--- title: Dr. Kirchschläger Trail url: "https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430008119/dr-kirchschlaeger-trail.html" description: "Short description:Beautiful hike on the Danube heights from Kirchschläger's birthplace to the baptismal church. Unforgettable rest at the \"President's Chair.\" Steles with impressive portraits and quotesQuality of experience: ****Recommended season:MarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberProperties:ScenicRefreshment stops available" date: 2015-07-24 modified: 2026-03-05 --- # Dr. Kirchschläger Trail Dr. Kirchschläger Trail ========================= **Starting place:** 4133 Niederkappel **Destination:** 4131 Niederkappel ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/206689/6CC5A2741E1FC8754F9EB59B36F67AC828D8012E5950CF8677E77F8396E43FE3/praesidentenstuhl.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/396910/69049DF43734A353B7F1F6074AB80FF12E70AA8B8F0CD22391F2B336CCA8588B/praesidentenstuhl.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/249312/B403F7633A22BD5C68267DB84DDBEBDE48B24EB6D152A1D212C494B4434D70FE/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg) © Open copyright © Josef Eibl Close copyright [ ![President's chair in Niederkappel: A woman sits on a wooden platform on a steep cliff. She is enjoying the view of a mountainous, wooded landscape with a lake in the valley. The surroundings appear peaceful and idyllic.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206689/6CC5A2741E1FC8754F9EB59B36F67AC828D8012E5950CF8677E77F8396E43FE3/praesidentenstuhl.jpg "© Josef Eibl") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206689/6CC5A2741E1FC8754F9EB59B36F67AC828D8012E5950CF8677E77F8396E43FE3/praesidentenstuhl.jpg) © Open copyright © CC-BY-ND, Gemeinde Niederkappel Close copyright [ ![President's Chair](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/396910/69049DF43734A353B7F1F6074AB80FF12E70AA8B8F0CD22391F2B336CCA8588B/praesidentenstuhl.jpg "© CC-BY-ND, Gemeinde Niederkappel") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/396910/69049DF43734A353B7F1F6074AB80FF12E70AA8B8F0CD22391F2B336CCA8588B/praesidentenstuhl.jpg) © Open copyright © Gemeinde Niederkappel Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249312/B403F7633A22BD5C68267DB84DDBEBDE48B24EB6D152A1D212C494B4434D70FE/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg "© Gemeinde Niederkappel") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249312/B403F7633A22BD5C68267DB84DDBEBDE48B24EB6D152A1D212C494B4434D70FE/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg) © Open copyright © Gemeinde Niederkappel Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249313/E73C18AE4BA62027292230A080126E43CC06C5833F657149ABC2D8102EDCC944/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg "© Gemeinde Niederkappel") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249313/E73C18AE4BA62027292230A080126E43CC06C5833F657149ABC2D8102EDCC944/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg) 1. 2. 3. 4. 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:azxfHqbvsAjA{B`AsFlA`@ZoD?wGp@wIT_Gj@oEdBiEf@_Ct@qIYgLBcLEsEi@qCS_Df@{Lc@uC}@sAx@{BfBiEvCqGfA_B|CeDIuEjAqNt@uCM_FOi@v@G`BmBpBGzAa@f@gB?yB|BcFv@mDbCgGd@aCp@s@rA]n@e@xALtCG`AcArDkAjEd@jA?rBZv@fAk@vAw@JaB|DkBfCeA~C{@z@IbBm@zAoNpXuBvFuE~RcBdGDbC{@rFl@bBa@f@A?i@v@u@nEXlBz@zA_AhAaAEMjBu@ZS`AuCQSm@RbFI`B_@`CQbGzBfFl@tBv@Ri@|JoBuDiCnCm@bD{C|G}@rAh@l@lCS?x@oAjFiEjE{C`GmDdE?KCyALsAJqAFw@FcBFcBFcBPyBRsARqA`@eBL_@|@yAP[TcBReBTcBFaB@y@GeBGcBGeB@qB?qB@oB?qB@qBE}BCe@Ik@[uAKUAC@a@Aw@SsBg@{ASiBBmAn@kBHcAGwAa@oAJu@Pk@BEFODi@Hk@N]R[\e@R[V_@Va@^m@RYPg@Ps@Ts@Ze@LW@CXYJGHIl@i@Z[PUPSPWHY@[A_@Ce@Cg@?QAS@e@?AFk@BY@[?U?c@Bc@Bc@Fq@TqBL}@Ji@DWL_@J[Ja@BWCeAGwA?c@E_@KUMIF?JAh@ENEXWb@e@Xa@LMTEp@Bb@?TC\I`@MHI??\@LDFBBBNNHBD?DIDQBS&server=meta.tourdata.at) **Short description:** Beautiful hike on the Danube heights from Kirchschläger's birthplace to the baptismal church. Unforgettable rest at the "President's Chair." Steles with impressive portraits and quotes **Quality of experience:** **** **Recommended season:** - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November **Properties:** - Scenic - Refreshment stops available **Description:** The former Federal President Dr. Rudolf Kirchschläger was born and baptized in Niederkappel. The attractive but also demanding circular hiking trail leads through the beautiful landscape of the Mühl and Danube valleys from Kirchschläger's birthplace on the Kleine Mühl near Obermühl, where the "Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone" now commemorates him, to the baptismal church - the "Mühlviertel Cathedral" in Niederkappel. Along the themed trail, stations with pictures and quotes from the life of the popular Federal President provide insight into his work as a great person and politician. Various themes such as politics, humanity, and humor are addressed. In honor of Dr. Kirchschläger, a unique viewpoint - the "President's Chair" - was created, offering unforgettable sublime moments.**Equipment:** Sturdy hiking boots recommended! [ Tour and route information ](#ttgCollapseTourdetails) --------------------------------------------------------- **Starting place:** 4133 Niederkappel **Destination:** 4131 Niederkappel **duration:** 3h 4m **length:** 10,2 km **Altitude difference (uphill):** 368m **Altitude difference (downhill):** 433m **Lowest point:** 281m **Highest point:** 548m **difficulty:** medium **condition:** medium **panoramic view:** Great panorama **Paths covering:** Asphalt, Path / trail, Street, Hiking trail, Other **Starting point:** Niederkappel town square or Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone in Obermühl **Destination:** Niederkappel town square or Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone in Obermühl **further information:** - Board possible [ ![Altitude profile Dr. Kirchschläger Trail](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008119&width=355&height=250&FontSize=12&mkt=en) ![Altitude profile Dr. Kirchschläger Trail](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008119&width=450&height=350&mkt=en) ](#ttgHoehenprofilModal "Dr. Kirchschläger Trail") [ Along the trail ](#ttgCollapseAnDerStrecke) ----------------------------------------------- ![Cafe-Bäckerei Pumberger](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/396401/003D7AB771E74B403F70BC0F88671570335D722BB1C6F4029BB2440A06CAC56A/cafe-baeckerei-pumberger.jpg "Cafe-Bäckerei Pumberger") Cafe-Bäckerei Pumberger Many delicacies from the in-house bakery can be enjoyed in the integrated, cosy café. [ © Open copyright © Copyright: Gasthof Gierlinger Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/107946/C99C17B50B0249AB6BF3E3204A8B6DC77F10796FA91209616B0B1BFADAAB6859/gasthof-gierlinger.jpg "Gasthof Gierlinger (© Copyright: Gasthof Gierlinger)") Donauparadies Gasthof Gierlinger ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/101860/donauparadies-gasthof-gierlinger.html) ![Dr. Kirchschläger Gedenkstein](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/396912/FFA18D8E1941A1E8182461626F84F24EFFD3F870E4165B2080F1E2A16E0400CF/dr-kirchschlaeger-gedenkstein.jpg "Dr. Kirchschläger Gedenkstein") Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone Dr Rudolf Kirchschläger was born in Grafenau, Niederkappel, in 1915 and was baptised a few days later in the Niederkappel parish church. As a result, Dr Kirchschläger repeatedly visited our town with his family in his later years. He celebrated his 70th and 80th baptism anniversaries in Mühlviertel Cathedral. Dr Kirchschläger died in Vienna on 30 March 2000. In his memory, a memorial plaque was placed in the parish church (donated by OSR Konrad Jäger) and a memorial stone was erected on the site of his birthplace in Grafenau 21. There is also a Kirchschläger trail that leads from the former family home on the Kleine Mühl to the Mühlviertel Cathedral. [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/151955/52D1BA4C11E0FA42A198A04C0BF3057CA7EBFF0D2AA325834428207DAA5A989A/unser-haus.jpg "unser Haus") Ferienwohnung Familie Jäger ](https://www.donauregion.at/en/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/430020344/ferienwohnung-familie-jaeger.html) ![DonautalerMostkellereiObermühlAnDerDonau©WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHCMVisuals(2).jpg](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/392836/6FCD628EC545E6E01CC52BE513C41560C75B2975F71156E9910CD30DCB99952E/donautalermostkellereiobermuehlanderdonauwgddonauoberoesterreichtourismusgmbhcmvisuals-2-jpg.jpg "DonautalerMostkellereiObermühlAnDerDonau©WGDDonauOberoesterreichTourismusGmbHCMVisuals(2).jpg") Fischgasthof