R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Route
4040 Linz
"Sauwald – Cycling with grandeur and Alpine views"
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Family friendly
- Geological highlights
Great highland cycling route over the rural Sauwald high plateau. The rugged highland south of the Upper Danube valley fascinates with mystical forests, a mosaic of fields and meadows, traditional farm hamlets, rolling landscape … and seemingly endless views. The first half leads through hilly landscape, the second over a panoramic high ridge.
Highlights:
- WaldEntdeckerWelt with the Treetop Path in Kopfing (world's longest treetop path, nature experience world)
- Meditation pyramid on the Etzinger hill (architectural highlight, Alpine view)
- Sauwald Panorama Road (staged panoramic viewpoints)
- IKUNA Nature Resort and Nature Adventure Park
- Four-quarters View (panoramic view over the four quarters of Upper Austria)
A great starting point for this varied cycle route across the Sauwald high plateau is the WaldEntdeckerWelt in Kopfing. Situated on a forest hill, the unusual perspective from the treetops lets you experience the vastness and beauty of the high plateau. Simply breathtaking! From the forest hill, you cycle down farmer’s roads into the charming elevated village of Kopfing – a typical clustered village of Sauwald! In the harsh climate, the land had to provide food; considerations about village appearance were secondary.
On Kopfing street, you climb hilly towards Entholz. Shortly after, you enter the mystical forests of Sauwald. Almost flat forest paths lead through magnificent mixed forest past the legendary Jungfraustein – a rocking stone and ancient cult site! Here you can atmospherically trace the original (Sau)wald landscape. Afterwards, you cycle leisurely on lonely side roads gently downhill through the extensive Hörzinger forest, softly hilly. Rural oases amid the forest sea recall the strenuous land cultivation. Towards the valley, lush meadows, fertile fields, scattered farms, and small woods dominate the route – pure Sauwald countryside idyll!
From Reiting, 2 km of a brisk descent to Natternbach provide a speed rush. The pleasant market town – also a clustered village – played a key role in the Upper Austrian Peasants’ War. The high elevation and beauty of Sauwald explain the proud self-consciousness of the locals. A short ascent to a plateau, then through a mosaic of fields to Neukirchen am Walde. The archetypal marketplace tells of historical importance; the former Spättenbrunn castle of medieval lordship. From the plateau, a 2.4 km delighting descent leads down to Willing, the lowest point (391 m) of the route! Through the steep forest gorge of the forest stream, the road quickly climbs opposite. In Hofstetten, the toughest part is done: you cycle gently hilly over lonely farmland – partly along natural field paths – upwards to the elevated village of St. Agatha.
Now begins the sublime ride over the roof of Sauwald! On gentle agricultural roads, you cycle over a hilly panoramic high ridge. A magnificent start is the imposing Etzinger meditation pyramid (642 m). Congratulations, you are at the highest point of the route! Afterwards, wonderful Sauwald farmland and breathtaking wide views into the Mühlviertel, over the Alpine foothills to the Alps captivate … pure bliss! After a short gorge, you reach Waldkirchen am Wesen on the next high ridge. The Sauwald high plateau presents itself once more from its most beautiful side. A highlight: the short detour to the extraordinary Four-quarters View. The 360° panoramic view allows limitless vistas into all four quarters of Upper Austria! A short regeneration descent takes you into the Waldgraben of Sittling. Then follows a 4.5 km ascent over a mountain ridge. Idyllic Sauwald farmland enchants, with increasing height the view expands. In St. Aegidi, you stand at the highest point of the third high ridge. Congratulations! After the altitude flight, the hilly descent through hidden valley folds provides relaxation. From Voglgrub, the final climb begins, taking you through undulating farmland and picturesque (pig) woods to the WaldEntdeckerWelt. Cycling in the highlands – a real treat!
Tip:Discovery journeys with a delightful stopover! This route passes directly by the following culinary partners:
Safety guidelines:
The majority of this highland cycling route uses quiet (side) streets and paved agricultural roads. In the Jungfraustein area, the route goes 1.5 km and before the WaldEntdeckerWelt 800 m over forest paths. Natural field paths are present before Hofstetten (600 m) and around Hausleithen (900 m, 800 m). Therefore, this route is hardly suitable for racing bikes. Basic gear shifting skills are advantageous for the uphill sections. Basic braking skills are necessary for the downhill sections.
