--- title: Rannatal route url: "https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430008050/rannatal-route.html" description: "Short description:A circular hiking route in the Rannatal nature reserve with many historical encounters such as the Falkenstein castle ruin with the water tower.Quality of experience: ******Recommended season:JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberProperties:LoopScenicRefreshment stops availableFamily friendlyCultural/historical valueGeological highlightsBotanical highlightsInsider tip" date: 2015-07-24 modified: 2026-03-05 --- # Rannatal route Rannatal route ================ **Starting place:** 4142 Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis **Destination:** 4142 Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/395439/B9B90D55E580553231FA564E919A85B956F215B0F2C85832FCD93D5AA590CA01/rannatalweg.jpg) © Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, Gemeinde Pfarrkirchen i.M., Stöbich Close copyright [ ![Rannatal route](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/395439/B9B90D55E580553231FA564E919A85B956F215B0F2C85832FCD93D5AA590CA01/rannatalweg.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, Gemeinde Pfarrkirchen i.M., Stöbich") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/395439/B9B90D55E580553231FA564E919A85B956F215B0F2C85832FCD93D5AA590CA01/rannatalweg.jpg) 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:em`gHqubsAv@|@z@^Tb@x@lCNFR?|DaBzCs@dAF|@^~@Ij@c@XsAYrAp@SdAsDn@g@v@Mt@Cl@Wb@EpA_AnAe@vAAx@QhABfBj@j@OdBmAXIjBIdBgDV}@b@m@t@s@^cAHF`@hAt@b@xAbD`AfAnFgCnBYbAIrCj@z@f@rDbDfCxC|@hB`ArDl@lEHxAz@hBf@Nt@h@pAlA`AFxAj@dFdAj@DhBd@zAFnBQzClBr@KVOnBBxAu@l@F~Bn@g@hAu@n@oInBaFOm@HwExAW@i@Wm@k@cBmAo@?_CyA_Cq@sBUqAk@mA?_@_@{@{Du@mFq@iB_Bo@gA}@wAu@uADw@SeEcBiAh@wA|AcAdCmAdBy@DaCMy@g@uEqAs@NeAEeEy@iAlAmBpCgAd@q@dA{C`Hi@tBM|AClD]rBq@XcDX{AZg@f@U~AMT_@Ta@b@_@pAi@hAaCjA{@E{@e@kJ]gGc@aBEwBR{Am@s@DmAsCaAkB}@y@e@S]JYl@?hCCRcCv@cCnAmC`Cc@He@}@c@c@i@O{BFc@UU_AEaABGCPh@oDf@oB`@_ATgAA}@Y}Bu@eBi@y@}E{CcAsA[{@y@i@aEw@uEcBXiA`@gAhGpBbGhC~EfEtBzA`EkD?oFl@aBb@iBbFr@Rm@`B{AZs@Lu@`@i@\qBXy@dBsCzAkDNV^pANz@^Ch@d@j@r@p@zAhD`En@fATjCTbAVLJKfA}CzAgB&server=meta.tourdata.at) Circular route Partial lock: Road Closure Monday Through Friday Description: Due to construction work and ongoing truck traffic, access to the Ranna Valley is closed on weekdays (Monday at 7:00 a.m. through Friday at 6:00 p.m.). The trail is open on weekends. Duration of the closure: End of November 2026 **Short description:** A circular hiking route in the Rannatal nature reserve with many historical encounters such as the Falkenstein castle ruin with the water tower. **Quality of experience:** ****** **Recommended season:** - January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December **Properties:** - Loop - Scenic - Refreshment stops available - Family friendly - Cultural/historical value - Geological highlights - Botanical highlights - Insider tip **Description:** From Altenhof (kindergarten) you go via the "Verlorenen Reith" (rest area) to Dreisesselstein, from there on until you reach the Falkenstein castle ruin with the water tower. After crossing a small stream, the route continues to a rock ledge where there is also a rest area. From there you can enjoy a wonderful view of Rannariedl castle. Through the forest to the wooden nail factory. From there the path leads towards the dam of the Ranna reservoir. Along the way, 12 fords must be crossed (these are sometimes flooded after rainy periods, so good footwear is required). Upon reaching the Ranna reservoir dam, the route goes up a short steep climb and then continues on a secured path along a water pipeline to Hofmühle. From there you ascend to Altenhof castle and back to the starting point.**Equipment:** Hiking equipment – good footwear**Additional information:** Falkenstein castle ruin - Rannatal nature reserve - Ranna reservoir dam with reservoir lake – Altenhof castle [ Tour and route information ](#ttgCollapseTourdetails) --------------------------------------------------------- **Starting place:** 4142 Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis **Destination:** 4142 Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis **duration:** 3h 10m **length:** 10,9 km **Altitude difference (uphill):** 336m **Altitude difference (downhill):** 319m **Lowest point:** 289m **Highest point:** 595m **difficulty:** medium **condition:** medium **panoramic view:** Dreamtour **Paths covering:** Other **Starting point:** Altenhof - Kindergarten **Destination:** Altenhof - Kindergarten **further information:** - Circular route - Board possible [ ![Altitude profile Rannatal route](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008050&width=355&height=250&FontSize=12&mkt=en) ![Altitude profile Rannatal route](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008050&width=450&height=350&mkt=en) ](#ttgHoehenprofilModal "Rannatal route") [ Along the trail ](#ttgCollapseAnDerStrecke) ----------------------------------------------- Burgruine