Car-free excursion tips
Hiking village
Bad Kreuzen
Nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Lower Mühlviertel, just 7 kilometres north of the Danube near Grein, Bad Kreuzen - Upper Austria's first hiking village - awaits you. Here, nature and tradition merge into a unique experience that revitalises body and soul. For 175 years, Bad Kreuzen has stood for the beneficial effects of the Kneipp cure, which, together with the panoramic hiking trails, ensures pure relaxation.
The hiking village of Bad Kreuzen is the ideal starting point to explore many attractive excursion destinations in the surrounding area without a car. Where the car has a break on holiday - get inspiration now and really enjoy your holiday in Bad Kreuzen.
Starting point: Hiking starting point municipal office, Bad Kreuzen 20a, 4362 Bad Kreuzen
Hiking accommodations in Bad Kreuzen
These hiking accomodations not only offer cosy overnight accommodation, but also an ideal starting point for hiking and cycling tours to explore the car-free hiking village of Bad Kreuzen.
How to get to the starting point from your accommodation:
Schatz.Kammer: 8 min and 1.1 km by bike in the direction of Bad Kreuzen centre
Gasthof "Zur Zugbrücke" 300m on foot past the parish church in an easterly direction
Curhaus Bad Kreuzen 10min and 750m on foot in a southerly direction to the centre
Day trip for hiking enthusiasts
Means of transport: on foot
Hiking in Upper Austria's first hiking village
Harmonise body and mind on the Kneipp trail, enjoy the magnificent views on the Kreuzner Donaublickrunde, hike in the footsteps of Anton Bruckner in the mystical Wolfsschlucht gorge, admire the mighty boulder on the Frauenstein circular trail, discover the "Zwergerlwald" forest on the Stelzhamerweg trail together with the little ones and experience the most beautiful places in Bad Kreuzen on the Herzklopfen Runde.
Find out more about Bad Kreuzen's sights and insider tips in the new hiking map or book a guided hike with our certified hiking guides!
Danube view tour
Danube view tour
The Kreuzner Donaublickrunde impresses with great views, deep gorges and good places to stop for refreshments. From the start in the centre of Bad Kreuzen, the hike leads along the Donausteig trail through the Wolfsschlucht gorge towards Grein with a wonderful panoramic view of the Danube. Via the Aschaumühle mill and the impressive "Klam Blick" you hike back up to the Kneipp spa town of Bad Kreuzen.
Length: 16.8 km
Duration: 5.5 hours
Elevation gain: 508 m
Herzklopfen tour
Herzklopfen tour
The new Bad Kreuzner "Highlight-Runde" combines the most beautiful places and paths into an enjoyable circular hike with the motto "switch off, experience and enjoy! The certified circular route includes all the sights in Bad Kreuzen and makes hikers' hearts beat faster. Fantastic views such as those from Kreuzen Castle and refreshing gorges such as the Wolfsschlucht gorge await along the varied tour. Even the composer Anton Bruckner was enthusiastic about Bad Kreuzen during his lifetime!
Length: 10.3 km
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Elevation gain: 334 m
Frauenstein
Frauenstein
The picturesque Frauenstein circular trail, which is around 9 kilometres long, is characterised by long stretches on idyllic forest paths and fantastic views of the Danube valley. The Frauenstein is hiked on the first half of the trail, a true place of power with a fascinating legend. Also along the way is the Speck-Alm, where the "charging stations" invite you to take a cosy break.
Length: 9.5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation gain: 330 m
The village circuit leads through the 1st hiking village in Upper Austria and connects 3 of our hiking village businesses. Leisurely through the Kneipp garden with a recommendation to take a dip in the water, down through the romantic Gassl via a forest path to Kreuzen Castle with a magnificent view from the castle tower. Return uphill via "Villa Böck Straße" into the village. A short loop that provides a good overview of Bad Kreuzen and its main highlights.
Total length: 4.8 km
Duration: approx. 1.5 hours.
That sounds like a perfect combination. In summer (from June to September) in Bad Kreuzen along the Silent Valley circular trail there is the opportunity to take an enjoyable break halfway along the trail at the Schürzbach mill and enjoy a cosy barbecue next to the Schürzbach stream. Local steaks are included in the barbecue package, which can then be grilled at the rustic fireplace. You then hike the circular route back to Bad Kreuzen. A perfect programme for warm summer evenings!
Total length: 5.7 km
Duration: 1 hour 45 min.
Pleasure that doesn't stay on the hiking trail.
A savoury regional hiking snack to take away? A full hiking rucksack with tasty treats in Bad Kreuzen is available to-go at the KuliNAHrium farm shop. Simply book in advance, set off on your hike and enjoy!
Refreshing 1/2-day excursions for hiking enthusiasts
Means of transport: on foot
Refreshing hiking tours, perfect for hot days
Keep a cool head on hot days in the hiking village. These refreshing hiking tours are the perfect way to cool off en route, whether by dipping into clear, cold water or enjoying shady forest trails and rest areas. Unique gorges and ravines offer cooling off and enjoyment of nature at its finest.
