To the Stauf castle ruins
The ascent to the Stauf castle ruins is rewarded with a unique panoramic view over the Eferding Basin and the Mühlviertel up to the Alpine foothills
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- Round trip
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Family friendly
- Cultural/historical value
We start in the town center and hike towards the Eferding Basin. Following the road in Reith, we pass the Restaurant - Hotel Hoamat and reach the federal highway through a forest. We cross it and follow the path through the forest up to the Stauf castle ruins. From the keep, we enjoy the panoramic view from Hochficht in the north, Traunstein in the south, to Ötscher in the east.Tip:
Exploration journeys with a pleasurable stopover! This route passes directly by the following culinary partner:
Equipment:
Hiking backpack (including rain cover), sturdy footwear
Paths covering:
further information:
- Board possible
The history: Wernhard de Stove was first mentioned as the owner of Stauf Castle in 1125. He and his son Heinrich de Julbach called themselves Wernhart von Schaunberg from 1146 and Wernhart von Schaunberg from 1161. In 1386, Stauf Castle was occupied by Duke Albrecht and subsequently inhabited by stewards. On the death of Wolfgang II in 1559, the Stauf fell to Wolfgang von Liechtenstein and Nikolsburg in the division of the estate. Helmhard Jörger then acquired the Stauf estate in 1593. Together with the Protestant estates, he openly resisted Emperor Ferdinand II, who confiscated the Jörger estates and handed them over to the Imperial Prince Karl von Harrach in 1622. Since then, the Stauf has been owned by the Harrach family.
The medieval complex consists of a keep, palas and outer bailey, of which only the main walls made of quarrystone and boulders remain. The 21.67 metre high keep, which is accessible from the inner courtyard, has an irregular hexagonal shape, but is square inside.
quadrangular shape. The lowest storeys have pointed barrel vaults, the tower edges are reinforced on the outside with stone ashlars and the window slits have Gothic stone walls.
The ruins of Stauf Castle, with its tower that can still be climbed (viewing platform), have become a well-known and popular excursion destination due to the rarely beautiful distant view that visitors can enjoy on a clear day.
In the middle of the green valleys of the Danube region lies a farm where magic and inspiration seem to find their home. At the centre of it all is a pioneer of sustainable agriculture and herb processing: Thekla Raffezeder. At Hof Theklasien in Haibach ob der Donau, the connection between people and nature has been a daily reality for almost four decades. The vision of sustainable agriculture, which above all promotes ecological responsibility and creates a shared awareness, is what drives Thekla forward every day. Her story, characterised by passion, commitment and a deep respect for nature.
Thekla is a farmer and a visionary - for her, her farm is not just a workplace, but a retreat characterised by harmony and respect. From the very beginning, her aim was to combine ecological, economic and social aspects in her work. Thekla's farm is a place of self-sufficiency and at the same time an oasis for flora and fauna: every animal, every plant and every activity has its place and its time. Thekla realised early on that she wanted to live in the countryside in order to produce healthy food for her family. Over time, the farm developed into a centre for herbal processing through cooperation, exchange circles and alternative projects. Theklasien produces teas - such as her specially created "Naturwundatee" based on the natural wonder Donauschlinge Schlögen - culinary herbs and even cosmetic products. Using herbs from their own cultivation as well as hand-picked wild plants and fruits, they create high-quality products such as aromatic tea blends, fruit spreads, balms and natural creams. Each product is handmade with great attention to detail. The products embody Thekla's deep connection to nature and her knowledge of traditional and sustainable processing methods.
Thekla Raffezeder runs her organic mountain farm according to the principles of permaculture. Fruit trees, herbs and wild plants thrive on eight hectares - accompanied by a few sheep and chickens. The Schlögener Schlinge, one of the most beautiful places in Upper Austria, reflects the naturalness of the region - and Theklasien's contribution to this is its inspiring story, which stands for sustainable agriculture and herb processing. Theklasien helps to preserve and promote the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area.
Visitors can experience the principles of permaculture at first hand: Thekla offers guided tours, workshops and courses - either in her large kitchen or outdoors on the estate - where she shares her knowledge of biodiversity and organic farming. If you are already in the area of Stauf castle ruins, a detour to Thekla's farm is definitely worthwhile!
The new "Tilli" inn is located directly in the centre of Haibach ob der Donau.
120 seats and a guest garden (with playground for the little ones) invite you to linger and enjoy the traditional and regional cuisine.
Especially for family, Christmas and birthday celebrations, christenings, meetings and conferences, the guest room can be partitioned off so that approx. 35 people can celebrate or discuss undisturbed.
Since we attach great importance to the origin of the food in our inn, as well as to the cooperation with local producers, we obtain a large part of our products directly from the region:
- Meat and sausage products from Hartkirchen and the surrounding area (Ozlberger family).
- Bread and pastries from Haibach (Scheuer Bakery family)
- Fruit and vegetables from Pupping (Berner family)
- Eggs and pasta from Haibach (Weißhäupl family)
Public Transit
How to arrive in the Upper Austria Danube region?
The quickest way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or airplane.
Timetable information (oebb.at)
Parking
Parking facilities
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Early winter
Please get in touch for more information.
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz
Phone +43 732 7277 - 800
mobile +43 677 61621401
Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804
E-Mail info@donauregion.at
Web www.donauregion.at
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.
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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.
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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.
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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