Engelhartszeller Danube World Hike

For this purpose diverse opportunities for free and independent exploring and experimenting are offered at different stations.
 
The stations are suitable for children and adolescents of all ages.
 
Six sections from the spring to the estuary give an insight and information about the river dynamics, landscape and life by the water with interactive building games.
 
1. Station: Spring of the Danube
“Here our guests can guess on which underground they are wading.” So: Take off your shoes and go into the fresh water in the traditional “Kneipp” way. Four different types of stones are incorporated into the stream and massage your feet while walking.

2. Station: Alpine mountain river with a storage power station and a barefoot pathway for your senses 
“Here mill wheels are integrated into the river stream and during flooding their functionality is tested”
Everyone, who has enough strength and braveness to go onto the walls of the storage power station, can open the floodgates and cause a flooding of the mini Danube. The mill wheels, incorporated into the river stream, are starting to turn. The mineralogical lab “Geologisches Gesteinslabor” presents different types of stones of the Danube region. 
 
3. Station: Natural attraction “Schlögener Schlinge” and run-of-river power plant
“Here you can easily test how passing through the locks functions.”
Small rafts and ships can be guided through self-made floodgates. Easily pictured, the guest understands how the locking of ships functions.
 
4. Station: River construction in the basin landscape
“Here river builders can design individually the river stream’”
Shovels, rakes, buckets…just everything you need to change the stream of the small river is provided at the cash area.  You can design individually which path the water follows through the riverbed. Great fun for children and for the young at heart.
 
5. Station: Iron Gates
„At the Southern Carpathians the Danube has no choice but to go through the narrow breakthrough valley between Rumania and Serbia."
It gets also narrow for everyone, who dares to go on our balance path! Those, who fall into the water, should better have some clothes for changing. Across the Iron Gates lies the “Donauländer Kinderkreis.” Here all emblems of the ten Danube countries are visualized.
 
6. Station: Danube Delta, Black Sea, with cable ferry and Huso (sturgeon)
“Here lies the sturgeon species Huso – with a length of 9 metres especially impressive!”
Nymphs and water spirits, painted by children, welcome guests to the Danube Delta by the Black Sea. Anyone who likes can enjoy the view from the market house. On the other side you can find the “Huso”, which is a wooden and climbable sturgeon. Brave ones dare the passage to the other shore.
 
“The aliens are coming“
Who are these aliens that mingle with our native flora and fauna and represses them?
How could they spread out and which effects have they on the balance of species? This and many more questions are discussed in the exhibition “The aliens are coming”.
 
1. Gigantic aquarium with fish of the Danube
Centre piece of our exhibition is our gigantic aquarium. Also the Huso (our sturgeon is 2 metre long!) – the giant of the Danube – and starlets can be experienced closely. While the Huso species doesn’t exist anymore in the Upper Danube valley, the starlet survived in a self-reproduced species.
 
2. Plants on tour
In the entrance area of the exhibition we present non-native plants (neophytes) whose appearance influenced partly our cultural landscape. Other ones are crop plants whose promotion in turn displaced certain native plants from their natural habitat.

3. Interactive playing areas
Watching – understanding – creating
In “Wassererlebnis mini Danube” the Danube can be experienced at six stations from the spring to the estuary. On the “alien path”, which leads you to the gigantic aquarium, you are challenged by an alien quiz and a fish puzzle!

Our family business with attached farm is located 1 km before Engelhartszell near the Danube power station Jochenstein.

For our guests we offer free of charge a covered swimming pool with sunbathing area, deckchairs and children's playground. Permanent car parking and motorbike or bicycle parking facilities are available. This is the ideal place to start your cycling tour along the Danube Cycle Path or your hiking tour along the Danube Trail.

In our cosy restaurant with a great view of the Danube and the power station
Jochenstein (80 seats) and in the beautiful guest garden, we serve good
from traditional to creative cuisine as well as coffee and cakes.
We also offer a snack menu (seasonal from May to October).

restaurant-bernhards@gmx.at

https://www.bernhards-restaurant.at/

We are on holiday:

11.09 - 20.09

30.10 - 22.11

On 21 April 1854, Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria started her journey to Vienna as the future bride of Emperor Franz Joseph I. A particularly festive reception was prepared for the young Sissi in the border customs office and market of Engelhartszell.