Falkenstein Information: Marktgemeindeamt Tel.: +43 (0) 72 85 / 70 11 Chronik **1100-1200** Rodung unseres Gemeindegebietes durch das Geschlecht der Falkensteiner. Neben dem Schloß Falkenstein waren Hofkirchen (1160 - Hofkirgen, 1230 - Hofchirchen) und Niederranna an der Donau (1197 - Raenah) die ersten Siedlungen. **1218** Gründung des Stiftes Schlägl (Böhmerwald) durch die Falkensteiner (Calhoch von Falkenstein) **1335** Verleihung des Marktrechts an Hofkirchen i.M. durch die Habsburger Brüder Albrecht und Otto der Fröhliche. **1528** wurde das Landrichteramt von Velden (Neufelden) zum Schloß Marsbach verlegt und die Gerichtsbarkeit und Verwaltung von den übrigen Passauer Herrschaften übertragen. **29.04.1848** Letzte Hinrichtung bei der Richtstätte „Drei Linden“ – Eine verurteilte Mörderin starb durch den Strang – Heute finden Sie neben diesem historisch bedeutenden Platz das „Labyrinth der Verwandlung“ ![Panoramic view Lost Reith, Pfarrkirchen](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/395440/4FFD3F339820C2E4122094DB802559130D7FA51F0A0F77977E13C696B5CBED94/panoramablick-verlorenes-reith-pfarrkirchen.jpg "Panoramic view Lost Reith, Pfarrkirchen") Panoramablick Verlorenes Reith ![Rannastausee Wasserüberfall](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/458717/A04E3019AFEEC8CCF471B583C762330EE01E91FA46362BD60D45F75BD30ED3F9/jpg.jpg "Rannastausee Wasserüberfall") Ranna Stausee The Ranna is the border river between the municipalities of Neustift i.M. and the neighbouring municipality of Hofkirchen. The Ranna reservoir with its 45 metre high dam was built in 1950 to generate electricity and is a popular destination for hikers and anglers in particular. In spring, when the snow melts, the overflowing Rannastausee creates a special natural spectacle. The masses of water rush over the dam wall and the Ranna River, which otherwise flows leisurely below the dam wall, becomes a raging torrent within a few minutes. During the fishing season, it is a dream come true for many people to go fishing at the Rannabadesee and Rannastausee lakes. ![Fitnessweg mit 10 Stationen](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/395461/57A1698BA866F88120B20FF6E7A0AE7E5A006469AEB38482785E9581464D27C0/fitnessweg-mit-10-stationen.jpg "Fitnessweg mit 10 Stationen") Rannatal The steep slopes are partly forested and partly consist of unwooded boulder streams, which are extremely rare at these altitudes. The natural conditions make cultivation almost impossible here, which is why this natural area has the character of a pristine landscape. The diversity of lichens and mosses in the Ranna Valley is outstanding. Five new lichen species alone have been scientifically proven to exist here for the first time. The dam wall has almost dried up the river, especially in the upper part of the forest. Only further down in the valley do streams from side valleys bring in significant amounts of water again, which find their way to the Danube via the smooth stones and rocks of the riverbed. The primeval forests of the Ranna Valley also provide ideal habitats for many animal species, such as the eagle owl and the black stork. [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Salburg Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/102246/E1F60E407BE2FD88B011FF30C457F890765A7A2D6DEE4704C8EB5B77305E145E/schloss-altenhof.jpg "Schloss Altenhof (© Copyright: Salburg)") Schloss Altenhof ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/100594/schloss-altenhof.html) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Accessibility / arrival****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 in Upper Austria? The quick way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship or airplane. **Parking** In the village of Altenhof [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- - Suitable for groups - Suitable for schools - Suitable for teenagers - Suitable for seniors - Suitable for single travelers - Suitable for families - Suitable for friends - Suitable for couples - Suitable for children **Most economical season**- Spring - Summer - Autumn - Early winter - Deep winter [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Rannatal route** WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH Lindengasse 9 4040 Linz Phone +43 732 7277 - 800Show no. Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804 E-Mail [info@donauregion.at](#mailto) Web [www.donauregion.at](https://www.donauregion.at "New window") https://www.donauregion.at Interactive elevation profile ------------------------------- [ Download GPS data ](https://gpsdownload.ttg.at?type=2030&ExperienceID=526&TourID=430008050&Format=GPX) [ Create PDF ](#ttgTourdataPdfModal430008050) [To the website](https://www.donauregion.at "New window") ### Altitude profile - Rannatal route Close ![Altitude profile Rannatal route](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008050&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")