Short description:
The Donausteig - simply fabulous! Summit assaut onto the Haugstein - the highest peak of the Donausteig. On this forest rich stage, we walk in the Durchbruchstal (valley) of the upper Danube from Kasten along the Danube over the mystical forest Summit of the Haugsteins to Engelhartszell on the danube. We discover the hidden past of Kasten, the world of the Danube river rafting, the feud Knights of Vichtenstein, the highest situated village of the Innviertel region, the historical Engelhartszell...
Technique: **
Quality of experience: ****
Recommended season:
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Description:
Starting point for this leg of the Donausteig is Kasten. The historical Danube settlement lies in the Gorge of the Austrian side of the upper Danube. The peculiarity of this small village us understood only with the knowledge of a place that wants its history to be discovered! Our Summit assault starts directly in Kasten. After a short stretch of road we walk on a beautiful footpath along a meadow grove to the Donausteig-resting point "Red Cross" just above Kasten. Here, a nice view is opened up of the power station Jochenstein. Hereafter begins a steep forest stretch uphill on an old school way bringing us to Vichtenstein. In the village center high above the Danube an observation deck with stunning views over the Danube valley inspire; far into the Bavarian and the Bohemian Forest - a highlight! In addition, the beautiful parish church and the castle Vichtenstein offer exciting insights into the history of the region. On the outskirts, we cross the legendary Teufelsbach (stream) and hike to a small wooded area over farm meadows with beautiful views into the Bavarian countryside. We then dive into the "eternal" forests of the Sauwaldes (forest). A forest road leads to the Donausteig-resting point "Teich", an oasis in the midst of the mountain forests. The pristine forest section is followed by a short piece of road: Klaubsteinmauern (stone walls), beautiful mixed woodland, overgrown wooded pastures... On a magnificent forest path, does the hike continue through this idyllic landscape. At the settlement of Unterweinbrunn, we reach the road again for a short period. Later, the terrain level gets steeper through the forest. The gentle meadows of the Haugsteigstüberl give time to breathe again and allow wide looks into the highest regions of the Bavarian Forest and Šumava. Hereafter, begins the atmospheric summit forest. On a forest road, we reach the fabled Jagabild chapel on the saddle of the Haugsteins. A detour brings us from there on a beautiful hiking trail over to the mystical forest Summit of the Haugsteins. Congratulations – here we stand on the highest peak of the entire Donausteig! The descent leads along an idyllic Way of the Cross through the summit forest down to Stadl, the highest situated village of the Innviertel region. From there, the Donausteig first follows a trade route almost entirely flat through the forest, then runs via forest roads down to the Donausteig-resting point „Grenzblick Bayern-Österreich“ located at the edge of the forest with a terrace overlooking the Danube river. Lush meadows, small fields and farmhouses are evidence of rural creativity and reclamation. Soon we dive back into the forests where forest roads lead us rapidly downhill into the secluded Leitenbachtal (valley), where we cross the Danube and finally reach on a magnificient walk Engelhartszell. Over the roof of the Donausteig - simply fabulous!
Discover the following features with the Donausteig-diary
-Kasten-Tolls & salt
-Donausteig-starting place "Kasten"
-Rafting and their non-swimmers
-Red Cross-an ancient route
-Donausteig-resting point "Red Cross"
-Donausteig-starting point "Vichtenstein"
-Parish Church of Vichtenstein and its miraculous Housemother
-Burg Vichtenstein - of feud and the Bishop's victory
- ...
Download: Donausteig-diary "Stage 1_S02 box Engelhartszell" - Yet to follow!
To facilitate the orientation, the Donausteig was provided with its own orientation system - you will find the description here.
Tourism center Vichtenstein
4091 Vichtenstein 70
Tel.: +43(0)7714/8055
Fax: +43(0)7714/8056
gemeinde@vichtenstein.ooe.gv.at
www.oberoesterreich.at/vichtenstein
Market office Engelhartszell
Marktpl. 61
4090 Engelhartszell
Tel.: +43(0)7717/8055-16
Fax: +43(0)7717/8055-22
tourismus@engelhartszell.ooe.gv.at
www.engelhartszell.at
www.stift-engelszell.at
Getting there
The starting point of this stage is located directly on the Nibelungenstrasse (street) at the shipping dock "Kasten", prox. 150 m north of the church (Navi: A‑4091 Vichtenstein, Kasten 15).
Public Transit
Kasten can be reached by Bus. There even is a transfer back from Engelhartszell by bus. However take notice of the sparse direct connections! Infomation on Bus Timetables online at http://www.ooevv.at .
Parking
Directly across from the shipping dock is a public parking lot, free of charge.
Please get in touch for more information.