In memory of this event, a café named "Sissi" has now been set up in the former grocer's shop of the Atteneder family with great attention to detail.

Guests at the "Sissi" cafe can expect a variety of breakfasts, hot dishes at lunchtime, homemade pastries, wines from Hebenstreit, Engelszell monastery liqueurs and Trappist beers.

Our house is located on the Danube Cycle Path and the Danube Trail, close to the boat landing stages of
Engelhartszell I, II and III.

Our menu offers vegetarian and Asian specialities. Of course, we also serve traditional typical Austrian dishes.
Various coffee specialities and homemade pastries in our café will sweeten your stay with us.
Our shady garden provides the necessary cooling on hot summer days.

The EuroVelo 1 cycle path goes through four municipalities of the Sauwald region: Esternberg, Vichtenstein, Engelhartszell and Waldkirchen. Information brochures for the Danube Cyle Path are available at WGD Donau Oberösterreich (Tel. +43 (0) 732 7277 800) or the market town Engelhartszell (Tel. +43 (0) 7717 805511). Recommendations for half-day or day trips with different cycling opportunities are given by the market town Engelhartszell. 

Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to sunbathe or want to refresh yourself in the cool water - the Danube offers numerous opportunities for relaxation. This natural Danube beach is ideal for a break or a refreshing dip on hot days.

Your safety is important to us. We therefore advise against jumping directly into the river. Please refresh yourself carefully in the Danube, as it is a waterway. Enjoy the refreshing Danube responsibly and safely!

We serve Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, surf and turf, chicken wings, spare ribs and chili con carne.

All our dishes are freshly prepared for you every day.

Reservations are requested by calling 0670/1936640.

1. Station: Old wine types
The planted grapevines come all from this region, especially from Sigharting, Schardenberg, Pyrawang and Engelhartszell/Oberranna. The uniqueness of these grapevines is that they are old European types whose names however are forgotten.
 
2. Station: Herb garden
Herbs found their way through monasteries into the regional garden culture. This herb garden also shows many herbs that are used in the popular liquor “Engelszeller Klosterlikör”. Of course, recipes are not revealed. After baroque example the garden is divided into five areas which stand for different body functions: stomach/intestines, heart/skin, nerves/life energy – women/birth and the head as the central part. The effects of the herbs are described on an information panel.

3. Station: Meditation garden with labyrinth
In a quiet part of the castell’s meadow is the meditation garden located. Here the special landscape potential with the view to the Danube river and the colourful slope forests of the nature reserve “Donauleiten” is amplified. The labyrinth is a classic labyrinth with seven circuits. This old labyrinth type comes from a Cretan primeval form and incorporates Christian symbols. The cross shape forms the centre of the labyrinth and combines the idea of connectivity of nature and inner reflection with Christian values.
The labyrinth symbolizes the search of human beings after themselves and an individual living form. After many turns through colonnades from river stones you reach the centre of the labyrinth and then you can find your way outwards again. It is a symbol and an exercise of internalisation, peace and cosmopolitanism. 

4. Station: Old fruit trees
The exhibition garden of old fruit tree types follows to the west and shows in particular local and ancient types of fruit. A selection: different apples, pears, plums and cherries. Looking, smelling and learning is the motto in this part of the garden.

5. Station: Water sensory path
This “Kneipp” stream is integrated into the area of the mini Danube “Mini-Donau”. The small river stream encompasses different types of stone and you can go barefoot through it.
 
6. Station: Garden of confused senses
This part of the garden is designed specifically for the residents of the local Caritas facility "invita" and thus, is not open to the public. As a therapy garden it is created according to the needs of the residents.

The Engelhartszell outdoor pool was completely renovated in 2003 and after the floods in 2013. With its beautiful stainless steel cladding, the "old" pool has a completely new look.

Three - long-lost - pedestals encourage children to do more jumping activities again and there are two counter-current jets for those who particularly enjoy swimming. A great seating area invites you to rest in the water, which also starts to bubble from time to time. The toddler water area is particularly attractive, allowing parents to keep a close eye on their children from the seating area. There is a disabled entrance for guests with physical disabilities.

