Grande Granite Round: Stage 5
4040 Linz
"Bikers Heaven – Flank surfing between the Danube stream and high plateau"
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Cultural/historical value
- Geological highlights
- Botanical highlights
- Faunistic highlights
The grand finale! In the Danube port town of Untermühl begins a unique flank surfing through wonderful slope gorge forests – 3x high plateau and back. Impressive intermediate goal: the 360° panorama observation tower “Danube on the Mountain” (613 m) in Kirchberg ob der Donau. In the Kleine Mühltal follows the last flank climb and a pleasurable farewell lap over the beloved granite (high)land. Crowning finish: 7.5 km dream descent over the heart of the natural wonder Schlögen Danube loop and relaxed river biking along the Danube.
Highlights:
- Danube port town Untermühl (end point of the Schwarzenberg rafting canal)
- Observation tower “Danube on the Mountain” (360° panoramic view, Burgstall)
- Obermühl on the Danube (sunken Danube village, historic salt road)
- Historic market Putzleinsdorf
- Natural wonder Schlögen Danube loop
The grand finale! In the Danube port town of Untermühl begins unique flank surfing through wonderful slope gorge forests – 3x high plateau and back. Impressive intermediate goal: the 360° panorama observation tower “Danube on the Mountain” (613 m) in Kirchberg ob der Donau. In the Kleine Mühltal follows the last flank climb and a pleasurable farewell lap over the beloved granite (high)land. Crowning finish: 7.5 km dream descent over the heart of the natural wonder Schlögen Danube loop and relaxed river biking along the Danube.
In the depths of the Upper Danube Gorge, in a secluded river section, is the current starting point – the port town Untermühl. Today inconspicuous, it was once significant: supply point for Danube shipping, end point of the Schwarzenberg rafting canal, ...! To warm up you cycle flatly into the romantic Große Mühltal to the hidden Partenstein hydroelectric power plant. Here begins unique flank surfing through wonderful slope gorge forests! The first ascent (180 meters altitude) leads along a demanding maintenance road along the power plant’s pressure pipes to the high plateau to the hamlet Ramersberg. Congratulations! Swiftly you rush down a steep forest path back into the depths of the Große Mühltal – to Ebenmühle. The second ascent (280 meters altitude) leads partly over a demanding historic driving route to the opposite high plateau. Up top, you cycle majestically through rolling farmland to Kirchberg ob der Donau to the impressive observation tower “Danube on the Mountain” (613 m). Congratulations – half time of the flank surfing! Magnificent 360° panoramic view over the Mühlviertel, the Danube valley, the Sauwald, ... right to the Alps. Pure freedom! By the way, here you stand on the highest elevation that rises directly from the Danube stream. The bike flows briefly further to the edge into the Danube gorge, then the intense steep descent through the Danube valley slope on partly trail-like forest paths demands full concentration. For welcome regeneration, relaxed river cruising along the Danube to Obermühl an der Donau. Attentive bikers will notice the contrast between the historic grain storage at the village entrance and the contemporary architecture of the rest of the village. The reason: the historic village center sank in the floods of the Danube diversion for the Aschach power plant. At the modern “Gold” church starts the third ascent (260 meters altitude). An abandoned stone road leads briskly through the steep Kleine Mühltal slope – the old salt road. Once the salt of the legendary Salzkammergut was transported by ship to Obermühl and muleteers brought it to Bohemia. For bike philosophers: “Today, our jerseys are soaked with salt.” At the high plateau with the hamlet Untered, the turnaround point is reached. Congratulations! A short regenerative cultural ride and on demanding paths the steep valley slope back into the depths of the Kleine Mühltal – to the Bruckwirt. The last flank ascent (170 meters altitude) leads initially steeply through shady mixed forest on the route of the old (stone) road, above more leisurely through the settlement area to Lembach im Mühlkreis (552 m). Congratulations! Now begins a wonderful farewell lap over the beloved granite (high)land: majestic sea of hills, beautiful long-distance views, mosaic of meadows, fields, and small woods, scattered hamlets, ... harmony perfected! You cycle enjoyably over two panoramic hills in a wide loop to the historic market Putzleinsdorf, the northern end of this stage! On the way back to the Danube, the terrain becomes hillier again and the route approaches the edge of the (rump) mountain range. At the hamlet Starnberg (690 m) you stand at the highest point of this stage! Congratulations! The 7.5 km long descent into the Danube valley is a dream: short forest sections, small farm plateaus, asphalt curves, ... up to the roof of the famous natural wonder Schlögen Danube loop! The deeply incised mythical river Danube here changes its direction twice by 180° within a few kilometers. The last part – the descent through the nature-protected slope gorge forest of the steep Danube valley slope – fascinates with trail character.
