Car-free tips for your holiday at the Hotel Wesenufer
The Hotel Wesenufer is situated in the romantic Upper Austrian Danube valley. The location - directly on the banks of the mighty Danube River and not far from the famous Schlögener Schlinge - captivates with its timeless natural beauty.
The hotel is the ideal starting point to explore many attractive excursion destinations in the surrounding area car-free. Get inspiration now on how to really enjoy your holiday without a car at the Hotel Wesenufer.
By the way: The Wesenufer Hotel & Seminarkultur on the Danube is a proud iBIKE-BOX partner. Top-maintained bikes from the best manufacturers are available in the bike rental box. Bookings can be made smartly and securely online or directly at the hotel.
Starting point: Hotel Wesenufer (Wesenufer - Hotel & Seminarkultur an der Donau, Wesenufer 1, A-4085 Waldkirchen am Wesen)
1/2-day tour for cycling enthusiasts
Means of transport: E-bike
River cycling with a deep view on the R1.03 Donauengtal circuit
On this sporty e-bike circuit, you first cycle along the Danube river upstream through the narrow valley floor of the Donauleiten. Then the route leads along the Sauwald Panorama Road with magnificent views of the river landscape before a 3 km descent back into the Danube Valley.
Highlights:
- Fahrner Sculpture Park
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Oberranna Roman Castle
- Engelszell Abbey: Collegiate church is a rococo jewel
- Water Experience Mini-Danube: large aquarium, sensory garden
- Schütz Museum: 1st Zero Energy Museum in the world
- Vichtenstein Castle
- Vichtenstein Parish Church: Miraculous Madonna Figure
- Trout Circus St. Aegidi
Indulgence tip:
In Esternberg, buy cheese specialities directly from the farm at Somann or taste the Sauwald vodka in St. Aegidi.
Length: approx. 57.3 km
Altitude difference: 700
Changing perspectives on the R1.04 Danube loop circuit
On this e-bike tour you can experience the fascination of the natural wonder Schlögener Donauschlinge up close: Grandiose deep view from the roof of the natural wonder, enjoyable passage of the Danube loop and ferry crossing in the first 180° loop! With panoramic drive over the Sauwald plateau and short hike to the famous viewing plattform. A true highlight!
Highlights:
- Meditation pyramid on Etzing Hill: architectural highlight with a wonderful panoramic view of the Danube.
- Viewing platform "Schlögener Donaublick": Famous deep view of the natural wonder
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Schlögen Roman Baths & Roman Park
- Ferry ride
Length: approx. 45.6km
Altitude difference: 550
1/2-day trip for culture enthusiasts
Means of transport: on foot
Visit to the permanent exhibition "Die Zille" and walk through the sculpture park Atelier Fahrner
Right next to the Hotel Wesenufer, a permanent exhibition has been dedicated to a Danube archetype - the Zille. Zillen are the traditional boats on the Danube. The construction has a history of over 200 years. The permanent exhibition "Die Zille" (The Barge) highlights the role of barge and wooden boat building then and now, shows interesting models of wooden boats and the tools used to make them.
Tip: If you want to take a trip on the Danube yourself, you can borrow a wooden boat from the Zillenhafen Freizell(see next tip for how to get there).
From the woodworking shop we continue on foot to see what can be done with scrap iron.
They are visible from afar, the huge metal objects, mostly depicting characters from mythology. On a walk through the sculpture park you will see how the artist couple Fahrner have breathed new life into scrap iron. The park is freely accessible and about 900m from the hotel (10 min. by foot or 5 min. by bike). The sculpture park is located on the "Donaublick" running and exercise trail. From here you also have a fantastic view of the Danube.
1/2 to day trip - Be your own captain on the Danube
Means of transport: bicycle and zille
By bike to the boat rental Witti
From Hotel Wesenufer, you first cross the Danube via the Danube bridge to Niederranna and cycle about 5.5 km along the Danube cycle path downstream to reach the Witti barge harbour in Freizell. There you can rent a zille and get to know one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube valley. If you don't want to be your own captain, one will also be gladly provided – upon request.
Between the Jochenstein and Aschach power stations, the famous "Schlögener Donauschlinge", numerous castles, ruins, beautiful gravel beaches, but also imposing, steeply sloping hillsides and lovely villages await you on a river length of approx. 35 km.
Rental from 1 May to September, 09:00 am to 07:30 pm
Day trip for hiking enthusiasts
Means of transport: on foot
Donausteig circuit Waldkirchen: 4/4 view circuit
A hike on the 4/4 view circuit is all about beautiful views: the Schlögener Blick, the Felsenblick and the Vierviertelblick in Waldkirchen. The circuit is a good route to take in green hills and flowering meadows.
