Wolfsschlucht
4040 Linz
Since 1997, the Wolfsschlucht has been a nature and cultural hiking route. Along the path through the gorge, information panels describe and visually depict the bathing facilities of the former cold-water health resort Bad Kreuzen. Experience the origin story of the Bad Kreuzen spa tradition up close.
Recommended season:
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Loop
- Refreshment stops available
- Family friendly
- Cultural/historical value
- Geological highlights
- Healthy climate
Your hike starts in the town center; from here, head southwest down Villa Böck Weg and Aignerberg, past the pilgrimage chapel "Aigner Kreuz," then the path leads left into the Kempbach valley. Here is the second starting point for the Wolfsschlucht circuit, the Speckalm parking lot. After the bridge, turn left onto the forest path; after a few minutes of walking, you reach the entrance to the gorge. Here were once the "Greiner showers," and just above by the waterfall, nobles took spa baths in the "Viennese wave baths." Many steps lead up the gorge, past the Anton Bruckner refuge, you reach the Neptune grotto via narrow paths; here were once the men's and women's showers. Additional steps lead you to the Herzogsquelle; then you walk left, past the hunter’s seat, and conquer Castle Kreuzen. We recommend visiting the castle and enjoying a small refreshment at the castle tavern. From here, follow the road back to Bad Kreuzen.Tip:
To fully enjoy this hike, I recommend walking the Wolfsschlucht from bottom to top; this way, you can enjoy the full splendor of the gorge with its waterfalls. It’s also worth occasionally looking left or right. You might discover one or another "stone creature." The Wolfsschlucht circuit can be started at 3 points: besides the town center, it is also possible to start at the castle or at the Speckalm parking lot. My tip for the second Wolfsschlucht hike: there is also the option to combine the Wolfsschlucht with the Speckalm trail. For this, walk through the Wolfsschlucht to the Herzogsquelle; from here, continue straight ahead, after a short time cross a small bridge on the right, then a romantic forest path leads directly to the popular Speckalm snack bar (be sure to reserve a table).
Safety guidelines:In the Wolfsschlucht, sturdy footwear and caution are recommended, especially when it rains, as the wet steps are very slippery. In winter, the Wolfsschlucht is not recommended; if you do want to walk through it, extreme caution is required.Equipment:
Sturdy footwearAdditional information:
https://www.wolfschlucht.at/
https://www.burg-kreuzen.at/
https://www.speck-alm.at/
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
...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".
Info: Tourismusverein Gsund Leben - Willkommen in Bad Kreuzen
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 66 / 62 55-30
Schlucht im Urgestein…
Die Wolfsschlucht am Fuß der Burg Kreuzen ist eine klammartige Urgesteinsschlucht. Die Wasserfälle, Felsformationen und Blockburgen machen ihren urigen Charakter aus. Einige botanische undfaunistische Besonderheiten gibt es hier zu finden. Die steilen, schwer zugänglichen Hänge werden von naturnah ausgebildeten Schluchtwäldern eingenommen. Sie konnten sich oftmals dort bewahren, wo sich die schwierige Bewirtschaftung kaum lohnte. Esche, Bergahorn und Bergulme lieben die luft- und bodenfeuchten Bedingungen in der Schlucht. Der Unterwuchs solcher Wälder wird von einer üppigen Krautschicht gebildet.
Unweit der Burg Kreuzen gibt es einen Felsen, der auch Bärensprung genannt wird. Wie dieser Felsen zu seinem Namen kam, erfahren Sie in der Donau-Sage "Über die Kippe springen".
Alte Badeanlagen
Starting points: Bad Kreuzen, inn „Gasthaus Aichinger“ in Neuaigen or fortress „Burg Kreuzen“
Type of trail: slim pathways, bridges and many steps, safety railings
Special features: climate, geology, flora and fauna
Length of the round route: 4.800 m
Route: Bad Kreuzen – Neuaigen – Wolfsschlucht – Jägersitz – Burg Kreuzen – Bad Kreuzen
Trail marking: "5a Kulturpfad – Wolfsschlucht“
Hiking on the tracks of noble spa guests
Since 1846 Bad Kreuzen is known as a health resort. At that time the duke Ernst of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha let built a cold water establishment in the castle tavern. Under the guidance of the spa doctor Dr. Otto Fleischanderl this place developed into a meeting point of aristocrats. Springs were captured, paths constructed and places of relaxation created.
The central point of the spas during that time was the “Wolfsschlucht” where the first spa treatments in natural waters and with simple shower facilities took place. Today melodious names like “Wiener Wellenbad”, “Greiner Duschen”, “Herzogsquelle” or “Felsendom” remind us of these times. The historical places are equipped with panels that represent silent witnesses of this time period.
Getting there
Via the West Motorway A1 from Vienna, Salzburg, or Passau, exit at Amstetten West, continue to Grein and from there north to Bad Kreuzen.
Public Transit
How to get to the Upper Austria Danube region?
The fastest way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or plane.
Take the train to Amstetten or Grein, then the bus to Bad Kreuzen (according to the timetable)
Parking
Start in the town center of Bad Kreuzen: large parking available
Starting point 2 Castle Kreuzen: large parking available Starting point 3 Wolfsschlucht parking lot (access Speckalm): parking available
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Early winter
- Deep winter
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
Web www.wolfsschlucht.at
http://www.wolfsschlucht.at
Altitude profile - Wolfsschlucht
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