R1.12 Weltstein Loop

Enjoyable summit bike route from the legendary Danube River in the Machland plain up to the Weltstein (478 m) in the Aist-Naarn hill country. Includes a short walk on the last meters to the summit. River cycling along the Danube and Aist, mountain biking in the hill country, flat cycling in the Machland plain … and a 2.7 km panoramic descent with Alpine views. A true delicacy!

Highlights:

• Schwertberg (flatboat ride on the Aist)


• Aiserbühne (castle-like theater backdrop in a quarry)


• Weltstein (highest point of the loop)


• Mühlstein town Perg (Mühlstein Museum Steinbrecherhaus, Erdstall – Ratgöbluckn)


• Naarn Canal (historic wooden log rafting canal)  

From the boat harbor Au on the Danube, you briefly accompany the mighty Danube on its legendary towpath upstream to the mouth of the Aist. Then you change rivers and follow the meanders of the former pearl river across the extensive Machland plain. From the beautiful bike path along the river dike, you look out grandly over fertile fields and magnificent four-sided farmsteads. From Furth, you cycle at river level – occasionally on short sandy roads – through settlements and an open industrial area. At the edge of the plain, the historic market town Schwertberg surprises with a beautiful park on the Aist River including flatboat ride opportunity and a hidden Renaissance castle.

Here begins the idyllic hilly landscape of the Aist-Naarn hill country and the 220-meter summit climb to the Weltstein. Settlement roads lead – partly steeply – up to a rural ridge. Tip: Shortly before the summit, a detour to the Aiserbühne is recommended, an old quarry with an elaborate stage castle as an open-air theatre! At the junction at the summit, the summit loop of the atypical route branches off. Over the airy ridge, you cycle gently uphill on farm roads into the rural village of Winden. A short descent offers cooling off. Then you pass through the shady mountain forest of the Jocklgraben in serpentine curves fairly steeply – but manageable with low gears – uphill. High above impresses the farming settlement Lina: rustic farmsteads, beautiful orchards, narrow fields, lush meadows, magnificent deep views ... A rural paradise on the roof of the world! A few meters later you arrive at the bike parking lot "Weltstein." The grand panoramic view delights and gives a proud sense of altitude. A short walk brings you to the legendary forest summit Weltstein (478 m). Congratulations!

As an additional reward, enjoy 2.7 km of panoramic descent with Alpine views set to the rhythm of rural cultural landscape. Pure bliss! After a short counter ascent, the summit loop ends. You then race through hidden fields down into the lonely Aisthofner Bachtal and immediately back up on the opposite slope. Through scenic farmland, you finally reach the edge of the Machland plain with gentle ups and downs – the Mühlstein town Perg. Tip: A short detour to the Mühlstein Museum Steinbrecherhaus makes the former importance of Perg conscious! The idyllic town center invites you to enjoy a relaxing break. After passing residential areas, you go out to the strictly regulated Naarn River – a historic rafting canal used to transport firewood for the metropolises Vienna and Budapest. At the sewage treatment plant, you leave the Naarn and cross the wide Machland plain on rural side roads. Large wheat, corn, and vegetable fields ... testify to fertility, beautiful farmsteads to lively tradition. At the height of the Straß farmstead, you rejoin the mighty Danube through river meadows. Now follows a relaxed cycling out on the riverbank dike along the legendary towpath. To the roof of the world and back!

Discovery trips with enjoyable stops! This route leads directly past the following culinary partners: 

• Biohof Mascherbauer


• DonAu Stand'l 

The main part of this enjoyable summit bike route leads over paved side roads or farm roads and along the Danube on the well-paved towpath. Along the Aist River, it goes between the Danube and Furth via a well-paved dike bike path; afterwards, four sections (380 m, 650 m, 170 m, 200 m) run over comfortably rideable sandy roads. Basic shifting skills are advantageous for the long climb. Basic braking skills are necessary for the long descent.

Signage:

To make orientation easier for you, the Danube bike loops have been marked with their own bike guidance system. This loop follows the signage "R1.12 Weltstein Loop".