Donausteig Stage 2_G01 Aschach - Eferding: „To meander through the Eferdinger Basin“

Description:
Starting point for this leg of the Donaustieg is Aschach. The historic Danube market is located at the junction of the wooded Donauschlucht (gorge) and the fertile plains of the Eferding basin. The picturesque town centre has its marketplace open up to the sight of the Danube and beautiful townhouses. Both tell of cultivated prosperity as a trading center on the Danube. A wonderful start to this leg! We start at the magnificent shore line and follow the Danube first downstream. Then the Donausteig leaves the mighty river and turns into the sophisticated surroundings of the Eferding basin. On small farm roads and paths we strive for the hills on the western edge of now fertile plains. This opens up atmospheric rural viewings: fertile fields, large square courtyards, old crucifixes and the agriculture fields of the Eferding basin. From the foot of the ridge, a steep forest path brings us quickly higher and soon we reach the ruins of the Schauenburg (castle), the adventure highlight of this stage! The once largest castle of Upper Austria depicts the wealth of the legendary land of Schaunberger. The Eferding basin in all its splendor opened up also by the castle's spectacular tower: the Danube with its Au­wäldern (forest), a mosaic of fertile fields, scattered farm hamlets... one of the most cherished moments of the Donausteig! Now begins a forest hike along the ridge of the hill. Almost always at the same height we follow forest and farm roads bringing us to the wonderful Landerl Chapel, a real jewel of the region. Congratulations – here we are at the highest point of this Donausteig-stage! Hidden views deep into Eferding basin bring "mountain" feelings near. A steep forest path leads back down to the Eferding basin. We then hike through lush vegetable fields, to Pupping. In the farming village, we discover the next highlight: the small church is the death site of St. Wolfgang! By following farm roads we continue along the Aschach (river) and reach Brandstatt an der Donau. At the sight of the mighty stream we quickly realize that we are here facing the creator of this wonderful landscape basin. The last stretch runs via farm and dirt roads through the varied cultural landscape to the center of the Eferding basin to Eferding. The town is the third oldest in Austria and a crowning conclusion for this stage. Danube trail - simply an experience!

 

Discover with the Donausteig-diary the following special features:

-Aschach toll, wine and shipbuilding

-Donau-starting point "Aschach"

-The parish church of Aschach and their legends-legendary Danube cross

-Aschach and Urfahr

-Danube waterway a gateway to the world

-Castle Aschach- faded glory

=Square courtyards- perfection perfected!

-Warrior cemetery hartkirchen

- ...

 

Download: Donausteig-diary "Stage 2_G01 Aschach Wilhering" - yet to follow! 

Directions:
From the Donausteig-starting point "Aschach" we follow the path along the Danube banks downstream continue under the bridge, until the Donausteig turn right after the large silos. Shortly thereafter, we stand at a crossroads. Turn right from here, the castel Aschach can be reached via a detour (350 m). However, the Donausteig runs left. After a sharp right turn, we turn left and cross the rural settlement of Deinham. Immediately before the Warriors cemetery Hartkirchen turn right. A farm road leads now directly through the fields. At the T-crossing after the railway turn left. Along the asphalt road, we cross the railway tracks again and walk through the farming village Karling. Here we cross the Aschach (River). At the intersection with the main street turn left. After about 400 m, the Donausteig turns right over the railway tracks. Now a dirt track leads back first, then straight through the fields to a farm road. There turn right and at the next intersection turn left. Past the airfield a steep forest path starts uphill to the ruins of the Schauenburg (castel). Immediately before the ruins, we reach an asphalt road. Turn left uphill. A few metres later the castle access road branches off down to the left - on which we reach on a short detour the Burgruine Schauenburg (castle ruins). The Donausteig however continues left uphill on the road. From the large parking lot turn left and cross the asphalt road and continue down to some houses. Then we walk almost at the same level through the idyllic forest and continue on a small farm road till the crossroads and are within sight of the Landerl Chapel. From here continue to the right uphill, and we arrive on a short detour the chapel of Landerl. The route, however, continues downhill to the left. After a short dirt road, a steep forest path brings us back down to the level of the Eferding basin. There we follow to the left the forest edge, then to right a road through the fields. Over the railway tracks, we reach the Nibelungen road in the rural village of Pupping. Pass the the monastery church of Pupping on the left, and reach the Donausteig-resting point "Pupping". Turn right here and follow the farm road to the bridge, then turn left onto the next bridge. Now we walk right along the southern shore of the Aschach - initially on a dirt road, later on a farm road. At the bridge, we finally cross the Aschach and get to the main road. There, turn right and cross the next bridge. Immediately after another right loop under the bridge we reach the Danube in Brandstatt. A short distance downstream the Donausteig-stating point "Brandstatt" is located. From here continue in a slight curve to the right, and follow the main street in the direction of Eferding, until an asphalt road branches off to the right. Turn right next and continue to the next intersection. Turn left twice. Now a farm road leads us past some houses and reaches after an intersection a dirt road. In Waschpoint, we reach again a settlement. Keep left, until a branch off of the Aschach is reached. Cross the River turn left and continue to the main road, which brings us right to the large intersection with the Nibelungstrasse in Eferding. On the main road about 100 m towards the South, we then turn left to the city parish church. At the church square continue straight ahead and immediately before the Castle Starhemberg follow the footpath in a curve to the right to the northern end of the square. Turn left downhill. After about 100 m, turn right into a walkway - this brings us then to an elongated Park and to the Donausteig-starting point "Eferding".

 

To facilitate the orientation, the Donausteig was provided with its own system of orientation - you will find the description  here  .

Tip:
The Danube market Aschach and the city of Ederfing are wonderful - take the time to explore!

Equipment:
On top of normal hiking equipment no extras are required.

Additional information:
WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz, Austria
Tel. +43(0)732/7277-888
Fax. +43(0)732/7277-804 
info@donausteig.com