R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Route
4040 Linz
"Sauwald – Cycling with grandeur and Alpine views"
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Family friendly
- Geological highlights
Great highland cycling route over the rural Sauwald high plateau. The rugged highland south of the Upper Danube valley fascinates with mystical forests, a mosaic of fields and meadows, traditional farm hamlets, rolling landscape … and seemingly endless views. The first half leads through hilly landscape, the second over a panoramic high ridge.
Highlights:
- Treetop Path Kopfing (world's longest treetop path, nature experience world)
- Meditation pyramid on the Etzinger hill (architectural highlight, Alpine view)
- Sauwald Panorama Road (staged panoramic viewpoints)
- IKUNA Nature Resort and Nature Adventure Park
- Four-quarters View (panoramic view over the four quarters of Upper Austria)
A worthy starting point for this contrasting cycling round over the Sauwald high plateau is the Treetop Path Kopfing. Situated on a forest hill, the unusual perspective from the treetops lets you experience the vastness and beauty of the high plateau. Simply breathtaking! From the forest hill, you cycle down farmer’s roads into the charming elevated village of Kopfing – a typical clustered village of Sauwald! In the harsh climate, the land had to provide food; considerations about village appearance were secondary.
On Kopfing street, you climb hilly towards Entholz. Shortly after, you enter the mystical forests of Sauwald. Almost flat forest paths lead through magnificent mixed forest past the legendary Jungfraustein – a rocking stone and ancient cult site! Here you can atmospherically trace the original (Sau)wald landscape. Afterwards, you cycle leisurely on lonely side roads gently downhill through the extensive Hörzinger forest, softly hilly. Rural oases amid the forest sea recall the strenuous land cultivation. Towards the valley, lush meadows, fertile fields, scattered farms, and small woods dominate the route – pure Sauwald countryside idyll!
From Reiting, 2 km of a brisk descent to Natternbach provide a speed rush. The pleasant market town – also a clustered village – played a key role in the Upper Austrian Peasants’ War. The high elevation and beauty of Sauwald explain the proud self-consciousness of the locals. A short ascent to a plateau, then through a mosaic of fields to Neukirchen am Walde. The archetypal marketplace tells of historical importance; the former Spättenbrunn castle of medieval lordship. From the plateau, a 2.4 km delighting descent leads down to Willing, the lowest point (391 m) of the route! Through the steep forest gorge of the forest stream, the road quickly climbs opposite. In Hofstetten, the toughest part is done: you cycle gently hilly over lonely farmland – partly along natural field paths – upwards to the elevated village of St. Agatha.
Now begins the sublime ride over the roof of Sauwald! On gentle agricultural roads, you cycle over a hilly panoramic high ridge. A magnificent start is the imposing Etzinger meditation pyramid (642 m). Congratulations, you are at the highest point of the route! Afterwards, wonderful Sauwald farmland and breathtaking wide views into the Mühlviertel, over the Alpine foothills to the Alps captivate … pure bliss! After a short gorge, you reach Waldkirchen am Wesen on the next high ridge. The Sauwald high plateau presents itself once more from its most beautiful side. A highlight: the short detour to the extraordinary Four-quarters View. The 360° panoramic view allows limitless vistas into all four quarters of Upper Austria! A short regeneration descent takes you into the Waldgraben of Sittling. Then follows a 4.5 km ascent over a mountain ridge. Idyllic Sauwald farmland enchants, with increasing height the view expands. In St. Aegidi, you stand at the highest point of the third high ridge. Congratulations! After the altitude flight, the hilly descent through hidden valley folds provides relaxation. From Voglgrub begins the last ascent through rolling farmland and ancient (Sau)wald to the treetop path. Highland cycling – a (high) pleasure!
