--- title: "Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path" url: "https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430001218/mitterkirchen-devil-s-path.html" description: "Short description:Hütting - Bathing lake - In der Haid - Wagra - MitterkirchenEnjoy nature, get to know the lives of the locals and their fear of the devil as told in a legend. The route passes by a chapel to the 500-year-old oak along Mühlviertel square farms to the rest area at the Hoser bridge along the Naarn back to the parish church at Kirchenplatz. Quality of experience: ****Recommended season:AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberProperties:LoopRefreshment stops available" date: 2019-02-19 modified: 2019-07-30 --- # Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path ============================= **Starting place:** 4343 Mitterkirchen im Machland **Destination:** 4343 Mitterkirchen im Machland ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/402157/33CEDCAB71A5E20814A375312210A14167940982611EF55E240E70B13DF9E4A0/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/397318/19071CF0BBB93163F9B89CF1253A1CE80C3BA64A88A1A773BC83050E4D3F6F39/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/397350/AFB99400C51F474DDCE1E8184CD130ED92424FEEF1F6CACD1DD0411A2ACF9FC3/freilichtmuseum-mitterkirchen.jpg) © Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, © Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH | Susanne Einzenberger Close copyright [ ![Keltendorf Mitterkirchen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/402157/33CEDCAB71A5E20814A375312210A14167940982611EF55E240E70B13DF9E4A0/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, © Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH | Susanne Einzenberger") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/402157/33CEDCAB71A5E20814A375312210A14167940982611EF55E240E70B13DF9E4A0/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg) © Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Hochhauser, Hochhauser Close copyright [ ![Keltendorf Mitterkirchen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/397318/19071CF0BBB93163F9B89CF1253A1CE80C3BA64A88A1A773BC83050E4D3F6F39/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Hochhauser, Hochhauser") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/397318/19071CF0BBB93163F9B89CF1253A1CE80C3BA64A88A1A773BC83050E4D3F6F39/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg) © Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Andreas Kranzmayr, Andreas Kranzmayr Close copyright [ ![Open-air Museum Mitterkirchen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/397350/AFB99400C51F474DDCE1E8184CD130ED92424FEEF1F6CACD1DD0411A2ACF9FC3/freilichtmuseum-mitterkirchen.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Andreas Kranzmayr, Andreas Kranzmayr") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/397350/AFB99400C51F474DDCE1E8184CD130ED92424FEEF1F6CACD1DD0411A2ACF9FC3/freilichtmuseum-mitterkirchen.jpg) © Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH / Michael Zobl, Michael Zobl Close copyright [ ![Mitterkirchen bathing lake](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/402158/A2253EAB7DA3F553BF2873757F093DADF5752D5012138A6B72B990D352EA2751/badesee-mitterkirchen.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH / Michael Zobl, Michael Zobl") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/402158/A2253EAB7DA3F553BF2873757F093DADF5752D5012138A6B72B990D352EA2751/badesee-mitterkirchen.jpg) © Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, PATATOFRIENDLY Close copyright [ ![Keltendorf Mitterkirchen](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/402159/61F019931842EF695A28CBB1A333F8CF139D522ADC7B029B6267CE88CB2D4220/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, PATATOFRIENDLY") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/402159/61F019931842EF695A28CBB1A333F8CF139D522ADC7B029B6267CE88CB2D4220/keltendorf-mitterkirchen.jpg) © Open copyright © WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Hochhauser Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/240650/D16833E98099B8C8A7745B52EB10D8329E4C441C5AE438399CD1AF91F3C44971/donauradweg-keltendorf-mitterkirchenwgd-donau-oberoesterreich-tourismus-gmbh-hochhauserrh19356.jpg "© WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH/Hochhauser") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/240650/D16833E98099B8C8A7745B52EB10D8329E4C441C5AE438399CD1AF91F3C44971/donauradweg-keltendorf-mitterkirchenwgd-donau-oberoesterreich-tourismus-gmbh-hochhauserrh19356.jpg) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Circular route Possible accommodation Lindengasse 9 4040 Linz [ open in Google Maps ](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Lindengasse%209%2C%204040%20Linz "Link will open in a new window") [ Open in Apple Maps ](https://maps.apple.com/place?address=Lindengasse%209%2C%204040%20Linz "Link will open in a new window") ![](https://static.ecmaps.de/staticmap.jpg?experience=webarchitektur-meta&width=991&height=450&project=ttg-osm-summer-original&path=enc:mdbeHyixxAEo@fADNiA?{@MgAv@_@V?JvBNj@xDbEVn@RvCJd@VZhBf@vBjAnCnCpBlClA@p@PzBhBbAfAvBxEtChFTxA`ApDh@jCm@hAwA|EMpDPzIMhDBtBPlCd@`C|@fBxAzBpApAz@l@Td@fJ~@j@VVhADdBIt@@lA^tBJdBUbBBxDm@|EFd@P^dB~@fApALdCcCtL[DcBQc@l@Op@M`FDv@^zBNhBAf@K\]VkDd@yZ|P[aGeA{Je@C]TkAVmAm@c@@uAl@wJrGwBdB{BbAaBVqADaKEgDFcGnAmDf@sBNo@GoAa@u@nLCx]aCAiDg@iA[mBaAsHaA{@[sBK_LNs@IiRe@sLdBmBwb@qAQ]_@m@mAcByEe@o@[cAC}@B}AwAmFmEmGVqAhG{IdEkFpDyDjGgFpBeClAkB~@u@DMkAMAQ|AiDp@qB|@wDrAgI~@uDVy@~@gBfBkClB_BdC{AtAi@nCu@lGiCbCqAbD}Bb@c@~@{ApAmDn@cEDoESsG@eIbNu@tJcEzCIbAo@~FaBp@[n@i@hCeDRMl@Aj@a@`@qH\mAe@?CU&server=meta.tourdata.at) **Short description:** Hütting - Bathing lake - In der Haid - Wagra - Mitterkirchen Enjoy nature, get to know the lives of the locals and their fear of the devil as told in a legend. The route passes by a chapel to the 500-year-old oak along Mühlviertel square farms to the rest area at the Hoser bridge along the Naarn back to the parish church at Kirchenplatz. **Quality of experience:** **** **Recommended season:** - April - May - June - July - August - September - October **Properties:** - Loop - Refreshment stops available **Description:** **POINTS OF INTEREST ALONG THE WAY:** **Celtic village** Mitterkirchen April 15 - Oct 31 daily 9 am - 5 pm (also on Sundays & public holidays) **Bathing lake** Mitterkirchen in Weisching **SPIRITUAL HIKING ON THE DANUBE STEIG:** Here, we again encounter the Celts, and in a Celtic village, you can learn interesting facts about their way of life. On the "Devil's Path" you pass an extraordinary natural monument, a 500-year-old oak. An oak can take 500 years to grow, 500 years to live, and then another approx. 500 years to decay (until it is completely rotten). Considering such time spans, it is clear that trees can outlive and accompany generations of people. Annual rings testify to their age, to fertile and less fertile times. Trees are part of the yearly cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. - On this circular route, as I walk forward, I look back on my life and try to focus on the things that have strengthened me, that have encouraged me to go my own way. I remember which people or events have supported me, helping me to grow and mature. - Today, I stand as I am, say YES to myself. **Steps to Letting Go - 4.6 km** Everyone has probably dealt with the subject of "letting go" at some point. Letting go and being able to forgive are closely connected. Sometimes it helps to forgive and let go in order to close the chapter on certain things. Leaving the old behind and looking forward. Usually, successful letting go brings more joy of life and lightness. This path, opened in 2015, is accompanied by 12 panels that invite reflection. Further information about the path can be found at [www.mitterkirchen.at](http://www.mitterkirchen.at). **Questions I ask myself:** - What does letting go mean to me? - Can I be grateful for what was? - Can I forgive someone or even myself in order to let go? **Directions:** From the starting point in Mitterkirchen, after the sports ground and the Machland dam, we turn right into a side street and hike southwest. We follow the street and keep right (left leads to the Danube power plant Wallsee-Mitterkirchen). At a sharp right turn, we turn into a field path. After a short time, we pass an oak, which is also designated as a natural monument. It is said to be 500 years old. At some houses, we come back onto the road and walk towards the bathing lake where there are also dining options. We continue hiking through the cultural landscape and meet the Danube Steig at the Naarn, which we follow for a stretch before turning off towards Mitterkirchen in Wagra.