Haugsteinrunde

Vichtenstein Castle - of feud and the bishop's victory

The romantic Vichtenstein Castle is located in the centre of Vichtenstein, just a few metres off the Donausteig trail. It was probably founded in the 11th century by one of the Counts of Formbach. After this dynasty died out in 1145, the castle passed to the Hallgraves of Wasserburg. In 1217, a reversal of fortune began that was to throw the region into turmoil for years! Konrad Count of Wasserburg and Vichtenstein wanted to go on a crusade to the Holy Land and borrowed money from the Prince-Bishop of Passau. As a pledge, he gave Vichtenstein Castle with its numerous possessions. Before his departure, Konrad married and signed the castle over to his wife. However, the Bishopric of Passau regarded the castle as her property and considered this transfer to be unlawful. Thus began an 8-year feud between Konrad and the bishopric. He harmed Passau wherever he could: he destroyed Passau property, attacked Passau merchants, blockaded the Danube, ... His strategic "masterpiece": as Passau's prosperity was based on the salt trade, Konrad channelled the salt from Salzburg past Passau! He utilised his salt trading privileges as Hallgraf and had the salt transported down the Inn River landed in Schärding. It was then transported overland via Münzkirchen, Vichtenstein and Kasten to Obernzell, from where it found its usual route to Bohemia. In doing so, he not only damaged Passau, but also made very good money himself! Konrad was finally excommunicated several times (!) for his actions and later even ostracised. In the end, however, he had to give in. In 1227, Vichtenstein became the property of the Bishopric of Passau for the next 550 years. Soon afterwards, the newly founded Engelszell Monastery was supported by being exempted from the Vichtenstein toll and also received all the storm-damaged trees of the Vichtenstein dominion in 1299. In later years, the castle was a favourite hunting lodge of the Passau bishops. The Jagabild chapel on the ridge of the Haugstein has some marvellous stories to tell about this time of hunting! Find out more under "Jagabild Chapel - a marvellous gem!". In 1803, the rule of the Bishopric of Passau ended through secularisation and Vichtenstein Castle fell to the Austrian state. From 1860 onwards, a period of eventful private ownership began. Today, the castle is owned and inhabited by the Schulz-Wulkow family.
The castle cannot be visited! (Source: Schulz-Wulkow, K. (2012). Vichtenstein in the Sauwald)

By the way: Castle mounds used to be kept free of woodland for military reasons. This also helped Linz's Pöstlingberg to become a popular vantage point after the Maximilian fortifications were abandoned. Today, the Pöstlingberg is the landmark of Linz and a must-see for every Donausteig hiker!

This secluded Donausteig rest area is located by a pond in a small clearing in the vast spruce forest of the Haugstein - a true forest oasis! The information board tells us about the once typical forest pastures. While the legend "Wundersames vom Haugstein" tells of the miraculous foundation of the Jagabild chapel - we will pass this chapel later! The newly signposted "Komtessenweg" hiking trail and nature trail also runs here.
One section is designated as a nature trail. Information boards provide information about the protected plants and animals.

Tip: A Donausteig lounger here invites you to listen - to the voices of the forest and those within ourselves! In order to get involved, however, everyone must first answer one question for themselves: "Does idleness mean stagnation or progress?"

With the best from the Innviertel. And creative highlights from all over the world. Regional products and ingredients in exclusively organic quality. Vegetarian and vegan options are also allowed. Plus freshly tapped organic beer from Hofstettner and Schladminger, organic wines and refreshing juices.

Information: Gemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 77 14 / 80 55

Futter aus dem Wald...   
Der Wald diente dem Menschen nicht nur für den Holzabbau, sondern war lange Zeit auch als Weidegebiet genutzt. Bis etwa in die Mitte des 19.Jahrhunderts war die Waldweide üblich. Im Hochsauwald wurden dabei aus lose geschichteten Steinen Mauern zur Abgrenzung der Weidegebiete errichtet. Auch die Gattersäulen (aufgestellte Steinsäulen, in denen ein Gatter verankert wurde) zeugen noch aus dieser Zeit. Diese Art der Waldnutzung und die damals üblichen Holzschläge für Brenn- und Bauholzgewinnung sowie für die Köhlerei führten zu einer starken Verwüstung der Wälder. In der später folgenden geregelten Waldwirtschaft wurden die Fichte und die Tanne die bedeutendsten Baumarten. Für die Fichte gilt das noch heute, obwohl sie vielfach an Standorten angepflanzt wird, an die sie natürlicherweise nicht hingehört. In der Umgebung von Vichtenstein dagegen ist die Fichte autochton (heimisch), was sich im Namen und im Wappen der Gemeinde widerspiegelt.

Am Haugstein steht heute eine Kapelle, die einen Jäger vor Maria kniend zeigt - warum die Kapelle dort errichtet wurde, weißt die Donau-Sage "Wundersames am Haugstein".

The viewpoints are not simply "viewpoints", rather the "special" aspect of the vantage points is emphasised and enhanced by creative objects. Each place has that certain something, yet a continuity is recognisable, offering the viewer breathtaking perspectives from the Sauwald region on the charming landscapes opposite.
The initiators of the Sauwald Panorama Road are the Danube communities of Esternberg, Vichtenstein, Engelhartszell, St. Ägidi and Waldkirchen am Wesen. The road leads from Wesenufer to Pyrawang.

Products from the region - Since September 2020, there has been a Lebenshilfe farm shop in the centre of Vichtenstein.
Four to five people with intellectual disabilities are accompanied by employees from the Lebenshilfe workshop in Münzkirchen, only about 10 km from Vichtenstein, who run the farm shop.
Pasta from Nudelmanufaktur Huber in Diersbach, meat and sausages from Schlachtgemeinschaft Schardenberg, oils and seeds from Pramoleum Sigharting, bread and pastries from Keimlingsbäckerei in Schardenberg and Bäckerei Feichtinger in St. Roman, dairy products from Silberbüffelhof in Esternberg and Cäcilia Hauser in Münzkirchen, fruit and vegetables from Pangerl in Pupping, Sauwald Erdäpfel from St. Ägidi, chokeberry products from the Etzl family in Raab, fruit juices from the Penzinger family in Esternberg and Naturmanufaktur Rager in Schärding, beer from the Trpistenbrauerei Engelhartszell, cheese specialities from Somann Käse in Esternberg, flour from the Kargl family in Esternberg, eggs from the Gradinger family in St. Roman, honey from the Friedl family in Vupping and from the Rager brewery in Schärding. Roman, honey from Friedl in Vichtenstein, muesli from Huemer Mühle in Altheim, spices and tea from the Schneiderbauer family in Lambrechten, coffee from Emmas Kaffee in Neumarkt, chocolate and biscuits from Bioart in Seeham, jams and sour vegetables from Wipplinger in Obernberg.
Our product range is complemented by beer, lemonade and mineral water from the Baumgartner brewery, and the cakes come from the Esternberg nursing home.