Tip:Discovery journeys with a delightful stopover! This route passes directly by the following culinary partners:
Safety guidelines:
The majority of this highland cycling route uses quiet (side) streets and paved agricultural roads. In the Jungfraustein area, the route goes 1.5 km and before the treetop path 800 m over forest paths. Natural field paths are present before Hofstetten (600 m) and around Hausleithen (900 m, 800 m). Therefore, this route is hardly suitable for racing bikes. Basic gear shifting skills are advantageous for the uphill sections. Basic braking skills are necessary for the downhill sections.
Signposting:
To make orientation easier, the Danube cycling rounds have been marked with their own cycling navigation system. This route follows the signage "R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Route".
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
The highest point of the Ameisberg (732 m), a rockfall with a vertical drop of approx. 10 m on the south side, is called Hochholzstein by the local population and has been a popular excursion and hiking destination for the inhabitants of the surrounding region for generations.
From here, Kopfing literally lies at your feet and the view continues over the Hausruck into the Alpine foothills to the Eisenwurzen, Sengsengebirge, Traunstein, Höllengebirge, Schafberg, Untersberg and Watzmann mountains. On particularly clear days, you can also see the majestic Alpine peaks such as Ötscher, Eisenerz Alps, Gesäuse, Totes Gebirge with Grosser Priel, Dachstein, Tennengebirge, Hochkönig and Loferer Steinberge.
Due to its "panoramic" location, this area could have served as a signalling fireplace for the Celts. It is undisputed that the Celts settled in this - according to Tacitus - eerie landscape, disfigured by its forests and swamps. Numerous field and place names still in use in the area bear witness to this.
About 200 metres away from the Hochholzstein, surrounded by high forest, there are some huge, mystical and mythical boulders. It cannot be ruled out that this place served as a place of worship or sacrifice for the Celts. It is said that these stones radiate "positive energy" (which some visitors can "feel"). Is this, in addition to the beautiful view, another reason for the attraction of this place? A place where you feel at ease is always a favourite place to visit. Especially in today's hectic times, it's simply good to "switch off" sometimes. The Ameisberg is certainly a particularly suitable place for this. This vantage point can be reached via hiking trail no. 3 "Blick ins Land".
Our services:
- Car workshop
- Car dealership
- Windscreen service
- Vehicle inspection centre §57a up to 3.5 tonnes
- Specialist body shop
- Towing service
- car wash
- and much more.
Trade in automobiles;
Trade in tyres;
Trade in motor vehicle components,
motor vehicle technology
Sale of new and used cars
VW and SEAT service centre, vehicle repairs, bodywork and tinsmithing for all brands
With 2 charging points up to 25 kW, 2 e-cars can charge at the same time. Simply download the app to your mobile phone or buy a fuel card at the dealership. The charging station is open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
We are pleased to announce that in addition to our existing service contracts (VW and SEAT), we have the Skoda service contract from 1 April 2021. This authorises us to carry out all maintenance, warranty and bodywork repairs in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. We look forward to your visit, whether VW, SEAT, Audi or Skoda.
Decoration is always in fashion. Whether for yourself or as a gift for someone else. We offer a selection for Easter or spring and various porcelain.
Not only cars are beautiful, but also women who wear jewellery ;-) We offer a selection of silver and gold jewellery collections from Yehwang and dottilove.
As an extension to the charging station and car wash, we now have a snack vending machine for drinks (lemonades, iced coffee, beer, spritzers, prosecco) and snacks (sweets, nibbles) for in between. This is available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
We offer a wide variety of long drinks, ice-cream sundaes and are open 7 days a week (except public holidays).
Products:
Fine brandies
For further information please contact us at +43 7763 2289 or by e-mail office@baumkronenweg.at.
Feel the pleasant atmosphere of our house. There is also a sunny guest garden.
Restaurant and adjoining room: 90 - 100 seats
Terrace with wonderful view towards Schlögenere Schlinge
Warm cuisine daily 10.00 - 14.00 (except day off = Wednesday)
Specialities/Smankerl/Hausmannskost
The inn is located directly on the "Donausteig" or "Donausteigrunde" and the "Schlögener-Blick" Very good regional cuisine, large terrace.