The outdoor pool has also gained a lot from the seating and sunbathing steps on the long side of the pool, which offer a beautiful view of the entire pool and the Danube. The overall picture is rounded off by the large sunbathing lawn with finished turf and a spacious seating area by the buffet, where our guests are spoilt with small snacks.

Boating on the Danube had a special significance in the history of the lovely market town of Engelhartszell. Upriver, the ships were drawn by horses. As the riverside trails were in such a bad condition, the horses had to be shoed often.

The 400 years old Blacksmithy was operated by the Maislinger Family until 1951. There is still something of the old spirit around the place.

Just beneath the power station, ten metres above water level in the middle of the Danube current a rock arises. It was left untouched during the construction of the power station. Because the rock reminds of a bridge piling, in German “Brückenjoch”, people have been calling it “Jochenstein” since ages.
Many legends are connected to the rock. After one legend the devil himself personally threw the huge rock into the Danube. According to another legend this was the first Christian Baptism Site, dedicated to the John the Baptist, in the surroundings.
The most interesting legend is the one about the Danube nix Isa. The “Jochenstein” rock used to be the peak of a tower of the grand crystal palace, which was the home of the mermaid queen Isa, the sister of Loreley. During fog she friendly warned the seamen, during full moon she sat on the rock and confused them with their singing. Whoever got too close to Isa was lost forever to her. The picture of the Virgin Mary, which was built by the mother of a nearly lost seaman, evicted the Danube mermaid Isa.

Our offer:
Meat and sausage specialties

The public WC at the Engelhartszell municipal office is open 24 hours a day.

With our ferry service you have the possibility to get to know both sides of the Danube Cycle Path. Make a short Danube ferry tour with us and enjoy your bicycle tour on the other side of the cycle path in the direction to Vienna.

With our bike ferry service, you can easily get to know both sides of the Danube Cycle Path. Ride with us to the other bank of the Danube and enjoy your further cycle tour on the Danube Cycle Path in the direction of Vienna or in the direction of Passau! We also have the "Überfuhrhaus": Here we offer our guests: drinks, ice cream, coffee, homemade cakes and tarts as well as small snacks. There are also souvenirs, flowers and decorations!

Information: Marktgemeindeamt (community offices/local authority)
Phone: +43 (0) 77 17 / 80 55-16
 
Livelihood and tamed current
Waters have always been interesting for human beings. Firstly, for the reason of fishing and secondly, for energy production or as a transport opportunity. From the narrow valleys, in contrast to the areas beneath the breakthroughs, only a few artefacts from prehistoric times exist. For former farmers the extreme terrain offered too limited opportunities for existence. First indications on settlement stem from Roman times which show coin founds and remains of walls.
Just beneath the Jochenstein a milestone was discovered, which used to function as a border stone between Austria, Bavaria and the Diocese of Passau. Already the Romans undertook shipping on the Danube. Later its increasing importance as a waterway had massive effects on nature. Many river regulations were performed and together with the construction of with many power plants extremely changed the natural condition of the river. Gravel banks, alluvial deposit of fine sand and riparian forests are since then largely lost.

In our cozy and stylish restaurant, we delight your palate and your eyes with classics - freshly prepared with seasonal, regional products - from Austrian and Persian cuisine.

This replication of the lost Roman milestone from the 3th century AD was reconstructed after old templates and positioned at the “Donau-Landesausstellungs-Weg” path by the Jochenstein Run-of-River Plant. Decades ago the inscription of the ancient Roman milestone was copied and is the only remain of the whole stone. The milestone, likely from the time of the emperor Caracalla, was supposedly destroyed during the 18th century- only its measures and inscription are known.
The reading and translation of the inscription, from which only six copies exist, says after Gerhard Winkler: IMPERATOR CAESAR MARCVS AVRELIVS ANTONINVS PIVS FELIX AVGVSTVSPARTHICVS MAXIMVS BRITTANICVS MAXIMVS TRIBVNICA POSTESTATE VX IMPERATOR III CONSVL DESIGNATVS IIII VIAM IVXTA AMNEMDANVVIVM FIERI IVSSIT A BOIIDVRO IN some uninterpretable letters follow MILIA PASSVVM XV.

