Sattl Moststation” to the next curve. There, the Donausteig turns left and follows a wonderful forest path – first rapidly uphill, then enjoyably along the Danube valley slope – up to the Moststation Kleinleitner. We leave the following short asphalt section again after a hairpin turn to the left over a meadow. An atmospheric forest path takes us down to Sarmingstein. Arriving at the railway tracks, we follow a footpath to the left of them and hike past the round tower of Säbnich Castle to the houses on the Sarmingbach. There, to the right, we reach the Donausteig starting point “Sarmingstein” at the Strudengauhof inn.
To make orientation easier for you, the Donausteig has been equipped with its own orientation system – the description can be found here.
Tip:The “Upper Austrian Shipping Museum” is practically a must for every Donausteig hiker! It vividly opens up the world of historical Danube shipping and the use of Danube tributaries.Equipment:
In addition to personal hiking equipment, there are no special requirements. However, note that it is a long and strenuous stage!Additional information:
WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz, Austria
Tel. +43(0)732/7277-800
Fax. +43(0)732/7277-804
info@donausteig.com
Tourism Association Grein/Donau
Stadtplatz 7
4360 Grein
Tel./Fax: +43(0)7268/7055
info.grein@oberoesterreich.at
www.oberoesterreich.at/grein
Tourism Association St. Nikola
4381 St. Nikola/Donau
Tel.: 0043(0)69913030422
tourismus@struden.at
www.sankt-nikola.at
www.oberoesterreich.at/st.nikola.donau
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Board possible
Let yourself be inspired by our delicacies and enjoy the magnificent Danube view from our unique sun terrace with a good glass of wine or a cultivated glass of beer.
We have 3 different menus daily and also always fresh regional offers.
Directly at a stage destination of the Donausteig, at the entrance to the famous Stillensteinklamm gorge, you can enjoy our delicacies made from products from local farms and suppliers from the region.
In the Giessenbachmühle area, you have the opportunity to take a culinary break during your hike along the Donausteig. Recharge your batteries for the next stage with some Mühlviertel cider and bacon bread.
After a hike through the Stillensteinklamm gorge or on one of the circular hiking trails via Achleiten, St. Nikola and Struden, you can bring the day to a leisurely close at the end of the excursion.
Information: Marktgemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 68 / 81 55
Donau, prägendes Element in Europa…
Die Donau, der zweitlängste Strom Europas, stellt gemeinsam mit den Alpen das prägende naturräumliche Element Österreichs dar. Neben ihrer Bedeutung für den Menschen als Wasserstraße kommt ihr als verbreitungsbiologische Achse für Tier- und Pflanzenarten eine weitere wichtige Funktion zu. Sie verbindet Menschen, Pflanzen und Tiere aller Regionen und Himmelsrichtungen. Über viele Nebenflüsse ist sie auch mit Gebirgen, wie den Alpen oder Karpaten verbunden. Durch viele flussbauliche Maßnahmen ist einiges ihres natürlichen Charakters verloren gegangen. Dennoch besitzt sie von allen Strömen Europas die reichhaltigste Fischfauna.
Alles kommt zurück im Leben - auch "Der Dank der Nixe". Wie das genau war, weiß die Donau-Sage.
Information: Gemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 60 / 45 05-11
Felsige Hänge mit naturnahen Wäldern…
Der bei Kletterern beliebte Predigtstuhl ist ein Beispiel für die naturraumprägenden geologischen Formen im Donautal. Besonnte Felsköpfe sind aufgrund ihrer Trockenheit und nächtlichen Kühlheit extreme Lebensräume, mit denen oft nur mehr Flechten und Moose zurechtkommen. Höhere Pflanzen haben hier nur mehr wenige Ansatzpunkte. Viele wärmeliebende Arten, wie die Karthäusernelke kommen auf den flachgründigen Böden vor. An den Hängen kommen naturnahe Buchen und Eichen-Hainbuchenwälder vor. Letztere zeigen die warm-trockenen Bedingungen dieses Lebensraumes an.
Am Haustein lebte einst "Der schwarze Mönch", der Unheil über jene brachte, die ihn erblickten. Was mit Bischof Bruno von Würzburg geschah, der diese Tatsache auf die leichte Schulter nahm, lesen Sie in der Donau-Sage.
A woman once fell seriously ill in the Gießenbachmühle. She could only recover from the herb "Widertod". The Danube legend tells the story of how her daughter obtained the remedy...
