R1.12 Weltstein circuit

Description:
Pleasure-filled summit cycle tour from the mysterious river Danube in the Machland plains, to the Weltstein (478m) in Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland. With a short walk on the final few metres up to the summit. River cycling along the Danube and Aist, mountain cycling in Kuppenland, cycling in the Machland plains … and 2.7 km panoramic downhill section with Alpine views. A real treat!

 

Highlights:

• Schwertberg (barge ride on the Aist)


• Aiserbühne (castle-like theatre backdrop in Steinbruch)


• Weltstein (highest point of the circuit)


• Millstone town of Perg (Mühlsteinmuseum Steinbrecherhaus, Erdstall Ratgöbluckn)


• Naarn canal (historic navigation canal used to transport wood)  

 

Directions:
Pleasure-filled summit cycle tour from the mysterious river Danube in the Machland plains, to the Weltstein (478m) in Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland. With a short walk on the final few metres up to the summit. River cycling along the Danube and Aist, mountain cycling in Kuppenland, cycling in the Machland plains … and 2.7 km panoramic downhill section with Alpine views. A real treat!

From Au boat harbour  on the Danube the mighty river Danube accompanies you down river on the legendary Treppelweg to the Aist estuary. You now change river and follow the meanders of the former pearl river, straight through the extensive Machland plains. From the lovely cycle path at the embankment your view is drawn to the fertile fields and splendid farmsteads with buildings on all four sides. From Furth you proceed at river level – occasionally via short sandy sections -through residential areas and open industrial estate areas. At the edge of the plains, the historic market town of Schwertberg inspires with its lovely park area at the Aist river, together with the barge ride option and hidden Renaissance castle. It is here that the idyllic sea of hills in Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland begins, along with the 220 metre summit climb to the Weltstein. Residential roads take you high up – steep in sections – to an agricultural ridge. Tip: just before its peak there is a detour available to the Aiserbühne, an old quarry with the elaborate Bühnenburg as an open-air stage! At the crossroads at the peak, the summit loop branches off from the atypical route course. Above the lofty ridge, the ride continues, climbing gently into the rural town of Winden. A brief descent helps you cool down. Then the route proceeds uphill through the shaded mountain woodland of the Jocklgraben in proper serpentines – still manageable in a small gear. Up in the heights, Lina farm settlement inspires: traditional farms, lovely orchards, narrow fields, lush pastures, superb views down into the depths ... an agricultural paradise on the rooftop of the world! A few metres afterwards you are then at "Weltstein" cycle car park area. The fantastic views into the distance are enchanting and enable you to get a sense of the lofty elevation. A short stroll brings you to the myth-enshrouded Waldgipfel Weltstein (478 m). Congratulations! As an additional reward there follows a 2.7 km panoramic downhill with Alpine views, in the rhythm of this mountain farming cultural landscape. Pure bliss! After a short counter-climb the summit loop is finished. Continue your ride speeding through hidden fields down into secluded Aisthofner Bachtal and up again on a counter slope. Through farmland which provides an abundance of views, you eventually reach the edge of the Machland plains on some easy undulating terrain – to the millstone town of Perg. Tip: A brief detour to see the millstone museum Steinbrecherhaus lets you see how important Perg was at one time! The idyllic town centre tempts you to enjoy some pleasure-filled recovery. After the residential area, head out too the strictly regulated Naarn river – a historic navigation canal used to transport firewood to the major cities of Vienna and Budapest. You leave the Naarn at the sewage treatment plant and on agricultural side roads, cross the wide plains of Machland. Extensive wheat, corn and vegetable fields ...are evidence of fertility, while the lovely farmsteads tell of tradition that is alive and well. Up at the farming hamlet of Straß you once again reach the mighty Danube via the alluvial meadows. There now follows some relaxing cycling on the embankment, on the legendary Treppelweg. To the rooftop of the world and back!

Safety guidelines:
The main section of this pleasure-filled summit cycle tour proceeds along asphalt side roads and goods roads, and along the Danube on the Treppelweg, which has good asphalt coverage. The length of the Aist river between the Danube and Furth proceeds via the Dammradweg which has good asphalt coverage, after that, four sections of the route (380 m, 650 m, 170 m, 200 m) proceed via relaxing, easy to ride on sand sections. Basic gear technique is advantageous 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 "R1.12 Weltstein-Runde" signposts.