Family-run business in the centre of the village with guest and dining room, function room, café, night club, guest garden.
We are a family business with 20 beds (comfort rooms), a restaurant for up to 60 people, 2 side rooms for 25 - 60 people, a hall for up to 300 people and a garden for up to 60 people.
Our wine cellar is worth mentioning. We offer commented wine tastings of all kinds. (Sommeliére Maria Grüneis-Wasner).
Typical Austrian cuisine, seasonal dishes as well as game dishes almost the whole year round (plaque for excellent game dishes from the Landesjagdverband) from local hunting grounds.
Product sales in the farm shop: Spelt, rye, potatoes
IMPORTANT: No farm tour possible!
A paradise for adventurers
Over 90 play stations on 200.000 square meter
Get the IKUNA feeling! What does it feel like? Little adventurers can really let off steam in the middle of nature, learn sustainably and give free rein to their creativity. But there is also something for big adventurers. Mom, dad or grandma and grandpa can also participate in many stations or relax comfortably on our loungers. And you always have the play stations and the kids in sight. Everything at a glance. Speaking of overview - you can also get it with the help of the following adventure map: https://ikuna.at/en
Opel dealer, self-service petrol station 5-24 including car wash, ÖAMTC towing service, body shop, accident and used car parts;
"JUNGFRAUSTEIN"
The "Jungfraustein" is an interesting historical natural monument. The two mighty Wacker stones have been shaped by the weather in such a way that the upper stone can be moved effortlessly with one hand, but its position cannot be changed even with great effort.
According to legend, three giant maidens brought the stones here in their aprons. In Celtic and Germanic times, the stone structure is said to have served as a place of worship. The Roman road passes not far from the Jungfrau stone. The Romans probably used this high route to bypass the then still marshy Natternbach valley basin on their way to the Danube.
Until 1779 - when the Innviertel region became part of Austria - the Roman road was part of the border between Austria and Bavaria. Today it still forms the border between the Innviertel and the Hausruckviertel as well as between the districts of Schärding and Grieskirchen. In the immediate vicinity of the Jungfrausteine are two boundary stones from the time of the ecclesiastical manorial lordships with the dates 1691 and 1731 respectively. The lordship of Vichtenstein extended into the parish of Natternbach.
Sometimes an inn is much more - a piece of home, a multitude of stories or a reflection of centuries-old values. The Gasthof Kirchenwirt in Kopfing is just such a place. Characterised by deep roots in the region and the tireless commitment of the Kramer family, the Kirchenwirt combines the past with the vision of a sustainable future. Hans and Roswitha Kramer, the proud owners of the Kirchenwirt, maintain a tradition dating back over 125 years, with roots that can be traced back to 1125. They don't just cook here, they preserve, create and share with passion. Every glance across the terrace tells of the love for the Danube region and the desire to give their guests a place of warmth and community.
When Roswitha joined the family 35 years ago, the inn was at a turning point. Faced with the decision to give up the historic building or revitalise it, Hans and Roswitha opted for the latter. Over time, the building was modernised and turned into a welcoming place that retains its traditional, charming past. In the midst of tradition and a sense of community, Johanna Kramer is already actively taking centre stage as the new generation. The harmonious transition from one generation to the next emphasises the spirit of the house. The inn stands for down-to-earth, regional cuisine and fresh ingredients. The menu features game specialities from the restaurant's own hunting grounds, freshly caught fish and seasonal dishes with produce from local farms. Traditional Innviertler dishes, such as the popular Innviertler dumplings, are also offered and prepared with love. Those with a sweet tooth will also get their money's worth: homemade pastries and the popular farm ice cream from the Kern family business round off the menu. Collaboration with regional partners has always been a priority for the Kramer family.
The Kirchenwirt Kopfing is surrounded by the history of the village: the terrace of the Kirchenwirt gives guests an indescribable view of the local parish church, the walls of the inn are adorned with carefully selected hunting trophies and artefacts and modern elements complete the overall picture. Despite the new accents, the old charm of the inn remains palpable, a tribute to its rich history and the decision to preserve tradition and heritage.