Highlights:
- Nature reserve: Kleines Kößlbachtal (Small Kößlbach Valley)
- Rest area 4/4 view
Length: approx. 13km
Metres in altitude: 360
Duration: approx. 4.5h
Other hiking trails in Waldkirchen:
- Market tour Wesenufer (4.4 km)
- Leisurely enjoyment hike "Donaublick-Runde" (7.7 km)
- Kösslbachweg Circuit (7.3 km)
- Donauleiten Trail (14.9 km)
Day trip for cycling & hiking enthusiasts
Means of transport: bike or e-bike and on foot
Cycling & Hiking Trip through the Schlögener Donauschlinge
By bike along the Danube Cycle Path (Passau-Schlögen south bank) from Wesenufer to Schlögen.
Length: approx. 6.5 km
Subsequent hike on the Donausteig circuit "CICONIA-Weg" to the famous Donaublick (Danube view)
Opposite the Hotel Donauschlinge we enter the Ciconia path, which leads us after about 30 minutes walking time to the well-known viewpoint "Schlögener Blick". This striking view of the Donauschlinge was voted one of Upper Austria's natural wonders.
Duration: 4 hrs.
Length: 11 km
Tip: For those in a hurry, a short path leads directly from the Hotel Donauschlinge to the Schlögener Donaublick viewpoint. Plan approx. 1 hour there and back.
After the hike we return to the hotel in Wesenufer on the Danube cycle path.
Length: approx. 6.5 km
Alternatively, you can also cycle along the Danube cycle path north bank to Niederranna and switch back to the south bank of the Danube to Wesenufer via the Danube bridge.
Length: approx. 10 km
Attention: Please note the opening times of the cycle ferries in Schlögen.
At the ferry times: www.donauregion.at/faehren
1/2 to one-day trip for culture enthusiasts
Means of transport: bike or e-bike
Cycling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and excursion destinations in and around Engelhartszell
By bike along the Danube Cycle Path (Passau-Schlögen south bank) from Wesenufer to Engelhartszell.
Length: approx. 8 km
Attention: the tip leads in the opposite direction of description
Cultural highlights can be found along this route - from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to world-famous art:
- Wesenufer: Zillenmuseum
- Oberranna: Römerburgus
- Engelhartszell, the Danube market has a lot to offer:
- Mini-Danube: "Water Experience Mini-Danube".
- Engelszell Abbey: Austria's only Trappist monastery
- Schütz Museum: 1st Zero Energy Museum in the world
On the return journey, you can either cycle back along the south bank or alternatively take the Engelhartszell cycle ferry to the north bank and cycle back to the hotel via the Niederranna bridge.
Attention: Please note the opening times of the bike ferries in Engelhartszell.
Ferry times: www.donauregion.at/en/danube-cycle-path/danube-ferries
Day trip: City trip to Passau
Means of transport: Bus or boat
Discover the three-river city of Passau: Where culture and joie de vivre flow together
Info on arrival by bus:
The bus stop is located not far from the hotel in the centre of Wesenufer (approx. 170 m). From here the bus departs daily (exceptions according to the timetable) in the direction of Passau. The journey to the 3-river city takes about 1 hour. For a day trip, it is recommended to take the bus at 10:04 am. You will then arrive in Passau at approx. 10:45. For the return journey, we recommend taking the bus from Passau at 5:06 p.m. You will then be back at the Wesenufer Ortsmitte bus stop at 5:52 p.m.
See & experience Passau
In Passau, you can explore sights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, which houses the largest cathedral organ in the world, or the Veste Oberhaus castle complex.
Here you will find sights, guided tours, shopping and much more to plan your visit to Passau.
Tip: It's worth making a detour to Rindermarkt to sample the finest chocolate specialities at our "Treasures & Delicacies"-partner Confiserie & Café Simon.
"Three Rivers" City Tour
Daily from 25 March to 5 November 2023
Journey time: approx. 45 minutes
Comfortably from the ship, you can enjoy unforgettable views of Passau: the Italian flair of the colourful facades, St. Stephan's Cathedral, the mouth of the three rivers, the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz with their different colours.
Tip: in the high season, the electrically powered convertible ship MS SUNliner runs!
Barefoot Passau XL - Sightseeing with a difference
Daily from 13 May to 3 October 2023
Duration: approx. 75 minutes, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
During the round trip on the Barefoot Boat by Til Schweiger you will explore the city on the three rivers directly from the water - completely new perspectives open up.
Day trip: Cycling tour along the Danube Cycle Path & boat tour to Passau
Means of transport: bike or e-bike and boat
Cycling along the Danube Cycle Path from Wesenufer to Kasten & adventure tour with the crystal ship incl. stay in Passau
By bike or e-bike, the tour starts from the Hotel Wesenufer alonge the Danube Cycle Path (south bank) to the Wurm & Noé landing stage in Kasten.
Length: approx. 16 km
Duration: approx. 50 min.
Attention: the tip leads in the opposite direction of the description.
In Kasten you can get on the crystal ship together with your bike and sail to Passau on the adventure tour.
3 times daily from 29 April to 3 October 2023
Example:
- Departure Kasten at 11:20 am - Arrival in Passau at 12:40 pm
- Return: Departure from Passau at 03:15 pm - Arrival in Kasten at 04:05 pm
- then cycle from Kasten back to Wesenufer (approx. 16 km & 50 min.)
