Description:
Sarmingstein is the starting point for this enjoyable stage. The historical settlement is located in the steep Donauengtal (valley) of the Strudengaus at the mouth of the Sarmingbaches into the Danube. The magnificence of the small, elongated village opens up only with the knowledge of its history and hidden details - A village that wants to be discovered! The summit assault begins in Sarmingstein. First through the settlement area, then a lovely hiking path leads uphill through the wonderful slope forests of the Danube valley. Some overgrown remains of the abandon walls puzzles us here. At the saddle at the farmstead of Bauerngruber, the forest briefly opens up and we can proudly look back on the gained altitude. Over a short pieces of road and cosy forest trails we finally reach the summit of the Predigstuhls high above the Danube: congratulations - we are on the easternmost peak of the seven Danube climbing peaks! The impressive view of the Danube valley reaches from back to the beginning of the Strudengrau in Grein all the way up to the castle Clam - simply fabulous. Here we say goodbye to the Danube, as the Donausteig leads us now deep into in the Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland (region). On the meadow at the saddle behind the Predigstuhl, we have another beautiful look of the Ötscher, the mighty mountain. Then we walk leisurely on forest roads through the dense Gloxwald (forest) down into the Sarmingbachtal (valley). A short time later we follow the gentle meanders of the idyllic Sarmingbaches (river) uphill: the water splashes, Mystic rock formations,... are stimulating to watch and help us to ponder! At the Dobmühle (mill), we once again leave the Sarmingbachtal (valley) and walk uphill through the fields. At the farmstead of Hofbauer, the Waldhausen basin opens up before us. The hilly landscape of the Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland (region) is presented here in its most beautiful glory - one of a kind rural landscapes! The magnificent Collegiate Church is the center of this magnificent setting. Small farm, field and forest roads lead us up and down to the Donausteig-resting poing "Berta ruhe". Located slightly above Waldhausen, the point allows a wonderful view over the market of Waldhausen and Waldhausen's former monastery. After a short descent, we are in the pretty village of Waldhausen. An enjoyable hike - simply fabulous!

 

Now, the question arises: "why in the footsteps of the monks?"-learn this in the Donausteig-diary!

 

Discover the following features with the Donausteig-diary:

-Sarmingstein-the end of the Strudengaus

-Castle Sarmingstein- the stronghold in the East

-Castle Säbnich - cradle of the monastery of Waldhausen

-Donausteig-starting point "St.Nikola/Sarmingstein"

-A site of degradation?

-A cable-car station?

-Predigtstuhl-one of the seven Danube climbing peaks

-Gloxwald-living with granite

- ...

Download: Donausteig-diary "Stage 4_G07 Norwich Waldhausen" - yet to follow!

Directions:
From the Donausteig-starting point in Sarmingstein we go left via the staircase (outside the Inn Strudengauhof) up and straight ahead to the underpass of the Danube main road. There take the stairs left to the top and then again right. After around 100 m Parallel to the Danube road we follow the settlement road steeply left uphill. At the next possibility of diversion (three millstone fragments in the retaining wall), turn right. A few yards later we are on the main road Sarmingstein-Waldhausen. We follow this downhill until after approx. 250 m a trail branches off to the left. A wonderful hiking path brings us now through the hillside forest up to the homestead of Bauerngruber. There we turn left onto the paved road and continue uphill. In the forest just before a serpentine, the Donausteig branches off to the left and leads through the forest to a meadow at the edge of the forest. Here begins the short detour (approx. 100 m) to the Donausteig-resting point "Predigtstuhl" at the Summit of the Predigtstuhls. Back from the summit trip, we cross the meadow and follow the paved road left, first just uphill and then on a longer stretch downhill. In the forest the tarmac road turns into a forest path. At a T‑junction we reach the asphalt road to Gloxwald. Turn left downhill. Then we follow the main road Sarmingstein-Waldhausen further up the Valley and turn left after approx. 400 m before a curve to the right of the Samingbach (river). We follow the creek up to the Dobmühle  (mill) (T‑junction). Here turn left. A paved road leads through open landscape past the farms Tradtner and Hofbauer. We cross the crossing with wayside shrine and seating area (views of the Collegiate Church of Waldhausen) and continue straight. At the next intersection, we take the right road. At a large farm on the left side, we follow the dirt road to right to the edge of the forest (cross sign, Galgenberg). After the crossing of the forest continue downhill and we arrive at the Donausteig "Berta ruhe". From here, the path brings us directly to the Donausteig-starting point in Waldhausen.

 

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

Tip:
Take your time and enjoy!

Equipment:
sturdy shoes

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

 

Tourism agency St. Nikola
4381 St. Nikola/Donau
Tel.: +43(0)7268/8155 (Gemeindeamt)
Tel.: +43(0)69913030422
tourismus@struden.at 
www.oberoesterreich.at/st.nikola.donau

 

Tourism agency Waldhausen
Markt 14
4391 Waldhausen
Tel.: +43(0)7260/4505
Fax: +43(0)7260/4505-8
tourismus@waldhausen.ooe.gv.at
www.waldhausen.at