Donausteig Stage 3_S05 Wilhering - Linz: „Over the Prinzensteig through the Linzer Gateway"

Description:
The dock of the Rollfähre (ferry) in Wilhering is the starting point for this Donausteig-stage. This former Danube bottleneck has always been an important link to the current Mühl­viertel and is located on the eastern edge of the fertile Eferding basin. The Treppelweg (path) leads from here through atmospheric River forests along the Danube to the magnificent Abbey of Wilhering. Imposingly it dominates the rural peripheries behind the banks of the Danube and is a silent symbol for the reclamation of the region. The collegiate church is one of the most beautiful rococo churches of the German speaking region and is simply amazing! The forested Donauengtal (valley) of the Linzer gateway begins shortly after the abbey. The narrow Prinzensteig (path) leads us halfway up and down the steep valley flank and through the Kürnberger forest: wonderful mixed forests, low views of the Danube, an Alpine-themed track, hidden... - Donausteig-a pure experience! This beautiful section of the trail requires Surefootedness and a certain Vertigo. Later, the narrow hiking path turns into a forest path. Past the historic Donausteig-resting point  „Römerturm“ we reach after a short ascent of forest Friesenegg, a rural settlement. Here, a short detour to Tower 13 of the Maximilian is recommended. The tower reveals a less well-known feature of Linz and offers fantastic views of the Alps's foothills - simply fabulous! Continue downhill in the direction of the Danube passing a residential area of the Zaubertal (valley). Just before we reach it, a beautiful forest brings us  to the hidden pilgrimage chapel Maria Thal on the pulpit of a rock overlooking the Danube River. Uphill, the younger Kalvarienbergkirche (church) impress us a few meters on with its figurative representation of the twelfth Kreuzweg­station (Way of the cross station). Further uphill, through beautiful mixed forests we reach on the summit of the Freinbergs in a large park the promising Franz Josefs-Warte. Congratulations – here we stand on the highest point of this Donausteig-stage! The panorama platform opens up a wonderful look back into the idyllic Donauengtal (valley) of the Linzer gateway and across large parts of the Linzer basin - what atmospheric contrast! After leaving the park, we walk downhill through the settlements of historically important Roman Hill to the majestic Linzer Schloss (castle). There the successful symbiosis of modern and historic architecture of the Castle Museum is just a taste of the experience the "Cuture Capital of Linz" has to offer. After a short descent through the beautiful old town, we stand at the magnificent city square of Linz. The Donausteig - Simply an experience!

 

Discover the following features with the Donausteig-diary:

-Donausteig-starting point "Wilhering"

-Danube ferry Ottensheim Wilhering

-The Danube-a world apart

-Donausteig-starting point "Stift Wilhering"

-Stift Wilhering (abbey) - uniqueness through fire

-Kürnberger forest-a platform for the Prince

-Donausteig-resting point „Römerturm“

-Tower 13-the Maximilian fortress

- ...

 

Download: Donausteig-diary "Stage 3_S05 Wilhering-Linz" - Yet to follow!

 

Caution: Please take notice of the opening hours of the Franz Josef Warte and the gates to the Linz Castle (see diary "stage: 3_S05 Wilhering-Linz")!

Directions:
From the Donausteig-starting point in Wilhering we follow the Treppelweg (path) along the Danube downstream to the Donausteig-resting point "Stift Wilhering". From there continue shortly down the Danube and then at a sharp bend follow the dirt roads back to the Abbey of Wilhering. We encircle the monastery on the West side. Past the large Abbey parking lot, we reach the main road B119. On this for approx. 400 m continue towards Linz and at the intersection with the brewery road turn to the right uphill on the Prinzenweg (path). At the next houses, the Donausteig turns left. Soon the wide frostweg (path) turns into the narrow, partially secured prinzenweg (Surefootedness and a certain head for heights are necessary here!). Halfway down the steep valley flank we walk lightly up and down along the forested Donauengtal of the Linzer gateway. Once again arriving at a forest road, we follow it to the left.  Continuing past the Donausteig-Resting point „Römerturm“(A few metres away from the trail), we arrive at the leondinger road. Turn uphill to the right and after approx. 140 m turn left. On forest roads uphill we reach the Donausteig-resting point in the rural settlement of Friesenegg. The short detour to Tower 13, the fortification fortress, is achieved by turning right at the next T‑Kreuzung. The Danube track leads, however, to the left on the Frieseneggerstraße (street) in an elongated s-curve down into the Zaubertal (valley) (approx. 1.5 km) and once there on the Zaubertalstrasse (street) towards the Danube (approx. 400 m). After the Inn "Zaubertalstüberl" we cross the stream and through a forest trail we reach the pilgrimage chapel Maria Thal. Continue right up to the Kalvarienbergkirche (church). Located on the left next is a gate, through which we follow the stairs and paths to the Franz Josefs-Warte (watch tower) at the Summit of the Freinbergs. In the descent, we pass St. Barbara's Chapel and reach the Roman road at the end of the Freinberg Park. This takes us over the Römerberg downhill, past the Church of St. Martin and to the Linzer Schloss (castle). We cross the courtyard (observe the opening hours of the Castle gates!) and take the stairs, at the East Portal of the Castle, downhill to the left. Here there is also one of the two Linzer Donausteig-starting points. Straight on, we reach through the old town Linz's main square.

 

To facilitate the orientation, the Donausteig was provided with its own system of orientation - you will find the description here.

Caution: Please take notice of the opening hours of the Franz Josef Warte and the gates to the Linz Castle (see diary "stage: 3_S05 Wilhering-Linz")!

Tip:
End this wonderful stage with a cultural evening in linz - Combine the Donausteig with culture!

Equipment:
Sturdy shoes are recommended.

Additional information:
WGD Tourismus GmbH 
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz, Austria
Tel. +43(0)732/7277-800
Fax. +43(0)732/7277-804 
info@donausteig.com

 

Market Municipal Office Wilhering
Linzer Str. 14
40{3 Wilhering
Tel.: +43(0)7226/2255
Fax: +43(0)7226/3095
gemeinde@wilhering.ooe.gv.at
www.wilhering.at

Tourist Information Linz
Hauptplatz 1
4020 Linz
Tel. +43 732/7070 2009
Fax: +43 732/7070 54 2009 
www.linz-tourismus.info und www.linz.at/tourismus