The proximity to the Tree Top Trail in Kopfing allows guests to combine their visit to the inn with an excursion into nature. If you are travelling by e-bike on the Pram-Sauwald-Tour, the Sauwald-Panorama-Runde or on a hike along the Bründlweg 40, you are not far from the Kirchenwirt. The inn offers its guests an authentic experience of Innviertler hospitality and cuisine. The cosy dining room with tiled stove invites cyclists and hikers to enjoy regional specialities in a traditional ambience.
The chef will spoil you with hearty home cooking and culinary specialities. For your events, we offer a barrier-free hall (divisible) with up to 220 seats. A stage with professional sound equipment is available for musical accompaniment. An e-charging station for cars and bicycles is also available. Generous parking areas, bus parking spaces and garage spaces for motorbikes are available.
The following delicacies await you in our Mostschänke:
- roast pork
- Roast pork
- bacon
- Sulz
- Potato cheese
- Cooked cheese
- Curd cheese
- meat loaf
- Homemade pastries
The Postwirt is located directly on the market square in Neukirchen am Walde.
The restaurant is popular with young and old alike. Several regulars' tables (male, female and mixed), which meet several times a month, also liven up the atmosphere
The chef takes care of the home-style cooking with classics, home cooking, vegetarian dishes, hearty snacks, pizza, various burgers, burritos and catering.Milena is responsible for the service with Czech charm and wit.
THURSDAY and FRIDAY LUNCH BUFFET
Info: Gemeindeamt St. Agatha
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 77 / 82 55-20
Wertvolle Kulturlandschaft…
Das Wechselspiel von naturnahen Bächen, Tobeln, Waldungen, landwirtschaftlichen Nutzflächen und Siedlungen sorgt für ein recht harmonisches Landschaftsbild im Sauwald. Die Hochlagen sind wichtige direkte Sichtverbindungen zu angrenzenden Landschaften wie dem Mühlviertel oder dem Donautal. Der Kulturlandschaftscharakter wird durch Dörfer, Weiler und Einzelgehöfte, kleine Hügel und Senken sowie große und kleine Bacheinschnitte geprägt. Diese Besonderheit des Sauwaldes gilt es zu erhalten – etwa die Sicherung und Entwicklung von Strukturelementen wie Feldgehölzen, Einzelbäumen, Hecken, Hohlwegen, Lesesteinhaufen und Wällen. Sie erfreuen nicht nur unser Auge, sondern sind wichtige Lebensräume für eine Vielzahl von Pflanzen und Tieren.
Der Schnaps - weithin bekannt als echtes Teufelszeug - geht angeblich wirklich auf den Leibhaftigen zurück. In "Der Teufel braut Schnaps" wird von der Enstehung des hochprozentigen Trunkes erzählt.
Information: Gemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 77 18 / 72 55-11 od. 12
Donauschlucht und kleine Täler…
Der Sauwald und die Donauschlucht sind über kleinere Gewässer eng verbunden. Ein weitläufiges Netz kleinerer Fließgewässer durchzieht den Sauwald. Zu einem großen Teil sind diese noch als sehr naturnah zu bezeichnen. Ein gewundener Verlauf, gehölzbestockte Ufer und vielfältige Bett- und Sohlstruktur sorgen für ein natürliches Erscheinungsbild. Die Gewässergüte hat sich in den letzten Jahren erheblich verbessert. Leider ist die Belastung der Gewässer durch Schadstoffeinträge dennoch so hoch, dass gewisse Tierarten wie Krebse, Steinfliegen und Flussperlmuschel – ursprünglich in diesen Gewässern heimisch - nicht bestehen können. Die Gewässer am Nordrand des Sauwaldes entwässern direkt in die Donau, manche von ihnen haben sich wildromantische Talschluchten geschaffen.