During the leisurely cooldown ride along the Danube to the starting point of the round, sure “Bikers Heaven” is a thought that crosses the mind. Or simply granite (high)land biking.
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Board possible
Under the motto "Ecologically clean", we were awarded the 1st ÖKO model company in Upper Austria in 1996.
E-bike charging station at the Fischgasthof Aumüller in Obermühl
The e-bike can be charged at the charging station at the reverse loop.
Our home-style inn is located directly next to the church and has a newly designed guest garden in the inner courtyard (Viking courtyard with dungeon).
Starting point for
-the Danube Vikings
-the Viking breakfast
-the Viking snack
-the Viking pancake
Also suitable for bus and hiking groups.
In the middle of the beautiful Mühlviertel, on the market square of Lembach, you will find our inn. Here we cook exactly the way we like to eat ourselves.
Our inn also stands for:
- good conversations
- meetings
- revitalisation of the village
- preserving tradition and
- sustainable management.
We serve a BIO connoisseur breakfast as well as dishes from Mühlviertler BIO pork and beef, Sunday roasts or game dishes, vegetarian dishes or coffee and cake.
Our hall is available for weddings, birthdays and other occasions.
We have been certified organic since 2011 and are a recognised partner of the Bioregion Mühlviertel.
We look forward to your visit!
Enjoy hospitality and a family atmosphere in our inn, where you can fully enjoy friendliness and family tradition.
We attach great importance to preparing fresh dishes for you every day.
The central location of our inn in the centre of Lembach offers you the opportunity to take advantage of the numerous entertainment and leisure facilities of our market town.
Shovel butchery
Suckling pig barbecue party service
Our guests appreciate the sunny and quiet location of our inn, where the Große Muehl stream flows into the river Danube. We are famous for our traditional Austrian cuisine!
You should visit Untermuehl, a lovely part of St.Martin, which is located just beside the Danube cycle path. This is the place to be if you are keen on hiking.
We offer Austrian, down-to-earth food and all kinds of good wines from our rustic wine cellar. Which you can enjoy with our good Mühlviertler delicacies. Fantastic views of Europe's second longest river and the passing ships. Forget your everyday life, enjoy cosiness and tranquillity.
The gentle lapping of the water, the singing of the birds and the sun's rays winking through the leafy canopy. Our guest garden in the green invites you to linger. Our nature shows its best side especially in the Danube valley. Many excursion destinations await you, which you can hike to strengthen yourself.
Cyclists' meeting on the Danube Cycle Path Passau-Vienna.
The buffet with 20 seats is located in the Sparmarkt Pernsteiner.
Breakfast - pastries fresh from the supermarket - coffee - drinks and small snacks are offered.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday like Sparmarkt
Cosiness has been a top priority at the Familienhotel Bruckwirt since 1848. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere by the warm tiled stove, the mild summer evenings on the terrace and the certainty that your children will have fun under the supervision of our children's aunt.