Info: Marktgemeindeamt St. Nikola an der Donau
Tel.: +43(0) 72 68 / 81 55
Arzt u. Hausapotheke, Tel.: +43(0) 72 68 / 224 u. 325
Zahnarzt, Tel.: +43(0) 72 68 / 772 77
Rotes Kreuz, Tel.: 344, Notruf: 144
Polizei, Tel.: 059 133-4223, Notruf: 133
Öffentl. WC und Trinkwasser bei der Gießenbachmühle
Chronik
926 älteste Erwähnung des Strudels als »Paige«
985 wird Sarmingstein als Sabanich zum ersten Male genannt
1141 bestimmte Beatrix von Clam die St. Nikolauskirche als Spitalskirche.
1185 erfolgte die erste urkundliche Erwähnung des Ortes St. Nikola.
1234 wird erstmals Burg Werfenstein urkundlich erwähnt.
1351 scheint St. Nikola als eine Expositurpfarre von Waldhausen auf.
1391 wurde die Pfarre selbständig.
1511 Kaiser Maximilian I. erhebt die Orte St. Nikola und Sarmingstein zum Markt.
1572 Beide Märkte erhalten ein Marktwappen verliehen.
1592 Struden wird zum Markt erhoben und bekam ein Wappen.
Tipp
Der über der Straße aufragende Rundturm aus dem 15. Jahrhundert war der nördliche Eckpunkt der „Bastei“, die im Wappen von Sarmingstein dargestellt ist.
Pfarrkirche Hl. Nikolaus: Barockisierte, romanische Chorquadratkirche. 1141 von Beatrix von Clam mit einem Hospital für Pilger und Reisende gegründet.
In der Gießenbachmühle wurde einst eine Frau schwer krank. Nur "Vom Kraut Widertod" konnte sie gesund werden. Die Donau-Sage erzählt, wie ihre Tochter zu dem Heilmittel kam...
Info: Verein Grein Tourismus
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 68 / 70 55
Arzt Tel.: 0 72 68 / 224 oder 74 60
Zahnarzt, Tel.: 0 72 68 / 772 77
Rotes Kreuz, Tel.: 0 72 68 / 344, Notruf: 144
Polizei, Tel.: 059 133 - 4323, Notruf: 133
Rad/Personenfähre (OÖ-NÖ), Tel.: 0 664 / 402 48 77
Öffentl. WC und Trinkwasser beim Stadtamt oder beim Esperantoplatz.
Chronik
1147 Erste urkundliche Erwähnung der Pfarre Grein anlässlich der Gründung des Stiftes Waldhausen
1491-1493 Errichtung von Schloss Greinburg von den Brüdern Prüschenk mit Erlaubnis Kaiser Friedrichs III.
1563 Vom italienischen Baumeister Max Canaval vom Comosee wurde das Alte Rathaus erbaut.
1621 Graf Leonhard Helfrich von Meggau erwarb die Greinburg und sie erhielt ihr heutiges Aussehen.
1791 Der Getreidespeicher im Alten Rathaus wird zu einem Theater umgebaut.
seit 1823 ist Schloss Greinburg im Besitz der Herzöge Sachsen Coburg und Gotha.
1872 Die Greiner Bürger setzen dem Grafen Meggau ein steinernes Denkmal am Stadtbrunnen.
seit 1993 ziert ein einzigartiger Zeitmesser die Donaupromenade – die Sonnenuhr. Der Greiner Werner Riegler hat sie entworfen und gebaut.
Bei Grein ragt ein Felsen weit über die Donau - der Schusterstein. Diesen Namen hat der Felsen "Des Schusters Lotterleben" zu verdanken.
Direction information: Departure
It was a sought-after meat, fur and medicine supplier. Protection measures and reintroductions led to the increase of the European beaver’s stock. Where man and beaver meet, conflicts can occur. Its tree chopping makes the beaver unpopular with the forestry sector, and marginal floodings can occur by the damming of waters. But beavers are an enrichment to our waters and contribute through their activities to an increase of faunal biodiversity.
Direction information: Destination
Getting there
The Donausteig starting point “Grein” is located directly on the Danube riverside (GPS: A-4360 Grein, Donaulände)
Public Transit
Grein can be reached by train and bus. The train station “Grein Stadt” is closest to the center and thus also to the Donausteig starting point. A return transfer from Sarmingstein to Grein is also possible by train and bus. Information about schedules can be found at http://www.ooevv.at .
Parking
The car parks at the Danube riverside are mostly short-term parking zones, as is the town center. Two free long-term parking lots are about a 10-minute walk away (parking lot at the “Stadt Grein” train station; parking lot opposite the campsite on the southern access road to the town).
- Suitable for kids (all ages)
- Suitable for families
- 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 info.grein@oberoesterreich.at
Web www.donauregion.at
Web www.donauregion.at/wandern-am-donau…
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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.
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It is obligatory to provide first aid!
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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.
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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!
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