R1.13 Alpine View Circuit

Description:
Breath-taking altitude cycle tour from the heart of the Machland plains via its landscape balcony, the panoramic Obernstraß road (500  m). The long ridge inspires with relaxing, leisure-oriented cycling and superb Alpine views, views down into the depths, ... a pure King of the World feeling! River cycling along the Danube, crossing through the Machland plains ... complete the circuit.

  

Highlights:

• 11 km long ascent; superb Alpine panorama – altitude cycling; 2.5 km panoramic downhill


• Klosterdorf Münzbach (mountain village with a former monastery)


• Clam castle (a gem of an Austrian castle)


• Open-air Celtic village museum Mitterkirchen (reconstruction of a Celtic settlement)

Directions:
Machland plains and altitude cycling? This cycle circuit enables you to experience the inspiring Machland plains and inspires with one little known facet - a breath-taking altitude cycle tour above the rooftop of the plains! Starting area is Mitterkirchen in the heart of the extensive Machland plains. From the agricultural market town, you ride on a little used main road out to the Wallsee-Mitterkirchen Danube power station. It is there that river cycling at its very best begins: on the embankment, you ride upstream on the legendary Danube Cycle Path Treppelweg section along the immense, mysterious river Danube. Primeval forest style wetlands edge the path and are a reminder of the time the ancestral Danube and its many tributaries created today's plains. You leave the Danube, heading through its riparian woodlands, heading to the farming hamlet of Straß, crossing the Machland plains on agricultural side roads. Large fields of wheat, corn and vegetables ... are evidence of fertility, lovely farmsteads recount tradition that is alive and well. Close to the town of Perg the heavily regulated Naarn river catches the eye. A historic navigation canal used to transport wood for the major cities of Vienna and Budapest. At the edge of the plains you come to picturesque Auhof Castle (privately owned: do not enter!). There now begins an 11 km and 250 metre ascent to the elevation on the rooftop of the plains! After a short steep forest section, you cycle on farm roads, gently climbing up past Perg church, to the town of Dörfl. A brief, fun descent into Kropfmühlbachtal enables you to  recover. Then the ride really starts - a long section of mountain ridges will have you working up a sweat as you ride through the traditional Mühlviertel cultural landscape up to Münzbach. This lovely monastery village, which can seen from all around, sits enthroned in a saddle area, tempting you to enjoy some refreshment at the fountain on the village square. Congratulations, the hardest part is over! After a few metres ascent you get to enjoy the expansive views at the rooftop of the Machland plains. Filled with a sense of joy, you enjoy an undulating cycle on the lofty, agricultural ridge. To the south are views of the Machland plains right through to the Alps, to the north is Mühlviertel's see of hills ... a pure 'king of the world' feeling! From the town of Fleck, a 2.5 km panoramic descent completes the intense altitude experience. In the 'lordly' area of mixed oak woodland at Gauninger Holze a longer gravel road section provides a bit of nature, after that a long section of oak trees inspires, providing a stately feel. So what is the 'lordly' aspect then? The impressive Clam castle is right around the corner. A real gem of a castle! Fully furnished and inhabited by the Clam family since 1454, it enables you to get an unusually personal perspective on history. So it is definitely worth a visit! From the historic castle market town of Klam, the route proceeds via tranquil farm roads in a bigger arch, initially uphill, then through the wooded valley of Saxner Bach down into the Machland plains, to Saxen. After the exertions of the mountains classification, you ride in a traditional, cultural area of plains at a leisurely pace. Flood marks and protection facilities are a reminder of the dangers of life in wetland areas. A short detour the open-air Celtic village museum in Mitterkirchen provides an impressive insight into the cultivation of the plains. Machland plains and altitude cycling? An unexpected cycling highlight!

Safety guidelines:
The main section of this dreamy altitude cycle tour proceeds via agricultural side roads and goods road with good asphalt coverage, and along the Danube on the Treppelweg, which also has good asphalt coverage. In Gauninger Holz before Clam castle, the route uses about 1.7 km of a gravel road (sections of gravel, mostly sand). Ridden with care, this section can also be negotiated on a road bike. Basic gear technique is required for the long climb. Basic braking technique is necessary for the long descent.

 

Signage:

To make orientation easier, the Danube Cycle Path has been signposted with its own cycle guidance system. This circuit follows the "R1.13 Alpenblick-Runde" signposts.