R1.05 Sauwald Panorama Circuit

Description:
Fantastic highland cycle tour across the agricultural Sauwald high plateau. The rugged highlands to the south of the Upper Danube Valley inspire with mysterious woodlands, a mosaic of fields and meadows, traditional farming hamlets, an undulating landscape … and sheer endless views into the distance. The first half proceeds through a hilly landscape, the second across a panoramic mountain ridge.

  

Highlights:

 

• Kopfing treetop trail (­Longest treetop walk in the world, nature ­adventure world)


• Meditation pyramid on Etzinger Hill (architectural highlight, Alpine views)


• Sauwald panorama road (designed panoramic viewing points)


• IKUNA nature resort and nature adventure park


• Vier-Viertel-Blick (panoramic views across all four 'quarters' of Upper Austria)

Directions:
A worthy starting point for this cycle circuit over the Sauwald high plateau, which provides plenty of contrasts, is the treetop trail in Kopfing. Located on a forested hilltop, it enables you to enjoy unusual perspectives into the distance from the treetops and to take in the beauty of the high plateau. Simply breath-taking! From the forested hilltop, cycle via agricultural roads down into the pretty altitude village of Kopfing – a scattered village typical of the Sauwald! In this harsh climate the land had to provide food, so any considerations of the overall appearance of the area were put to one side. On Kopfinger Straße the undulating route proceeds up to Entholz. Shortly afterwards you are immersed in the mysterious woodland areas of Sauwald. Almost flat forest paths proceed through a fantastic area of mixed woodland, past the Jungfraustein, shrouded in legend – a rocking stone and traditional ritual site! It is here that you get a sense of the atmospheric traditional (Sau)Wald forest landscape. You then enjoy a pleasurable cycle uphill on secluded side roads through the extensive Hörzinger Wald, on gently undulating terrain. Agricultural oases in the middle of  the sea of woodland are a reminder of arduous land reclamation. After the valley, lush pastures, fertile fields, scattered farms, little woodlands ... dominate the route – a pure Sauwald rural idyll! From Reiting, a speedy 2 km descent to Natternbach provides a rush of speed. Incidentally, the lovely market town – also a scattered village- played a key role in the Peasants' War in Upper Austria. The altitude location and the beauty of the Sauwald give the local people a sense of pride. A short climb up to a plateau, then through a mosaic of fields to Neukirchen am Walde. The ideal, typical market square is of historic significance, and former Spättenbrunn Castle recounts a medieval sovereign rule. From the plateau, a 2.4 km pleasure-filled descent proceeds down to Willing, the lowest point (391m) of the circuit! Through the steep forest troughs of Waldbach, the route then proceeds swiftly uphill. In Hofstetten the toughest section is over – crossing secluded farmland you ride on gentle hills – partly across natural field routes – up into the altitude village of St. Agatha. The sublime ride across the rooftop of Sauwald now begins! On mellow goods roads you cycle across a hilly panoramic altitude ridge. The superb opening act is the impressive Etzinger Meditation Pyramid (642 m). Congratulations, you are standing on the highest point of the circuit! As a result, you will be inspired by the wonderful Sauwald agricultural land and breath-taking views into Mühlviertel, across the Alpine foothills to the Alps ... Pure bliss! After a short trough, in Waldkirchen am Wesen you head up to the next altitude ridge. The Sauwald High(!)plateau once again reveals its loveliest side. A highlight: a short detour to the exceptional Vier-Viertel-Blick. The 360° panoramic view provides unlimited views to all four 'quarters' of Upper Austria! A short recovery ride takes you into the forested trough area at Sittling. There then follows a 4.5 km ascent across a mountain ridge. Enchanted by the idyllic Sauwald farmland, as the elevation increases, the view becomes more expansive. In St. Aegidi you are standing at the highest point of the third altitude ridge. Congratulations! After all that climbing, the undulating descent through concealed wide open valley provides some relaxation. From Voglgrub the final climb begins, proceeding through undulating farmland and the traditional (Sau)Wald up to the treetop trail. Highland cycling – a (lofty) treat!

Safety guidelines:
The majority of  this highland cycle tour uses peaceful (side) streets and asphalt goods roads. The route proceeds 1.5 km to the Jungfraustein area, and just before the treetop trail there is 800m over a forested path. Natural field path sections are available before Hofstetten (600 m) and around Hausleithen (900 m, 800 m). This means that the circuit is not really suitable for road (race) bikes. Basic gear technique is expedient for the climbing sections, while basic braking technique is required for the descents.

 

Signage:

To make orientation easier for you, the Danube Cycle Path circuits are designated with their own cycle guidance system. This circuit follows the "R1.05 Sauwald-Panorama-Runde" signposts.