**Tip:** Watch out, the devil! Who could blame the devil for taking the souls he can get most easily? It is said that women who had recently given birth and were not yet "blessed" had to be especially careful. Woe if they left the ground. Unless they carried something sacred with them. Then the danger was averted. A woman from the Mitterkirchen area was invited to a wedding. Somehow she had forgotten to be blessed. On her way to the celebration, she neither wore a blessed necklace nor any other amulet. In her mind, she was probably already at the wedding. At a pasture fence, she gathered up her skirt and climbed over the gatepost. At that moment, the black soul hunter grabbed her and rode away with her. The horrified neighbors only found the scraps of her clothes. They were scattered around the gate path. The chapel at Leitner in Hörstorf still serves as a reminder of this eerie event. Legend told by Helmut Wittmann **Equipment:** Hiking backpack (incl. rain cover), sturdy footwear**Additional information:** **Municipal office Mitterkirchen im Machland** 4343 Mitterkirchen 50 Tel.: 0043(0)7269/8255-0 Fax: DW25 [www.mitterkirchen.ooe.gv.at](http://www.mitterkirchen.ooe.gv.at) [ Tour and route information ](#ttgCollapseTourdetails) --------------------------------------------------------- **Starting place:** 4343 Mitterkirchen im Machland **Destination:** 4343 Mitterkirchen im Machland **duration:** 3h 0m **length:** 12,5 km **Altitude difference (uphill):** 8m **Altitude difference (downhill):** 8m **Lowest point:** 232m **Highest point:** 240m **difficulty:** easy **condition:** easy **panoramic view:** Great panorama **Paths covering:** Asphalt, Gravel, Other **Starting point:** Forecourt of the municipality **Destination:** Forecourt of the municipality **further information:** - Circular route - Possible accommodation - Board possible [ ![Altitude profile Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430001218&width=355&height=250&FontSize=12&mkt=en) ![Altitude profile Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430001218&width=450&height=350&mkt=en) ](#ttgHoehenprofilModal "Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path") [ Along the trail ](#ttgCollapseAnDerStrecke) ----------------------------------------------- Friesn´Eiche Information: Marktgemeindeamt Tel.: +43 (0) 72 69 / 82 55-0 **Chronik** **1111** Erste urkundliche Erwähnung von Mitterkirchen **1501** Größte Hochwasserkatastrophe des Jahrtausends **1624 - 1625** Pest-Epidemie **1676** Erste urkundliche Erwähnung der Pfarrschule **1817** Bau einer neuen Schule **1937** Hofstetten und Langacker werden der Großgemeinde Mitterkirchen zugeteilt **1954** Jahrhunderthochwasser **1964/65** Neues Volksschulgebäude, Kirchenerweiterung **1968** Eröffnungen: Kraftwerk Wallsee-Mitterkirchen, Amtshaus **1971** Entstehung des Badesees **1972** Fertigstellung der Naarnregulierung **1974** Eröffnung der Turnhalle; Erster Erntekindergarten **1978** Markterhebung und Gemeindewappen-Verleihung **1987** Eröffnung der Kläranlage **1991** Eröffnung des Keltendorfes **2002** Jahrhunderthochwasser: Aussiedelung der Ortschaft Hütting. [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Marktgemeinde Mitterkirchen Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/115184/831353FA66AA39BDC182535E2DCB026088F159A7E73C65AA975B2921A3595721/gasthaus-haberl.jpg "Gasthaus Haberl (© Copyright: Marktgemeinde Mitterkirchen)") Gasthaus Haberl ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/hiking-packages/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/103642/gasthaus-haberl.html) [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Marktgemeinde