Signposting:
To make orientation easier, the Danube cycling rounds have been marked with their own cycling navigation system. This route follows the signage "R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Route".
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
The highest point of the Ameisberg (732 m), a rockfall with a vertical drop of approx. 10 m on the south side, is called Hochholzstein by the local population and has been a popular excursion and hiking destination for the inhabitants of the surrounding region for generations.
From here, Kopfing literally lies at your feet and the view continues over the Hausruck into the Alpine foothills to the Eisenwurzen, Sengsengebirge, Traunstein, Höllengebirge, Schafberg, Untersberg and Watzmann mountains. On particularly clear days, you can also see the majestic Alpine peaks such as Ötscher, Eisenerz Alps, Gesäuse, Totes Gebirge with Grosser Priel, Dachstein, Tennengebirge, Hochkönig and Loferer Steinberge.
Due to its "panoramic" location, this area could have served as a signalling fireplace for the Celts. It is undisputed that the Celts settled in this - according to Tacitus - eerie landscape, disfigured by its forests and swamps. Numerous field and place names still in use in the area bear witness to this.
About 200 metres away from the Hochholzstein, surrounded by high forest, there are some huge, mystical and mythical boulders. It cannot be ruled out that this place served as a place of worship or sacrifice for the Celts. It is said that these stones radiate "positive energy" (which some visitors can "feel"). Is this, in addition to the beautiful view, another reason for the attraction of this place? A place where you feel at ease is always a favourite place to visit. Especially in today's hectic times, it's simply good to "switch off" sometimes. The Ameisberg is certainly a particularly suitable place for this. This vantage point can be reached via hiking trail no. 3 "Blick ins Land".
Our services:
- Car workshop
- Car dealership
- Windscreen service
- Vehicle inspection centre §57a up to 3.5 tonnes
- Specialist body shop
- Towing service
- car wash
- and much more.
Trade in automobiles;
Trade in tyres;
Trade in motor vehicle components,
motor vehicle technology
Sale of new and used cars
VW and SEAT service centre, vehicle repairs, bodywork and tinsmithing for all brands
With 2 charging points up to 25 kW, 2 e-cars can charge at the same time. Simply download the app to your mobile phone or buy a fuel card at the dealership. The charging station is open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
We are pleased to announce that in addition to our existing service contracts (VW and SEAT), we have the Skoda service contract from 1 April 2021. This authorises us to carry out all maintenance, warranty and bodywork repairs in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. We look forward to your visit, whether VW, SEAT, Audi or Skoda.
Decoration is always in fashion. Whether for yourself or as a gift for someone else. We offer a selection for Easter or spring and various porcelain.
Not only cars are beautiful, but also women who wear jewellery ;-) We offer a selection of silver and gold jewellery collections from Yehwang and dottilove.
As an extension to the charging station and car wash, we now have a snack vending machine for drinks (lemonades, iced coffee, beer, spritzers, prosecco) and snacks (sweets, nibbles) for in between. This is available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
We offer a wide variety of long drinks, ice-cream sundaes and are open 7 days a week (except public holidays).
Products:
Fine brandies
For further information please contact us at +43 7763 2289 or by e-mail office@baumkronenweg.at.
Feel the pleasant atmosphere of our house. There is also a sunny guest garden.
We are a family business with 20 beds (comfort rooms), a restaurant for up to 60 people, 2 side rooms for 25 - 60 people, a hall for up to 300 people and a garden for up to 60 people.
Our wine cellar is worth mentioning. We offer commented wine tastings of all kinds. (Sommeliére Maria Grüneis-Wasner).
Typical Austrian cuisine, seasonal dishes as well as game dishes almost the whole year round (plaque for excellent game dishes from the Landesjagdverband) from local hunting grounds.
Opel dealer, self-service petrol station 5-24 including car wash, ÖAMTC towing service, body shop, accident and used car parts;
"JUNGFRAUSTEIN"
The "Jungfraustein" is an interesting historical natural monument. The two mighty Wacker stones have been shaped by the weather in such a way that the upper stone can be moved effortlessly with one hand, but its position cannot be changed even with great effort.
According to legend, three giant maidens brought the stones here in their aprons. In Celtic and Germanic times, the stone structure is said to have served as a place of worship. The Roman road passes not far from the Jungfrau stone. The Romans probably used this high route to bypass the then still marshy Natternbach valley basin on their way to the Danube.
Until 1779 - when the Innviertel region became part of Austria - the Roman road was part of the border between Austria and Bavaria. Today it still forms the border between the Innviertel and the Hausruckviertel as well as between the districts of Schärding and Grieskirchen. In the immediate vicinity of the Jungfrausteine are two boundary stones from the time of the ecclesiastical manorial lordships with the dates 1691 and 1731 respectively. The lordship of Vichtenstein extended into the parish of Natternbach.
Sometimes an inn is much more - a piece of home, a multitude of stories or a reflection of centuries-old values. The Gasthof Kirchenwirt in Kopfing is just such a place. Characterised by deep roots in the region and the tireless commitment of the Kramer family, the Kirchenwirt combines the past with the vision of a sustainable future. Hans and Roswitha Kramer, the proud owners of the Kirchenwirt, maintain a tradition dating back over 125 years, with roots that can be traced back to 1125. They don't just cook here, they preserve, create and share with passion. Every glance across the terrace tells of the love for the Danube region and the desire to give their guests a place of warmth and community.
When Roswitha joined the family 35 years ago, the inn was at a turning point. Faced with the decision to give up the historic building or revitalise it, Hans and Roswitha opted for the latter. Over time, the building was modernised and turned into a welcoming place that retains its traditional, charming past. In the midst of tradition and a sense of community, Johanna Kramer is already actively taking centre stage as the new generation. The harmonious transition from one generation to the next emphasises the spirit of the house. The inn stands for down-to-earth, regional cuisine and fresh ingredients. The menu features game specialities from the restaurant's own hunting grounds, freshly caught fish and seasonal dishes with produce from local farms. Traditional Innviertler dishes, such as the popular Innviertler dumplings, are also offered and prepared with love. Those with a sweet tooth will also get their money's worth: homemade pastries and the popular farm ice cream from the Kern family business round off the menu. Collaboration with regional partners has always been a priority for the Kramer family.
The Kirchenwirt Kopfing is surrounded by the history of the village: the terrace of the Kirchenwirt gives guests an indescribable view of the local parish church, the walls of the inn are adorned with carefully selected hunting trophies and artefacts and modern elements complete the overall picture. Despite the new accents, the old charm of the inn remains palpable, a tribute to its rich history and the decision to preserve tradition and heritage.
The proximity to the Tree Top Trail in Kopfing allows guests to combine their visit to the inn with an excursion into nature. If you are travelling by e-bike on the Pram-Sauwald-Tour, the Sauwald-Panorama-Runde or on a hike along the Bründlweg 40, you are not far from the Kirchenwirt. The inn offers its guests an authentic experience of Innviertler hospitality and cuisine. The cosy dining room with tiled stove invites cyclists and hikers to enjoy regional specialities in a traditional ambience.
The chef will spoil you with hearty home cooking and culinary specialities. For your events, we offer a barrier-free hall (divisible) with up to 220 seats. A stage with professional sound equipment is available for musical accompaniment. An e-charging station for cars and bicycles is also available. Generous parking areas, bus parking spaces and garage spaces for motorbikes are available.
The following delicacies await you in our Mostschänke:
- roast pork
- Roast pork
- bacon
- Sulz
- Potato cheese
- Cooked cheese
- Curd cheese
- meat loaf
- Homemade pastries
The Postwirt is located directly on the market square in Neukirchen am Walde.
The restaurant is popular with young and old alike. Several regulars' tables (male, female and mixed), which meet several times a month, also liven up the atmosphere
The chef takes care of the home-style cooking with classics, home cooking, vegetarian dishes, hearty snacks, pizza, various burgers, burritos and catering.Milena is responsible for the service with Czech charm and wit.
