R1.14 Moonstone Circuit
4040 Linz
"From the Danube Whirlpool to the Moon(stone)"
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Cultural/historical value
- Geological highlights
Fantastic summit bike route from the Strudengau gorge – once one of the most dangerous sections of the Danube – to the mystical Moonstone (600 m). You cycle over two panoramic mountain ridges to the highest point. Magnificent distant views, short climbs, relaxing terraces ... pure enjoyment! Cultural highlights: Kneipp spa resort Bad Kreuzen, Danube town Grein.
Highlights:
- Summit bike tour with 375 meters of elevation gain
- Historic town of Grein (The gateway to the Strudengau – Greinburg, oldest city theater ...)
- 360° panoramic observation tower at Kreuzen Castle
- Kneipp Garden "Bad Kreuzen" (largest Kneipp garden in Austria)
- Moonstone (highest point of the circuit, mystical power place)
The Strudengau – the narrow breakthrough valley of the Danube – was once one of the most dangerous sections of the river. The historic town of Grein is the gateway to the Strudengau and was the last safe docking option before the dangerous water whirlpools. Magnificent facades, elegant oriels ... tell of prosperity through pilot and transfer services. A Danube highlight! The 375-meter summit climb begins at the Danube bank in Grein. At the foot of Greinburg Castle, you cycle through the historic town center. Shortly after leaving the town, the first panoramic mountain ridge climb begins. Through rustic Mühlviertel farmland and short forest sections, the farm road meanders upwards. Short climbs alternate with relaxing terraces. The panorama opens with increasing altitude: the hidden Klam basin, the imposing Clam Castle, the majestic Alps ... pure pleasure cycling!
At the ridge summit, you can see the Kneipp spa resort Bad Kreuzen and Kreuzen Castle on the crosswise ridge. After a short section on the main road, you stand at the saddle between town and castle. Here, two small detours are worthwhile: Kreuzen Castle surprises with a magnificent 360° panoramic view from the keep! The traditional spa resort impresses with granite art and invites regeneration in Austria's largest Kneipp garden! A short forest descent follows into the Badbach valley. There begins the second panoramic mountain ridge climb. Above the quaint valley forest, a rural panoramic ridge fascinates: magnificent deep views, the Alps to the south, the eternal northern forest to the north ... a true altitude flight! At the mystical Moonstone (600 m), an ancient cult site, you stand on the roof of the circuit. Congratulations!
A short stretch back, then gently rolling through rural cultural landscape to the north and finally fast downhill into the lonely forest valley of the Gießenbach. In the shady valley floor, you cycle relaxed downstream. After a section on the main road past the popular Au mill, you leave the forest valley via a steep forest farm road. Once the ridge is reached, it means pure descent bliss! Through lush meadows, small woods, past beautiful farms ... Short counter climbs and a piece of dirt road are the cherry on top. At the farmstead Ober-/Unterwarschenberg, a great deep view of Grein surprises. In the rhythm of the descent curves, you quickly reach the outskirts of the town. Tip: It is worth interrupting the descent rush at the railway bridge for a short detour to the Kalvarienberg: wonderful view of the Grein bay and the historic townscape! Then it's down to the Danube bank road and over the Danube promenade back to the starting point. Once to the moon(stone) and back!
Safety guidelines:The main part of this fantastic summit bike route uses well-paved farm roads and rural side streets. In the Gießenbach valley, a 1.4 km section runs along a lightly trafficked main road. On the ridge before Grein, an approximately 500 m stretch of dirt road is easy to handle even for road cyclists. Basic shifting skills are necessary for the long uphill ride. Basic braking skills are necessary for the winding descents.
Signage:
To make orientation easier, the Danube bike circuits have been marked with their own cycling guidance system. This circuit follows the signage "R1.14 Moonstone Circuit".
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
In a cosy atmosphere - a beautiful guest garden with a view of the Danube - we offer you a wide range of cakes, tarts and traditional, warm pastries - strudel varieties, buns, pancakes and more - made according to old house recipes.
One look at our pastry showcase will convince you.
Furthermore, you will find a large selection of ice cream specialities in our new ice cream kiosk. All our own production and pure natural products.
We also offer breakfast variations and small snacks - delicious soups, toasts, seasonal salads and much more. - and much more.
Our prices guarantee quality.
Our business is open all year round.
The Schörgi family looks forward to welcoming you.
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.
The historic city theatre Grein (1791) is the oldest secular theatre of Austria and without any doubt a sight of European significance. Today, the city theater, which was obtained from such an early time, is considered a jewel that is visited and admired by many visitors from near and far. Many curiosities from the past can be seen here. Original seats that had to be locked/unlocked with a small key; a toilet that was separated from the auditorium only with a curtain; a prison from where the prisoners could watch the performances and were given food, drinks and tobacco by the audience; the Napoleon box and a lot more. A special exhibition is connected to the historic city theatre.
We look forward to taking you between the banks of the Danube in Grein and Wiesen umi and uma every day from May to September.
Cross the Danube comfortably with us at one of its most beautiful spots, Grein is known to be the pearl of the Strudengau.
Our boat, the Schwalleck, is 9.95 metres long and 3.3 metres wide. Two engines, each with 50 HP, provide the necessary thrust to transport up to 12 people safely.