Zwischen Wesenufer und Schlögen, wo sich heute Felder ausbreiten, war früher eine reiche, prunkvolle Stadt. "Die Stadt, die unterging" riss auch ihre Bewohner mit sich - warum? Das weiß die Donau-Sage.
Excellent production basis: Our Sauwald potatoes grow in primary rock weathered soils, favoured climate at 530-700 m above sea level.
The Sauwald has been a "healthy potato area" since 1948.
The population identifies strongly with "their" regional product.
We pay attention to clear production guidelines for all production phases and to seamless quality control. Our potatoes are packed in elaborate, high-quality packaging in 2 kg paper sacks, 10 kg cardboard boxes and 25 kg jute sacks
More information at http://www.sauwalderdaepfel.at/
"Yes, we know that the better potatoes grow back there in the forest anyway," Martin Paminger's father once heard a neighbour badmouth the Sauwald area. But from this sentence, which initially annoyed him, an idea grew: why not show off the best that the Sauwald has to offer? What for many was long just a remote stretch of land between rolling hills and ancient granite rocks in Sankt Aegidi is now a place that attracts gourmets from all over Austria and is full of authentic soil work. The potassium-rich soils of the Danube region not only produce potatoes of exceptional quality, but also the Sauwald vodka, which has long delighted every connoisseur with its unmistakable flavour.
The family business - which was founded in the 1990s to take regional potato production into its own hands - has since made a name for itself far beyond the region's borders. Under Martin's proud, traditional management and the addition of Sauwald vodka, the company has succeeded in elevating potatoes from the role of a traditional foodstuff and reinterpreting them as a luxury food. The distillation of the regional Freya variety, the refinement with primary rock water and a great deal of loving dedication produce a vodka of exceptional purity and intensity, which also tells the story of the Sauwald in its flavour. Martin Paminger's "schnapps idea" shows that the earth apple can be more than just a staple food. The slanted bottles in which the vodka is bottled reflect the hillside location where the potatoes grow - a charming detail that emphasises the connection to the Danube region. In their farm shop, the Paminger family not only sells their potatoes - from bacon to waxy - and vodka, but also a variety of regional products from neighbouring farms.
The hilly forest landscape of the Sauwald in Upper Austria is characterised by sandy primary rock soils. The area, which has been known as the "potato region" since the 1950s, lies at around 600 metres above sea level. The natural characteristics of the mineral-rich soil contribute to the special flavour of the Sauwald potatoes. Martin remains true to the region and only processes the potatoes that grow in these special soils - in this way he tries to get the best out of the land and pass it on to his customers in his own vodka or as table potatoes. The region, once considered backward, has developed into a popular tourist destination. The Sauwald Panorama Road, the Donausteig trail and the treetop path invite visitors to discover the beauty of the Sauwald by bike or on foot.
Visitors travelling along the Donauengtal-Runde or the Sauwald-Panorama-Runde by bike or on the Pankraziasweg or the Alkovener-Donausteig-Runde on foot, Martin Paminger's farm offers an inviting atmosphere where you can experience his products up close. In addition to potatoes and vodka, guests can also enjoy various events and tastings here. The annual potato festival, which celebrates the start of the season and offers a colourful programme, is just as popular as the tasting week at the farm in autumn.
Located in the middle of the forest, it invites you to linger, relax and regenerate. In the Waldgasthof Oachkatzl we spoil you with numerous homemade and regional delicacies.
The directly adjacent 5,000m² forest playground allows young and young-at-heart guests to really let off steam!
The Litzlbauer inn, the "innkeeper in the valley", is a family-run inn in a quiet location close to the forest with a cosy restaurant and a shady garden with a children's playground. The inn is also the starting point of the cross-country skiing trail and offers refreshments on numerous hikes.
The inn (Wirtin 'z Atzersdorf) is located directly on the hiking trails (Donausteig, Donausteigrunde, ..........) and about 400 m away from the viewpoint/rest area 4/4-Blick.
Public Transit
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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
Altitude profile - R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Route
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