Wolf Gorge
Wolf Gorge
A refreshing hiking tip for the summer is the Wolf Gorge. The nature and culture hiking trail leads through the gorge, which Anton Bruckner once walked through and which was used by aristocrats for summer retreats and relaxation. Information boards along the way tell you more about the bathing facilities of the former Bad Kreuzen cold-water spa and how the spa and Kneipp tradition in Bad Kreuzen came about. For those who want to experience this up close, it's time to take off your shoes and get Kneipping.
Length: 4.5 km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 175 metres
Kneipp path
Kneipp path
Clear water and enjoyment of nature combined with exercise in the fresh air, a blessing for body, mind and soul. Romantic waterfalls, a natural Kneipp basin and quiet resting places can be found in the midst of a breathtaking natural landscape. The Fit & Fun stations make this trail a special experience for all generations.
Length: approx. 4.2 km
Duration: 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 158 m
Silent valley
Silent valley
This beautiful circular trail leads past the Hinterkirner organic farm, down to the "Zum Stillen Tal" inn with a great playground. Afterwards, you hike leisurely along the Schurzmühlbach stream until the crisp ascent up an idyllic wall path and back to the village centre.
Length: 5.7 km
Duration: 1.45 hours
Elevation gain: 179 m
Further refreshment options in the hiking village
Relaxation for body, mind and soul! Discover Austria's largest Kneipp garden on 19,000 square metres in Bad Kreuzen. A sound garden with a watercourse, a graduation house with brine-rich air for breathing training, a green claustrum, a water treading area with a watering station, a barefoot circular path and a water playground provide the necessary relaxation. The large herb garden with numerous herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants also contributes to holistic relaxation.
Length: 2 km (one way)
How to get there: the Kneipp garden is located at the Curhaus Bad Kreuzen, 750 m and 12 min from the starting point through the town centre, past the parish church to the north. Alternatively, you can walk along the spa promenade and the gradierwerk.
Short hiking tip for families in the Dwarf forest
Means of transport: on foot
The Stelzhamer Trail is an absolute highlight for families with children. You hike through the Pfarrer forest to the Stelzhamer spring in the lovingly designed Dwarf forest. There are many magical washes to discover and marvel at here! This loop is a wonderful hike through mountains and valleys, inviting you to rest and recharge your batteries in the forest.
Length: approx. 6.8 km
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Elevation gain: 250 m
Day trip for active people: combined cycling & hiking tour
Means of transport: e-bike & on foot
Cycle over the Moonstone into the wild and romantic Stillenstein Gorge
The e-bike first takes you 12 kilometres along the R1.14 Mondstein loop from Bad Kreuzen to Aumühle. After a rest and possible refreshment stop at the Aumühle, you can leave the bike here and start the hike into the Stillensteinklamm gorge. The wild and romantic Stillensteinklamm gorge is one of the most scenic hiking trails in the Danube region.
Length: 15.3 km
Duration: 4.5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 460 m
1/2-day excursions for cycling enthusiasts
Means of transport: E-bike
R1.14 Moonstone circuit: From the Danube swirl to the moon(stone)
The Moonstone Tour actually starts in Grein an der Donau. However, as it is a circular route, the Schatz.Kammer is also a suitable starting point. The slogan then just needs to be turned round to "From the Moonstone to the Danube circuit". E-bikers can expect a fantastic summit bike tour to the mystical Mondstein (600 m) and then down into the Strudengau Gorge to Grein - once one of the most dangerous sections of the Danube. Magnificent distant views, short climbs, relaxing terraces ... - pure enjoyment! Cultural highlights: The Kneipp spa town of Bad Kreuzen and the Danube town of Grein.
Length: 27 km
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Elevation gain: 558 m
Highlights:
- Summit bike tour with 375 metres ascent
- Historic town of Grein with Greinburg Castle and the oldest municipal theatre in Austria
- 360° panoramic observation tower at Kreuzen Castle
- Kneipp garden "Bad Kreuzen" (largest Kneipp garden in Austria)
- Moonstone (highest point of the tour, mystical place of power)
R1.15 Three saddle tour: mountain biking to the rhythm of the Strudengau hills
This tip first takes you 12 km (approx. 1 hour) on the R1.14 Mondstein loop to Aumühle before you join the R1.15 Drei Sattel loop and immerse yourself in the fascination of the lonely sea of forest hills north of the Strudengau Gorge: eternal mountain forests, cultivated farmland like oases, high hills, deep ditches, magnificent views ... Three saddles to cross boost your ego. In the centre, the historic market town of Waldhausen invites you to take a break. A mountainous cycle tour for connoisseurs!