Aumüller Our Fischgasthof is located right next to the Danube, nestled in the beautiful Danube valley. Our down-to-earth business is located directly on the Danube cycle path and the Donausteig trail. We are part of the Donausteig innkeepers' cooperation, are flexible and are happy to cater to the needs and wishes of our guests. We process Danube fish we have caught ourselves, game from our hunting grounds and serve numerous cider and juice varieties from our "Donautaler Mostkellerei". As a certified cider sommelier, I recommend our pear frizzante with the name "Donauperle" - a protected trademark! Seasonal delicacies such as Eferding asparagus can be found on our menu and the beer comes from the nearby Mühlviertel breweries Hofstetten and Schlägl. For groups, we offer guided tours of the winery with documented tastings of cider and juice. We cater to the individual wishes of our guests. Cider snacks and hot dishes in our sales room and wine tavern or inn. Capacity up to 60 people in the inn up to 100 people. ![GH Wakolbinger](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/396395/7D57CC60C8E2BD1C6FDDE80EF72D617D74FD125250C126A216DC9ECC223426BE/gh-wakolbinger.jpg "GH Wakolbinger") Gasthaus zum Mühlviertler Dom Cosy inn to stop off at in any season ![Gasthof Gierlinger](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/392869/6091FC78F8EACDAD74F7B613EF089E6333D838AC2B9FABE0C7E781104A5DC854/gasthof-gierlinger.jpg "Gasthof Gierlinger") Gasthof Gierlinger Our tradition-conscious family inn is located directly on the Danube. Enjoy a cool freshly tapped beer with wonderful views of the Danube flowing by, or let us spoil you with our down-to-earth and regional delicacies. We look forward to your visit! From the Gierlinger Danube Paradise, nature and sport can be wonderfully combined. The Danube cycle path and the hiking trails are a paradise for all those who like to be active and enjoy exercise. ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/392760/DF23627AAC65DCA53A6C74AD9FDF5C0A09784845F2137C8D654AB8BF207363E8/jpg.jpg) Rastplatz Kleine Mühl Info: Gemeindeamt Niederkappel Tel.: +43 (0) 72 86 / 85 55 **Scheue Räuber...** Dieser scheue Geselle ist der Fischotter (Lutra lutra), ein am Wasser lebender Marder. Er wird etwa 130 cm lang, kommt in ganz Europa vor und lebt vor allem dämmerungsaktiv in schwer zugänglichen Uferzonen. Sein Revier kann bis zu 40 km Wasserlauf betragen und ist durch Duftmarken gekennzeichnet. Sogenannte „Ottersteige“ bezeichnen Pfade, die er immer als Ein- und Ausstieg in seine unterirdischen Baue benutzt. Fischotter sind Allesfresser und deshalb wenig wählerisch. Zu den Beutetieren gehören Fische, Insekten, Krebse und Säugetiere. Zum Leidwesen mancher Teichwirte jagt der Fischotter natürlich gerne dort, wo es ihm leicht gemacht wird und hat schon so manchen Fischteich leer geräumt. Häufig wird das durch Einzäunungen oder Ablenkteiche verhindert. In Niederkappel kam einst eine ["Geheimnisvolle Magd"](http://www.donauregion.at/detail/article/geheimnisvolle-magd.html) einer armen Bauernfamilie zu Hilfe. Was es mit der fleißigen Frau auf sich hatte und wie sich die Armut doch noch von dem Bauernhof anwendete, erzählt eine spannende Donau-Sage. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Accessibility / arrival****Getting there** From Linz on the B127 to the Altenfelden roundabout, turnoff to Lembach im Mühlkreis, follow the road to Niederkappel **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 of Upper Austria? The fastest way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or plane. Reachable from Linz by public buses in about 1 hour **Parking** Town center [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- **Most economical season**- Spring - Summer - Autumn - Early winter [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Dr. Kirchschläger Trail** 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=430008119&Format=GPX) [ Create PDF ](#ttgTourdataPdfModal430008119) [To the website](https://www.donauregion.at "New window") ### Altitude profile - Dr. Kirchschläger Trail Close ![Altitude profile Dr. Kirchschläger Trail](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008119&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")