Attention: Please note the ferry times!
Day trip to the treetop trail & IKUNA nature experience park
Means of transport: E-bike
Cycling tour on the Sauwald panorama heights to two special excursion destinations
This tour starts with the R1.04 Danube loop circuit to Waldkirchen. In Waldkirchen the tour then continues on the R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Circuit to Kopfing to the treetop trail.
At treetop trail in Kopfing an impressive wooden construction extends 15 metres above the forest floor and over a length of more than 1,000 metres through the treetops of the Sauwald.
After visiting the treetop trail, the tour continues to Natternbach to the IKUNA Nature Resort. In the IKUNA Nature Adventure Park, young and old alike will be amazed. On the 200,000m2 area there are more than 80 outdoor play stations as well as the new KIDS WORLD - a 1,000m2 indoor park.
Return by e-bike on the R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Circuit to Waldkirchen and then on the R1.04 Danube loop circuit to Wesenufer.
Length of the total route: approx. 65km
Day trip to the Danube market Aschach & cider tasting at the Donautaler Mostkellerei
Means of transport: bike or e-bike
Cycle tour to Aschach & enjoy the Upper Austrians' favourite drink
Donaumarkt Aschach is about halfway along the Schlögen-Linz stage of the Danube Cycle Path.
From Schlögen it is about 26 km to Aschach.
From the hotel Wesenufer there is an additional 6.5 kilometres. But the 33-kilometre tour to the Danube market is worth it.
In Aschach, town houses from the Middle Ages and facades in the colours of the rainbow tell of the life of the burghers, boatmen and shoppers.
In the Schopper and Fishermen's Museum you can learn more about the extinct Schopper craft or the development of fishing.
The Danube market Aschach with its famous row of houses and the promenade is always worth a visit.
Tip: Get ice cream from the Weltzer confectioneryand enjoy it on the promenade.
Ecape Trails in Aschach are adventurous. You discover the area in a different way and gather information on top of that and are guaranteed lots of fun.
After visiting Aschach, you cycle back to Hotel Wesenufer.
Attention: the tip leads in the opposite direction of the description.
First, cycle along the Danube cycle path over the Danube bridge onto the north bank and upstream to the Aschach power station. Shortly afterwards, a ferry ride continues to Obermühl or Grafenau & Au (approx. 25 km).
Attention: Ferry ride necessary to circumnavigate the Felsensteig and in the Donauschlinge from Grafenau! Please note the ferry times online:
- Ferry Kaiserhof and
- Danube bus Longitudinal ferry Au-Grafenau-Inzell or Cross ferry Schlögen - Au
On the return journey it is essential to stop at the Fischgasthof Aumüller and taste a real "Donauperle", an Austrian Cider.
1/2-day trip for cycling & chocolate lovers
Means of transport: E-bike
Cycling trip for chocolate tigers
Time for indulgence is the name of the game on this trip to the Schoko-Schaubetrieb. Katrin and Kurt Wöss' "Schoko-Laden" offers visitors a wide selection of handmade delicacies during opening hours on Fridays from 2 - 6 pm. Guided tours and tastings are possible at any time by telephone arrangement. To reach the chocolate factory in Neustift, it is advisable to get on your e-bike, because after crossing the Danube (via the Danube bridge Niederranna), you go against the signs of the R1.06 up the Donauleiten to Pühret. The path is worth it!
If you want to work off the calories after the chocolate treat, you can continue by bike to the Donaublick from Penzenstein with a wonderful panoramic view of the Danube valley.
Length: approx. 10 km (one route)
1/2-day trip for cycling & hiking enthusiasts
Means of transport: E-bike and on foot
Fit & Fun at the Rannastausee
For this tip, you have to change from Hotel Wesenufer to the north side of the Danube. The best way to do this is via the Niederranna Danube bridge. Then cycle on the R1.06 directly to Neustift (it is advisable to get on an e-bike, because it goes against the signs of the R1.06 up the Donauleiten to Neustift) and continue on the L1540 Rannatalstraße to the Rannatalsperre.
"Fit & Fun am Rannastausee" is a new motor skills and exercise trail that includes 12 motor skills stations.
1/2- or day trip: Reach cooling off spots on the Danube by bike
Means of transport: bike or e-bike and partly ferries
Cycling to public bathing facilities
The following public bathing facilities can be reached by bike via the Danube cycle path or the new circular cycle routes:
Public swimming pool Engelhartszell via the R1 Danube Cycle Path stage: Passau-Schlögen north bank: Outdoor pool Engelhartszell
Length: approx. 9 km
Duration: 30 min
Feldkirchen bathing lakes or Bad Mühllacken to Waldbad via the R1 Danube Cycle Path from Wesenufer to Schlögen and on the Danube Cycle Path stage south bank Schlögen-Linz to Aschach. Continue over the Danube bridge on the R1 north bank to the Feldkirchen bathing lakes or to Bad Mühllacken to the forest bath.
Length: approx. 40 km
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours