Haugsteinrunde
This route leads to the 895 m high Haugstein, the highest elevation of the Innviertel
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Summit route
Viewing platform in front of the municipal office - past Vichtenstein Castle - Danube Steig rest stop "Teich" - Unterwenzelberg - Oberwenzelberg - Jagabild Chapel - from here turn right to the 895 m high Haugstein - follow the signs "Haugsteinrunde" back to Vichtenstein. (From Haugstein see also sign 810A).Equipment:
sturdy footwear required
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
Vichtenstein Castle - of feud and the bishop's victory
The romantic Vichtenstein Castle is located in the centre of Vichtenstein, just a few metres off the Donausteig trail. It was probably founded in the 11th century by one of the Counts of Formbach. After this dynasty died out in 1145, the castle passed to the Hallgraves of Wasserburg. In 1217, a reversal of fortune began that was to throw the region into turmoil for years! Konrad Count of Wasserburg and Vichtenstein wanted to go on a crusade to the Holy Land and borrowed money from the Prince-Bishop of Passau. As a pledge, he gave Vichtenstein Castle with its numerous possessions. Before his departure, Konrad married and signed the castle over to his wife. However, the Bishopric of Passau regarded the castle as her property and considered this transfer to be unlawful. Thus began an 8-year feud between Konrad and the bishopric. He harmed Passau wherever he could: he destroyed Passau property, attacked Passau merchants, blockaded the Danube, ... His strategic "masterpiece": as Passau's prosperity was based on the salt trade, Konrad channelled the salt from Salzburg past Passau! He utilised his salt trading privileges as Hallgraf and had the salt transported down the Inn River landed in Schärding. It was then transported overland via Münzkirchen, Vichtenstein and Kasten to Obernzell, from where it found its usual route to Bohemia. In doing so, he not only damaged Passau, but also made very good money himself! Konrad was finally excommunicated several times (!) for his actions and later even ostracised. In the end, however, he had to give in. In 1227, Vichtenstein became the property of the Bishopric of Passau for the next 550 years. Soon afterwards, the newly founded Engelszell Monastery was supported by being exempted from the Vichtenstein toll and also received all the storm-damaged trees of the Vichtenstein dominion in 1299. In later years, the castle was a favourite hunting lodge of the Passau bishops. The Jagabild chapel on the ridge of the Haugstein has some marvellous stories to tell about this time of hunting! Find out more under "Jagabild Chapel - a marvellous gem!". In 1803, the rule of the Bishopric of Passau ended through secularisation and Vichtenstein Castle fell to the Austrian state. From 1860 onwards, a period of eventful private ownership began. Today, the castle is owned and inhabited by the Schulz-Wulkow family.
The castle cannot be visited! (Source: Schulz-Wulkow, K. (2012). Vichtenstein in the Sauwald)
By the way: Castle mounds used to be kept free of woodland for military reasons. This also helped Linz's Pöstlingberg to become a popular vantage point after the Maximilian fortifications were abandoned. Today, the Pöstlingberg is the landmark of Linz and a must-see for every Donausteig hiker!
This secluded Donausteig rest area is located by a pond in a small clearing in the vast spruce forest of the Haugstein - a true forest oasis! The information board tells us about the once typical forest pastures. While the legend "Wundersames vom Haugstein" tells of the miraculous foundation of the Jagabild chapel - we will pass this chapel later! The newly signposted "Komtessenweg" hiking trail and nature trail also runs here.
One section is designated as a nature trail. Information boards provide information about the protected plants and animals.
Tip: A Donausteig lounger here invites you to listen - to the voices of the forest and those within ourselves! In order to get involved, however, everyone must first answer one question for themselves: "Does idleness mean stagnation or progress?"
With the best from the Innviertel. And creative highlights from all over the world. Regional products and ingredients in exclusively organic quality. Vegetarian and vegan options are also allowed. Plus freshly tapped organic beer from Hofstettner and Schladminger, organic wines and refreshing juices.
Information: Gemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 77 14 / 80 55
Futter aus dem Wald...
Der Wald diente dem Menschen nicht nur für den Holzabbau, sondern war lange Zeit auch als Weidegebiet genutzt. Bis etwa in die Mitte des 19.Jahrhunderts war die Waldweide üblich. Im Hochsauwald wurden dabei aus lose geschichteten Steinen Mauern zur Abgrenzung der Weidegebiete errichtet. Auch die Gattersäulen (aufgestellte Steinsäulen, in denen ein Gatter verankert wurde) zeugen noch aus dieser Zeit. Diese Art der Waldnutzung und die damals üblichen Holzschläge für Brenn- und Bauholzgewinnung sowie für die Köhlerei führten zu einer starken Verwüstung der Wälder. In der später folgenden geregelten Waldwirtschaft wurden die Fichte und die Tanne die bedeutendsten Baumarten. Für die Fichte gilt das noch heute, obwohl sie vielfach an Standorten angepflanzt wird, an die sie natürlicherweise nicht hingehört. In der Umgebung von Vichtenstein dagegen ist die Fichte autochton (heimisch), was sich im Namen und im Wappen der Gemeinde widerspiegelt.
Am Haugstein steht heute eine Kapelle, die einen Jäger vor Maria kniend zeigt - warum die Kapelle dort errichtet wurde, weißt die Donau-Sage "Wundersames am Haugstein".
The viewpoints are not simply "viewpoints", rather the "special" aspect of the vantage points is emphasised and enhanced by creative objects. Each place has that certain something, yet a continuity is recognisable, offering the viewer breathtaking perspectives from the Sauwald region on the charming landscapes opposite.
The initiators of the Sauwald Panorama Road are the Danube communities of Esternberg, Vichtenstein, Engelhartszell, St. Ägidi and Waldkirchen am Wesen. The road leads from Wesenufer to Pyrawang.
Products from the region - Since September 2020, there has been a Lebenshilfe farm shop in the centre of Vichtenstein.
Four to five people with intellectual disabilities are accompanied by employees from the Lebenshilfe workshop in Münzkirchen, only about 10 km from Vichtenstein, who run the farm shop.
Pasta from Nudelmanufaktur Huber in Diersbach, meat and sausages from Schlachtgemeinschaft Schardenberg, oils and seeds from Pramoleum Sigharting, bread and pastries from Keimlingsbäckerei in Schardenberg and Bäckerei Feichtinger in St. Roman, dairy products from Silberbüffelhof in Esternberg and Cäcilia Hauser in Münzkirchen, fruit and vegetables from Pangerl in Pupping, Sauwald Erdäpfel from St. Ägidi, chokeberry products from the Etzl family in Raab, fruit juices from the Penzinger family in Esternberg and Naturmanufaktur Rager in Schärding, beer from the Trpistenbrauerei Engelhartszell, cheese specialities from Somann Käse in Esternberg, flour from the Kargl family in Esternberg, eggs from the Gradinger family in St. Roman, honey from the Friedl family in Vupping and from the Rager brewery in Schärding. Roman, honey from Friedl in Vichtenstein, muesli from Huemer Mühle in Altheim, spices and tea from the Schneiderbauer family in Lambrechten, coffee from Emmas Kaffee in Neumarkt, chocolate and biscuits from Bioart in Seeham, jams and sour vegetables from Wipplinger in Obernberg.
Our product range is complemented by beer, lemonade and mineral water from the Baumgartner brewery, and the cakes come from the Esternberg nursing home.
Public Transit
How to get to the Upper Austria Danube Region?
The fastest way to the destination – by train, bus, car, ship or plane.
Parking
Municipal office Vichtenstein
- 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@donauregion.at
Web 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.
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.
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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.
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