THURSDAY and FRIDAY LUNCH BUFFET
Info: Gemeindeamt St. Agatha
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 77 / 82 55-20
Wertvolle Kulturlandschaft…
Das Wechselspiel von naturnahen Bächen, Tobeln, Waldungen, landwirtschaftlichen Nutzflächen und Siedlungen sorgt für ein recht harmonisches Landschaftsbild im Sauwald. Die Hochlagen sind wichtige direkte Sichtverbindungen zu angrenzenden Landschaften wie dem Mühlviertel oder dem Donautal. Der Kulturlandschaftscharakter wird durch Dörfer, Weiler und Einzelgehöfte, kleine Hügel und Senken sowie große und kleine Bacheinschnitte geprägt. Diese Besonderheit des Sauwaldes gilt es zu erhalten – etwa die Sicherung und Entwicklung von Strukturelementen wie Feldgehölzen, Einzelbäumen, Hecken, Hohlwegen, Lesesteinhaufen und Wällen. Sie erfreuen nicht nur unser Auge, sondern sind wichtige Lebensräume für eine Vielzahl von Pflanzen und Tieren.
Der Schnaps - weithin bekannt als echtes Teufelszeug - geht angeblich wirklich auf den Leibhaftigen zurück. In "Der Teufel braut Schnaps" wird von der Enstehung des hochprozentigen Trunkes erzählt.
Information: Gemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 77 18 / 72 55-11 od. 12
Donauschlucht und kleine Täler…
Der Sauwald und die Donauschlucht sind über kleinere Gewässer eng verbunden. Ein weitläufiges Netz kleinerer Fließgewässer durchzieht den Sauwald. Zu einem großen Teil sind diese noch als sehr naturnah zu bezeichnen. Ein gewundener Verlauf, gehölzbestockte Ufer und vielfältige Bett- und Sohlstruktur sorgen für ein natürliches Erscheinungsbild. Die Gewässergüte hat sich in den letzten Jahren erheblich verbessert. Leider ist die Belastung der Gewässer durch Schadstoffeinträge dennoch so hoch, dass gewisse Tierarten wie Krebse, Steinfliegen und Flussperlmuschel – ursprünglich in diesen Gewässern heimisch - nicht bestehen können. Die Gewässer am Nordrand des Sauwaldes entwässern direkt in die Donau, manche von ihnen haben sich wildromantische Talschluchten geschaffen.
Zwischen Wesenufer und Schlögen, wo sich heute Felder ausbreiten, war früher eine reiche, prunkvolle Stadt. "Die Stadt, die unterging" riss auch ihre Bewohner mit sich - warum? Das weiß die Donau-Sage.
Excellent production basis: Our Sauwald potatoes grow in primary rock weathered soils, favoured climate at 530-700 m above sea level.
The Sauwald has been a "healthy potato area" since 1948.
The population identifies strongly with "their" regional product.
We pay attention to clear production guidelines for all production phases and to seamless quality control. Our potatoes are packed in elaborate, high-quality packaging in 2 kg paper sacks, 10 kg cardboard boxes and 25 kg jute sacks
More information at http://www.sauwalderdaepfel.at/
Located in the middle of the forest, it invites you to linger, relax and regenerate. In the Waldgasthof Oachkatzl we spoil you with numerous homemade and regional delicacies.
The directly adjacent 5,000m² forest playground allows young and young-at-heart guests to really let off steam!
The Litzlbauer inn, the "innkeeper in the valley", is a family-run inn in a quiet location close to the forest with a cosy restaurant and a shady garden with a children's playground. The inn is also the starting point of the cross-country skiing trail and offers refreshments on numerous hikes.
The inn (Wirtin 'z Atzersdorf) is located directly on the hiking trails (Donausteig, Donausteigrunde, ..........) and about 400 m away from the viewpoint/rest area 4/4-Blick.
Public Transit
How to arrive in the Upper Austria Danube region?
The fastest way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or airplane.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz
Phone +43 732 7277 - 800
Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804
E-Mail info@donauregion.at
Web www.donauregion.at
Altitude profile - R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Route
Suggest changes
Please let us know how we can improve the quality of this object or if there is any incorrect information on this page (eg. opening hours, contact etc.).
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are obligatory