R1.02 Pram-Sauwald-Tour

Description:
From the splendid Baroque town of Schärding - Austria's Baroque gem – you cycle through vibrant farmland to the highest walkable tree-top path on the Sauwald high plateau. Through a mosaic of aromatic fields, traditional farming hamlets, ... In Pramtal it is practically flat, from Andorf there is an undulating ascent. A cycle tour filled with natural treasures!

 

Highlights:

• Baroque town of Schärding (Austria's loveliest Baroque town)


• Vibrant farming area (farming hamlets, wayside shrines, ...)


• Kopfing treetop walk (the longest treetop walk in the world, nature adventure realm)

 

Directions:
Schärding - Austria's loveliest Baroque town is a picturesque opener. Located on the legendary Alpine river Inn, Innlände with its own town gate, town walls, colourful residential homes ... tell of its prosperity as a river commercial centre. A Baroque gem! From Innlände follow downstream of the expansive Inn. At the mouth of the Pram, leave the Inntal plains and cycle upriver through the agricultural valley trough area of the Pram, on practically flat terrain. Initially the meanderings of the river proceed on a sandy path, providing hidden views through traditional riparian woodlands to the idyllic flowing water. Afterwards, goods roads and side roads proceed through the agricultural valley floor. After Oberhofen a short trip to the hilly edge of Pramtal inspires, providing lovely views in the rhythm of the hills through fields, little forested areas, traditional farm settlements ... pure cycling pleasure! In Furth this altitude flight of fancy ends and you are pedalling through Pramtal again. Now the route widens and radiates a feeling of expanse. A mosaic of large fields, lush pastures, traditional farming hamlets, beautiful wayside shrines ... set your heart racing. Cycling becomes cruising! After that, the Messenbach leads back to the Pram river again. Along from a dense riparian woodland, a sandy pat through a park-like landscape briefly imparts a sense of a natural idyll. Suddenly you are standing at the church square in the rural market of town of Andorf. A stately church in the centre, the Kirchenwirt and guest garden area, (concealed) agricultural architectural details ... virtually a stereotypical village idyll! It is here that the undulating 250 metre ascent to the Sauwald high plateau begins. The first, short climb takes you up to the edge of the town, then a long pleasure-filled descent on a wide cycle path into a rural trough valley is a nice surprise. In Mayrhof the cycle path swings up again, proceeding via the next hill into the pretty rural village of Sigharting – a scattered village typical of  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. By the by: as well as the church, the compact Sigharting Castle, a former castle set on a lake, recounts a medieval sovereign rule. Via goods paths you scale the next hill – a freestanding altitude ridge with superb views into the highlands. It is here that you relay become aware of the fascinating 'Sauwald high plateau' for the first time! The speedy descent to Angsüß provides some relaxation. Afterwards, the final 'summit storming' begins. Through the shady mixed woodland area of Kenadinger Bachgraben, you climb steadily up to Glatzinger Bründl, a regional pilgrimage town renowned for its healing water. Head higher up through a rural cultural landscape. The fields become smaller, the climate more rugged, the views more expansive ...quite literally the height of pleasure. After a brief forested trough area, you reach the altitude village of Kopfing, which provides an abundance of views. The crowning finale is located on the forested peak just above the town – Kopfing treetop walk! The unusual treetop perspectives from the treetops enables you to get a feel for the endless expanse and is much appreciated on account of the beauty of the landscape. Simply breath-taking!

Safety guidelines:
The majority of this pleasure-filled cycle circuit uses peaceful, asphalt cycle paths, (side)roads and goods roads. Between Schärding and Gopperding, route proceeds for around 2.5 km on an easy to ride sand track. Just before Andorf there is another 600 metre section of sand track. Basic gear technique is expedient for the climbing sections, while basic braking technique is required for the long 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 "R1.02 Pram-Sauwald-Tour" signposts.