It was built in the traditional way from wood by the Zillenbauer Witti in Freizell.
Due to the large newly built event and dining room, we are also particularly suitable for company celebrations, seminars of all kinds, bus and group tours and other large events.
Do you love cosiness and appreciate the special cuisine?
Then you have come to the right place. We always offer the right setting, from romantic-culinary weekends to family-friendly holidays and glittering ball nights. In the heart of Bad Kreuzen, a well-kept inn with excellent cuisine and lots of comfort awaits you.
Coffee & Coffee Specialities
Teas & hot drinks
homemade pastries
breakfast & snacks
lunch & dinner menu
Drinks of all kinds
wines from our own wine cellar
Air-conditioned garden directly on the town square
...simply enjoy!
Under this motto we want our guests to feel comfortable.
Whether it's a small celebration with friends, acquaintances or relatives;
or a cup of coffee with homemade pastry;
or perhaps just a cool drink: with us, every guest should "simply feel good".
A sound garden with a water course, a graduation house with saline air for breathing exercises, a green cloister, the paddling pool with a water stream as well as a barefoot circular path and water playground allow you to relax as you desire. The Naschgarten (snack garden), a large swimming pond as well as the Spiritueller Garten (spiritual garden) and the Osteoporose-Therapiegarten (osteoporosis therapy garden) additionally strengthen the body, mind and soul. The joy is great about the new osteoporosis therapy garden covering 280 sq m! For those affected by osteoporosis, the training for the musculoskeletal system and the effect of UV exposure benefiting bone regeneration with the formation of vitamin D is of great importance.
Above all, the holistic approach of the 5 Kneipp pillars contributes to pain relief and the strengthening of the spiritual and mental balance.
The Kneipp garden Bad Kreuzen is open year-round and freely accessible.
Guided tours possible upon advance reservation (07266/6281-0).
Frische, saisonale Spezialitäten wie Brot, Käse, Fleisch, Wurst, Öle, Honig, Getränke, Feinkost, Süßes und Geschenke spiegeln den Geschmack echter Landwirtschaft wider. Regionaler Genuss steht bei uns im Mittelpunkt.
From this vantage point, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Grein and the Danube.
Let our chef spoil you with culinary delights and experience the taste of Greece and Italy! We have something for everyone: whether tzatziki, macaroni or spaghetti amatriciana, all our dishes are freshly prepared and seasoned with exquisite herbs. We offer a particularly wide range for pizza lovers. From classics such as the Pizza Margherita or the devilishly hot Diavolo to our delicious Mafiosa with tomato sauce, cheese, oregano, ham, mushrooms, corn, salami, hot peppers and garlic, our selection of homemade pizzas ranges.
Our restaurant is located in a leisure centre with numerous attractive sports facilities. Our own beach bar creates a holiday atmosphere, and the right music provides the right ambience.
Information: Marktgemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 66 / 62 55-78
Wollsäcke…
Geologisch gehört das Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland, in dem wir uns befinden, zur Großeinheit der Böhmischen Masse und besteht hauptsächlich aus Graniten und Gneisen, dem Kern eines alten Gebirges. Besonders regionaltypisch sind die Fels- und Block gebilde, die durch Verwitterungsprozesse entstanden sind. Oft finden sich an Kuppen, Rücken und Scheiteln Fels- und Blockgebilde. Sie entstehen durch die sogenannte Wollsackverwitterung. Durch sie bleiben abgerundete Blöcke übrig, durch Abtrag des sie umgebenden Materials werden sie freigelegt. Sie sind landschaftsprägende Elemente und wichtiger Lebensraum für Flechten und Moose.
Bei der Wollsackverwitterung dringen chemisch aggressive Lösungen in das Gestein ein und es kommt zu einem Steinzersatz entlang der Ecken und Kanten. Es entstehen abgerundete Steinquader, die von Verwitterungsmaterial umgeben sind. Wird dieses Material abgetragen, bleiben sie als Wollsackblöcke, oft in bizarren Formen, zurück.
Der geheimnisvolle Mondstein hat eine interessante Geschichte - spüren auch Sie den "Zauber des Mondsteins".
Typical Italian, Mediterranean and regional delicacies in the restaurant or to take home.
Salad buffet
Cocktail bar
Beautiful shady garden
Greek, Italian and Mexican specialities, pizza service, daily menu.
Seit mehr als 500 Jahren thront Schloss Greinburg, das älteste Wohnschloss Österreichs, majestätisch über der Stadt Grein und der Donau.
Es wurde zwischen 1488 und 1495 mit der kaiserlichen Bewilligung von Kaiser Friedrich III. von Heinrich und Siegmund Prüschenk erbaut und war eines der ersten Schlösser im deutschsprachigen Raum. Das Schloss hat einen besonderen Platz im Herzen der herzoglichen Familie von Sachsen-Coburg und Gotha. 1823 von Herzog Ernst I. erworben, diente es den folgenden Generationen als österreichischer Wohnsitz und als Jagdresidenz.
Public Transit
How to get to the Upper Austria Danube region?
The fast way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or airplane.
- 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
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.
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.
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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.
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:
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• Detailed route description
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• Dangerous spots
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• Change in altitude
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If possible, please provide the change in altitude.
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