Mitterkirchen Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/107770/FD3C73F03C328E45EF26A3088361E70F071AB006FF39BBE487AF06318A5CE2E5/gasthaus-haeuserer.jpg "Gasthaus Haeuserer (© Copyright: Marktgemeinde Mitterkirchen)") Gasthaus Häuserer ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/hiking-packages/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/101810/gasthaus-haeuserer.html) ![Rastplatz Haid](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/415785/F932DE8FDA1548BD4C66592C51C7F7B8C3297E81830CD3DD4CF4485722004C20/rastplatz-haid.jpg "Rastplatz Haid") Rastplatz Haid Information: Municipal office Tel.: +43 (0) 72 69 / 82 55-0 Orchard meadow habitat... Orchard meadows are a traditional form of fruit growing. On the one hand, they are used to harvest fruit such as apples or pears, on the other hand they are also used to produce hay or as pasture. The orchards contribute to the preservation of fruit varieties and are valuable landscape elements. A wide variety of animal species find food and shelter here: bees, bumblebees, butterflies, wasps, parasitic wasps and wood-dwelling beetles. They in turn attract hedgehogs, birds and bats. Owls use the old fruit trees as breeding grounds. In Machland, the populations of owls and bats are being strengthened as part of a project organised by the Nature Conservation Association by preserving the orchards as valuable habitats. In times of the plague, which also raged in Machland, animals were often important helpers. The "plague bird" gave some people who could understand it good advice on how best to fight the plague. ![Streuobstwiese](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/397331/8F767F339DC8AE06AD8D6EA83F1669E5BC73C591EB24A284806607967F0B8BCF/streuobstwiese.jpg "Streuobstwiese") Rastplatz Haid Info: Marktgemeindeamt im Machland Tel.: +43 (0) 72 69 / 82 55-0 **Lebensraum Streuobstwiese…** Streuobstwiesen sind eine traditionelle Form des Obstanbaues. Sie dienen einerseits der Ernte von Früchten, wie Äpfel oder Birnen, andererseits werden sie auch zur Gewinnung von Heu oder als Weide verwendet. Die Streuobstwiesen tragen zum Erhalt der Obstsorten bei und sind wertvolle Landschaftselemente. Vielerlei Tierarten finden hier Nahrung und Behausung: Bienen, Hummeln, Schmetterlinge, Wespen, Schlupfwespen und Holz bewohnende Käfer. Durch sie wiederum werden Igel, Vögel und Fledermäuse angelockt. Eulen nutzen die alten Obstbäume als Brutplatz. Im Machland werden im Rahmen eines Projektes des Naturschutzbundes die Populationen von Eulen und Fledermäusen gestärkt, indem die Streuobstwiesen als wertvolle Lebensräume erhalten bleiben. Zu Zeiten der Pest, die auch im Machland wütete, waren Tiere oft wichtige Helfer. ["Vom Pestvogel"](http://www.donauregion.at/detail/article/vom-pestvogel.html) bekamen manche, die ihn verstehen konnten, gute Ratschläge, wie sie am besten gegen die Seuche ankämpfen. ![Keltendorf](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/396951/F2E65AF542FDF5A5F411064353CA27561B8A9BDC905EFB9BC13CB6A4374C9A0A/keltendorf.jpg "Keltendorf") Startplatz Mitterkirchen Info: Marktgemeindeamt Mitterkirchen im Machland Tel.: +43 (0) 72 69 / 82 55-0 Arzt, Tel.: +43 (0) 72 69 / 84 44, +43 (0) 72 69 / 840 83 oder +43 (0) 72 69 / 205 Donausteig-Wirt: „Bauernhof Moser“ (Mostheuriger), Tel.: +43 (0) 72 69 / 83 11 Rotes Kreuz, Notruf: 144 Polizei, Notruf: 133 Feuerwehr, Notruf: 122 **Chronik** **1111** Erste urkundliche Erwähnung von Mitterkirchen. **1501** Größte Hochwasserkatastrophe des Jahrtausends. **1624 - 1625** Pest-Epidemie . **1676** Erste urkundliche Erwähnung der Pfarrschule. **1817** Bau einer neuen Schule. **1937** Hofstetten und Langacker werden der Großgemeinde Mitterkirchen zugeteilt. **1954** Jahrhunderthochwasser. **1964/65** Neues Volksschulgebäude, Kirchenerweiterung. **1968** Eröffnungen: Kraftwerk Wallsee-Mitterkirchen, Amtshaus. **1971** Entstehung des Badesees . **1972** Fertigstellung der Naarnregulierung. **1974** Eröffnung der Turnhalle; Erster Erntekindergarten. **1978** Markterhebung und Gemeindewappen-Verleihung. **1987** Eröffnung der Kläranlage. **1991** Eröffnung des Keltendorfes. **2002** Jahrhunderthochwasser: Aussiedelung der Ortschaft Hütting. **Tipp** Im Keltendorf Mitterkirchen kann neben einer Führung auch bei Workshops selbst Hand angelegt werden. Anmeldung erforderlich – Infos unter 0 72 69/66 11. Die Kappelle beim Leitner in Hörstorf erinnert noch heute an eine schaurige Geschichte. Da hieß es für ein Mädchen aus der Gegend um Mitterkirchen einst: ["Obacht, der Teufel!"](http://www.donauregion.at/detail/article/obacht-der-teufel.html). Startplatz Mitterkirchen Friesn´Eiche [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Gemeinde Mitterkirchen Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/202232/1C39A9CB4D6B336B32626AC6CFA0F98E9CC9D212D392F18627FB10AA15C239D4/badesee-2-kopie.jpg "badesee (2) - Kopie (© Copyright: Gemeinde Mitterkirchen)") Mitterkirchen Swimming Lake ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/hiking-packages/oesterreich-poi/detail/202687/mitterkirchen-swimming-lake.html) [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Markgemeinde Mitterkirchen im Machland Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/209567/A4CDED516D49E56C5E959142CF390864ACEB45EAA4AE4438D32DC81553A102A7/pfarrkirche-mitterkirchen.jpg "Pfarrkirche Mitterkirchen (© Copyright: Markgemeinde Mitterkirchen im Machland)") Pfarrkirche Mitterkirchen ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/hiking-packages/oesterreich-poi/detail/430002351/pfarrkirche-mitterkirchen.html) [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Radlerbauernhof Moser Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/214827/1702B5265E78F3458492D9973A4E2ECF5358C7C4EE149348D6A6060137D49050/radlerbauernhof-moser.jpg "Radlerbauernhof Moser (© Copyright: Radlerbauernhof Moser)") Destillerie und Schauschnapsbrennerei Moser ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/hiking-packages/oesterreich-poi/detail/430014639/destillerie-und-schauschnapsbrennerei-moser.html) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Accessibility / arrival****Getting there** Car: from Linz: motorway exit Enns - Mauthausen - Naarn - Mitterkirchen from Vienna: motorway exit Oed - Wallsee - Mitterkirchen or Ybbs - Grein - Baumgartenberg - Mitterkirchen Train: Westbahn to Linz - Danube shore line to Baumgartenberg - by taxi or bus to Mitterkirchen **Public Transit** [Arrival in the Danube region](https://www.donauregion.at/service/artikel/detail/2890/anreise-region-donau.html) How to get to the Danube region of Upper Austria? The fastest way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or plane. Train connection: in the neighboring town of Baumgartenberg, [www.oebb.at](http://www.oebb.at) Bus connection to Mitterkirchen, [www.ooevv.at](http://www.ooevv.at) **Parking** Public parking spaces directly at the starting point (Mitterkirchen sports ground) [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- - Suitable for kids (all ages) - Suitable for children **Most economical season**- Spring - Summer - Autumn [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path** WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH Lindengasse 9 4040 Linz Phone +43 732 7277 - 800Show no. Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804 E-Mail [gemeinde@mitterkirchen.ooe.gv.at](#mailto) Web [www.donauregion.at](https://www.donauregion.at "New window") https://www.donauregion.at https://www.donauregion.at --- **We speak the following languages** German Interactive elevation profile ------------------------------- [ Download GPS data ](https://gpsdownload.ttg.at?type=2030&ExperienceID=526&TourID=430001218&Format=GPX) [ Create PDF ](#ttgTourdataPdfModal430001218) [To the website](https://www.donauregion.at "New window") ### Altitude profile - Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path Close ![Altitude profile Mitterkirchen: Devil's Path](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430001218&width=800&height=600&mkt=en) powered by [TOURDATA](https://www.tourdata.at "New window") [Suggest a change](#mailto) [ ![TOURDATA Logo](https://www.donauregion.at/fileadmin/templates/global/images/Logo-Tourdata.png "TOURDATA Logo") ](https://www.tourdata.at "New window")