Vichtenstein: Fuchsenlochweg

Description:

INTERESTING POINTS ALONG THE WAY.

Legendary cultural life:

• Vichtenstein Castle, only to be seen from the outside


• Filial Church Kasten

Nature(space) & Movement:

• Viewing platform Sauwald Panorama Road


• Fairy tale hiking trail


• Boat harbor and campground in Kasten

SPIRITUAL HIKING ON THE DONAUSTEIG:

"WHERE THERE IS LIGHT, THERE IS ALSO SHADOW"
It fits well for a pilgrimage route to also deal with the topic of "shadow." One can have very sensitive experiences, perceive small differences, follow one’s sensitivity, and consciously practice mindfulness.

There are many opportunities to experience shadows on the Fuchsenlochweg:

• Who casts noticeably large shadows for me – trees, houses...?


• Which shadows are powerful and block a lot of sunlight?


• Discover small, almost inconspicuous shadows, through a butterfly, a leaf...


• Which shadows move – people, trees in the wind, changes caused by clouds?


• Observe your own shadow behind you.


• Experience shadow as obscuring light or as pleasantly providing shade.


• Rediscover shadow games from childhood.


• Step into a shadow and feel the temperature difference.


• Observe changes in shadows due to time of day, season.

Directions:
At the ship landing in Kasten, opposite the guesthouse Klaffenböck, is the starting point for the circular route. From here the path leads along the main street through the town towards Vichtenstein. At the bus stop the path turns right, after turning keep left. After two houses the path turns right again, passing a resting place, gently and steadily uphill, until it joins the forest. From here you reach the village of Hütt after about 30 minutes on foot. After 150 m on the asphalt road towards Vichtenstein, the path turns onto the Dudlbach forest road. From this section of the route, a "Nordic walking route" also runs. Halfway between Hütt and Vichtenstein is the so-called “Fuchsenloch” (information board and Donausteig resting place). At the junction of the Donausteig with the main street, the first view falls on the mighty Vichtenstein castle complex. Before reaching the center of Vichtenstein, the path turns left into the Danube valley or back to the starting point Kasten. The path descends relatively steeply, crossing the main street several times. Before reaching Kasten, the newly built Donausteig resting place "Red Cross" invites you to linger. From here there is a wonderful view of the Danube valley and towards the Jochenstein hydropower plant. After 500 m of walking, you reach the starting point of the circular route again.Tip:

Filial Church Kasten: Red marble crucifixion relief from 1548 above the north gate, dedicated to St. James.

Vichtenstein Castle: One of the oldest parts is the mighty square keep.

Equipment:
Hiking backpack (incl. rain cover), sturdy footwearAdditional information:

Municipal Office Vichtenstein
Vichtenstein 70
4091 Vichtenstein 
Tel.: 0043(0)7714/80 55
Fax: 0043(0)7714/80 56
gemeinde@vichtenstein.ooe.gv.at
www.oberoesterreich.at/vichtenstein

DONAUSTEIG HOST ALONG THE ROUTE:

Gästehaus Donautal
Kasten 22, 4091 Vichtenstein, +43 7714 6310, www.tiscover.com/donautal
- Innviertler cider, hiking and bike rental
- 17 beds

OTHER BUSINESSES ALONG THE ROUTE:

Guesthouse Koller, 4091 Vichtenstein No. 37, Tel.: +43 7714 8015
Inn Klaffenböck, Vichtenstein / Kasten, Tel.: +43 7714 6505
- 20 beds
Gimpi Hut – Troad-Kasten, Vichtenstein, Tel. +43 664 16 33 619
- 4 beds
Campground, Kasten, open year-round, Tel.: +43 7714 8055