Info: Gemeindeamt Kirchberg ob der Donau
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 82 / 4601
Drei Landschaften auf einen Blick…
Hier darf der Blick in die Ferne schweifen und entdeckt dabei das wunderschöne Donautal, den Sauwald gegenüber und das Mühlviertel. Das Mühlviertel schließt nördlich an die Donauleitn an und vermittelt mit seinen sanft geformten Rücken und Kuppen eine gewisse Ruhe. Den geologischen Untergrund bilden Granite und Gneise, die da und dort als markante Felsbildungen und Verwitterungsformenhervortreten. Die sauren und nährstoffarmen Böden machten es der Landwirtschaft nicht leicht, dazu kommt das raue, kühle und niederschlagsarme Klima der Hochlagen. Regionstypisch sind hügelige Kulturlandschaften (Bühel), die diverse Feldgehölze enthalten. Demgegenüber stehen strukturarme agrarische Plateaus. Heute wird sehr intensive Landwirtschaft betrieben, mit Milchwirtschaft als Hauptsparte. Früher waren neben der Landwirtschaft der Anbau von Flachs und Hopfen sowie die Leinenweberei wichtige Einkommen. Die Bierbrautradition ist heute nach wie vor lebendig.
Der Teufel hatte einst Reichtümer und kostbare Schätze. Seinen größten Schatz vergrub er ganz in der Nähe, in Obermühl auf der Teufelskirche. "Des Teufels Geldwäscherei" erzählt davon, was er sonst noch mit seinen Schätzen zu tun pflegte.
Info: Gemeindeamt Niederkappel
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 86 / 85 55
Chronik
Ca. 5000 v.Chr.
Erste Besiedelung durch entsprechende Steinfunde bewiesen. 1150 Erste urkundliche Nennung des Ortes Cappela. 1256 Passauischer Gerichtssitz, Raspen, Ruestorfer und zuletzt die Rödern. 1397 Unser Ort wird Nidern Chappelln genannt. 1400 Eine kleine gotische Kirche wird erbaut. Ab 1455 heißt der Ort Niederkappel. 1500 Errichtung einer Schule. 1634 An der Pest starben 100 Personen. 1809 Französische Truppen besetzen Niederkappel. 1890 Baubeginn des Mühlviertler Doms. 1933 Großbrand in Niederkappel – 22 Häuser brannten nieder. 1954 Hochwasserkatastrophe in Grafenau. 1982 Verleihung des Gemeindewappens. 2005 Eröffnung des Dr. Kirchschläger-Gedenkzentrums.
The rest areas consist of an exposed concrete column, reminiscent of a Roman milestone, bearing a Roman head created by artist Miguel Horn and containing information about the local community, the Danube cycle path and the Romans, as well as a 5 metre long rest bench made of concrete and stone and a paved floor made of Danube pebbles. The architecture is based on design elements from Roman times.
The design for the Roman rest areas was the result of a competition organised jointly with the University of Art and Design Linz and won by student Lukas Beltrame. An important partner in the construction of the squares is the construction academy in Steyregg, which produced all the built-in parts for the squares with its apprentices.
Fresh, regional products, seasonally prepared, fragrant herbs and crunchy fruit & vegetables from the in-house garden, that is the secret of the excellent cuisine that the Landgasthaus im Lembacherhof has to offer.
Hearty soups to warm the soul, hearty dishes from Reindl & Pfanne, vital & light dishes for fitness, fish from the streams of the Mühlviertel and of course, the legendary pastries - a feast for all senses is offered daily at the Vitalhotel Lembacherhof.
In this family-run business flat-bottom wooden boats (Zille) are built in different variations depending on the customer requirements. Traditional boats are offered in many variations just the same as ferries or boats for fishing. In addition, wooden sailing boats, built according to the idea of the sailing icon Hubert Raudaschl, are offered.
Besides the standard boat shapes we are very flexible in terms of the shape of the boat, the interior and the body. You can let us know your expectations in a personal talk and we will try to fulfil them.
Public Transit
How to get to the Upper Austria Danube region?
The fast way to the 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 - Grande Granite Round: Stage 5
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