R1.09 Eferdinger Land circuit

Description:
Eferdinger Basin is a myth-enshrouded place; mentioned in the Nibelungenlied, place of death of Saint Wolfgang, the biggest castle in Upper Austria in sight … this cycle tour meanders through fertile plains: river cycling along the Danube, culture-packed cycling through vegetable fields, with splendid farmyards with buildings on all four sides. In the middle of a hidden cultural gems!

 

 

Highlights: 

• Feldkirchen's swimming lakes 


• Danube gem of Aschach an der Donau (ornate buildings, parish church with Donaukreuz …)


• Pupping monastery (death place of St. Wolfgang)


• Eferding town (Austria's third oldest town, magnificent town square, Eferdinger 'Dom' …)


• Historic Danube roller ferry Ottensheim (operating since 1871)

 

 

Directions:
Eferdinger Basin – At one time this extensive landscape basin dominated the Au area, criss-crossed by the meanderings of many Danube tributaries. The crossing was dangerous and tiring. These days the contrast-rich natural and cultural landscape inspires with relaxing, pleasure-filled cycling at its very best. Perfect opening act is the historic Danube market town of Ottensheim. Situated at the end of Eferdinger Basin, this has always been a key crossing. The market square is worth seeing and recounts its long tradition as a trade hub. A Danube highlight! From the pier area, cycle initially up river passing lovely riverbank houses, in a loop to Donaualtarm which is surrounded by woodland. This was consciously preserved after the construction of Ottensheim-Wilhering power station and since that time has been used as an international rowing regatta course. An idyllic cycle path proceeds along the Alte Donau. Shortly after you come to the (new) impressive Danube. To the left, the imposing Ottensheim-Wilhering power station can be seen. On the right you enjoy a sublime cycle down river to the Donauuferdamm on the legendary Danube Cycle Path, Treppelweg section. Riding the bike feels easy, the breeze refreshes, your tyres purr along... pure river cycling! Traditional alluvial forest areas bring about a sense of reflection. Bringing to mind a time when the extensive Au landscape was only able to be passed with a great deal of effort by seafarers. At Feldkirchen's bathing lakes the riparian woodlands clear. Soon after you leave the mysterious river. Now enjoying a pleasure-filled pedal on farm roads in a wide arch through a mosaic of fertile fields – passing large farmyards with buildings on all four sides, artistic wayside shrines and the lovely market town of Feldkirchen – heading to the Danube Bridge in Aschach. When there is a good view into the distance,  the ride over the high bridge inspires with its incredible Alpine views. At the historic Danube market town of Aschach, you have reached the start of the Eferdinger Basin. Congratulations! This has always been a key crossing. The picturesque town centre inspires with its market square (!) which opens up to the Danube and its opulently adorned houses. Both tell of its prosperity as a key trade point with Danube countries. A genuine gem in the Danube! After the many and varied impressions, the ride continues at an easy pace on the Treppelweg down from the Danube, providing a relaxing time-out – a feeling of flow and flowing thoughts. In Brandstatt you leave the Danube river and cycle on agricultural roads  through lush vegetable fields out into the plains. The Schaunberg Castle ruins keep an eye on things on the altitude ridge above the plains; this is Upper Austria's biggest castle area! And in the rural town of  Pupping the small monastery complex emerges as the death place of St. Wolfgang! After Seebach an access road accompanies the cycle path to the centre of Eferdinger Basin, the town of Eferding. It is the third oldest town in Austria and will enchant you with its magnificent town centre – the splendid town square with Starhemberg Castle, Eferdinger "Dom" ... A Danube highlight! Incidentally, the town is part of the famous medieval Nibelungenlied. Afterwards you meander on quiet rural roads at a leisurely pace, through the rural cultural landscape: fertile fields, vegetable growing, large farmsteads, farm-gate sales, wayside shrines, ... – Eferdinger Basin- pure idyll! Just before Wilhering for a final time you dip into a the banks of a traditional alluvial forest. Then at ferry terminal in Wilhering a fantastic view opens up to Ottensheim Castle complete with its affiliated market town. The crossing on the roller ferry, which first went into operation here in 1871, is a final highlight, even for landlubbers who are not much interested in the technical aspects.

Safety guidelines:
This pleasure-filled cycle circuit proceeds in its entirety over peaceful, asphalt (side) roads and cycle paths.

Please note the operating times for the wire rope bridge in Ottensheim for the final crossing to Ottensheim. Should this not be in operation, 2.2 km before the Wilhering ferry pier you can swap to the other bank of the Danube proceeding via Ottensheim-Wilhering power station and complete the circuit that way.

 

Signage:

To make orientation easier, the Danube Cycle Path has been signposted with its own cycle guidance system. This circuit follows the "R1.09 Eferdinger Land-Runde" signposts.