Webcam on the Penzenstein with a view of the three landing stages in Engelhartszell

Direction Passau and Linz. Tickets for Danube Shipping Wurm & Köck : Donauschiffahrt Wurm + Köck Höllgasse 26 · D-94032 Passau · Tel. +49 (0) 851 929292 · Fax +49 (0) 851 35518 Untere Donaulände 1 · A-4020 Linz · Tel. +43 (0) 732 783607 · Fax +43 (0) 732 78360720

Welcome to the Schütz Art Café - where art meets pleasure.

Let yourself be enchanted by the unique combination of contemporary art and classic coffee house culture in a stylish ambience. Surrounded by inspiring works of art, you can enjoy the finest home-made pastries - the best far and wide -, delicious snacks, exquisite drinks and ice cream that you won't soon forget. Our friendly team is passionate about making you feel at home from the very first moment.

Whether as an enjoyable start or a relaxing end to your visit, a visit to the Schütz Art Museum is the perfect way to round off your experience. The museum invites you not only to view art, but also to experience it intensively - in dialog with international artists and by taking a look behind the scenes of their work.

Schütz Art Café & Museum - a place to linger, enjoy and discover.

Our range of services for you!
 
Gift baskets of fruits
Platter of cold cuts (sausages) or cheese
Gift ideas
Receiving office for textile cleaning
Photograph services by Kodak
Rentable carpet cleaning machine

Das Stift ist das einzige Trappistenkloster Österreichs. Es wurde 1293 gegründet und hat eine sehr wechselvolle Geschichte hinter sich.

Das Stift wurde 1293 durch Bischof Bernhard (Wernhart) von Prambach gegründet und 1295 vom Zisterzienserorden besiedelt. Als Tochterkloster von Stift Wilhering gehörte es damit der Filiation der Primarabtei Morimond an. Die Stiftskirche Engelszell (1754 bis 1764 erbaut) ist eine beeindruckende Kirche im Rokoko-Stil. Sie wird gekrönt von einem 76 m hohen Turm und ist mit sehenswerten Kunstwerken von Johann Georg Üblhör, Joseph Deutschmann und Bartolomeo Altomonte ausgestattet. Heute ist das einzige Trappistenkloster Österreichs bekannt für seine Klosterliköre, den Engelszeller Trappistenkäse und dem neuen Trappistenbier. Seit Frühjahr 2012 wird – einzigartig in Österreich – auch im Stift Engelszell Bier gebraut. Die Sorten: Gregorius, Benno und Nivard.

The Collegiate Church has a steeple that rises 76 meters tall and is the most superb example of rococo architecture in Austria. The Church was built between 1754 and 1764 and is decorated with valuable art items by Johann Georg Üblher, Joseph Deutschmann and Bartolomeo Altomonte. The modern mural painting on the nave ceiling was created by Prof. Fritz Fröhlich in 1957.

The Convent is especially popular for its excellent Engelszell Monastery Liquors, the Trappist beers and its latest and highly acclaimed feat: The new Engelszell Trappist Cheese!

Guided tours for groups (8+) by prior arrangement only:
- Small tour of the Collegiate Church with complimentary
liquor sampling; takes approx. 30 minutes.
Rate: Euro 1.45 per person
- Grand tour of the Collegiate Church with visit to the permanent
exhibition and complimentary liquor sampling;
takes approx. 60 minutes.
Rate: Euro 2.20 per person


TRAPPISTBEER-BREWERY

Trappist Brewery St. Engelszell is the most recent addition to the portfolio of Trappist breweries that were historically «limited» toTrappist breweries in Belgium, Holland, and France. Although the Trappist monks of St. Engelszell follow the traditional definition of Trappist beers (big, strong, complex) they have decided to use their local idiosyncrasy and history to create two distinctly different recipes. Both recipes are inspired by the unique landscape around the monastery. By incorporating locally grown ingredients St. Engelszell expresses its deep belief that such products should be produced in complete harmony with highest ethical and ecological standards.