Length: 26.2 km
Duration: 2.10 hours
Elevation gain: 559 m
Highlights:
- Three saddles in one go: Moarhofer Ebene (70 metres altitude), Sattl (190 metres altitude), Dörfl (120 metres altitude)
- Deep view into the Strudengau gorge
- Waldhausen parish church (divine granite art)
- Waldhausen bathing lake
- Waldhausen Abbey (magnificent abbey church, abbey mummies, festival garden)
R1.13 Alpenblick loop: high-altitude cycling in the Machland plain
To reach this tour from the Schatz.Kammer, you first cycle 8.5 km by e-bike to Burg Clam. There you can join the R1.13 Alpenblick tour - "High-altitude cycling in the Machland plain". The tour then leads through the Natura 2000 area Machland Nord via Mitterkirchen up to the scenic balcony of the Machland plain, the panoramic road Obernstraß (500 m). The long ridge inspires with relaxed pleasure cycling and magnificent views of the Alps, deep views, ... pure king-of-the-world feeling! River cycling along the Danube, crossing the Machland plain, mountain biking ...
Length: 52.2 km
Duration: 3.45 hours
Elevation gain: 425 m
Highlights:
- 11 km long ascent; magnificent Alpine panorama high-altitude cycling; 2.5 km panoramic descent
- Monastery village of Münzbach (mountain village with former monastery)
- Clam Castle (one of Austria's castle jewels)
- Open-air museum Keltendorf Mitterkirchen (reconstruction of a Celtic settlement)
1/2-day excursion or day trip to Grein for those interested in culture
Means of transport: Bus & on foot
Grein: The pearl of the Strudengau
The former shipping town of Grein is nestled between the Danube and granite. Here, the mighty Danube, steeped in history, merges with the unspoilt, gentle Mühlviertel hills. Inns, patisseries and cafés invite you to linger.
Travelling to Grein: The Bad Kreuzen school centre bus stop is right next to the starting point. From there, take the OÖVV line 382 in the direction of Grein. Duration: 10 min. bus journey
Note: Bus 382 only runs on school days from Mon-Fri (no bus service on Sat, Sun, public holidays & school holidays). Please note the current journey times.
1/2-day excursion or day trip for young and old
Means of transport: E-bike
Unforgettable day trips for the whole family. At the Strudengau archery club, you can put your marksmanship to the test with bow and arrow. Continue on to the fluffy moonstone alpacas, where you can experience the cuddly animals up close. Finally, wet fun awaits at the Shapeland wakeboard centre - a paradise for water sports enthusiasts of all ages.
Archery club
Archery club
The BSC-Strudengau offers experienced archers and beginners two courses with a total of 64 3D targets on an extensive and varied archery area in the Mühlviertel hills.
How to get there: You can reach the Aumühle and therefore the Strudengau-Aumühle/Grein archery club in approx. 12 km by e-bike via the R1.14 Moonstone circuit.
Alpacas
Alpacas
They are, among other things, the oldest farm animals in the world and perfect companions - alpacas. These lovable and curious creatures also feel at home in our latitudes, especially in the Danube region. On guided tours in the Danube region, you can experience these fluffy creatures up close and explore the beautiful places in the region. In Bad Kreuzen, an alpaca hike around the Moonstone offers pure relaxation and nature!
How to get there: The Mondstein alpacas can be reached via a short detour on the R1.14 Moonstone circuit (approx. 6 km).
Shapeland
Shapeland
For sporty water rats, there is a water ski and wakeboard facility in Waldhausen. This is located at the beautiful bathing lake in Waldhausen and offers fun for young and young at heart, for beginners and professionals.
1/2- or day trip: Cycle to the Danube freshener
Means of transport: bike or e-bike
On hot days, the Bad Kreuzen adventure pool is ideal for a quick dip before or after a hiking or cycling tour. It is 12 minutes and 800 metres from the starting point at the municipal office to the adventure pool. The modern outdoor pool with water slide also offers pure fun, games and action for children. Tip: with the DONAU.Erlebnis Card you get a 50% discount on admission
The following public bathing facilities can also be reached by bike via the new e-bike circular routes:
Day trip: Shopping & gourmet trip to Perg
Means of transport: Bus
Perg - a bustling shopping town between Machland and the Mühlviertel hills
The nearby bus stop Bad Kreuzen Schulzentrum is located directly next to the municipal office, from where the OÖVV bus line 373 takes you to Perg city centre. The journey takes approx. 45 minutes. We recommend travelling there early in the morning to make the most of your day in Perg. Note: please note the current journey times for the return journey
Here you can find out which places in Perg should definitely be visited as part of a leisurely stroll through the town, with great tips for recommended restaurants and attractive shopping opportunities: 48h in Perg
The taste of the Danube region
Regional delicacies and culinary experiences
Experience Bad Kreuzen's delicacies and regional specialities in numerous farm shops in the area. Here you will find fresh, seasonal produce ranging from juicy fruit to hearty specialities.
Farm shops in Bad Kreuzen and the surrounding area:
Catering establishments in Bad Kreuzen and the surrounding area:
