Danube Cycle Path Stage 4 South Bank: Ardagger - Melk

The market town of Ardagger is considered one of the main towns in the Mostviertel region. Culture enthusiasts visit the church in the former abbey, which houses Austria’s oldest figurative stained-glass window, the St. Margaret Window, dating from the 13th century. Sports enthusiasts, on the other hand, take advantage of the many water sports opportunities as well as the amenities at the “Donauwellenpark” right along the bike path (beach volleyball, climbing wall, etc.).

The route then continues through the Strudengau. This narrow Danube valley is flanked by tall, densely forested hills. Inviting sandy beaches can be found time and again right along the river, and small villages like Hößgang and Freyenstein liven up the ride.

Shortly after passing the Ybbs-Persenbeug visitor power plant (guided tours by appointment), you’ll reach the small town of Ybbs, where a stop is well worth it if only for the Bicycle Museum: From wooden balance bikes to military bicycles from the imperial era, the history of the bicycle is documented here. The Renaissance townhouses in the old town are enchanting, and the parish church of St. Lorenz features an impressive net vault as well as an organ that Mozart signed during his visit in 1767.

Passing through the villages of Sarling, Säusenstein, and Krummnußbaum, you’ll reach Pöchlarn, the “City of the Nibelungs,” which is home to, among other things, the birthplace of the painter Oskar Kokoschka (exhibitions) and a carpentry museum. The Nibelungen Monument serves as a reminder that this small town is the setting for that ancient epic, part of which takes place along the Danube. If you’re in the mood and have time, take a short detour to Erlauf and visit the local peace museum, “ERLAUF ERINNERT” (about 3.5 km from Pöchlarn to Erlauf). From Pöchlarn, it takes less than three-quarters of an hour to reach Melk, the “Gateway to the Wachau.”

Ardagger Markt - Hößgang - Ybbs on the Danube - Krummnußbaum - Pöchlarn - Melk

Route Description:

The tour starts in Ardagger Markt and heads straight to the Danube. There, you’ll join the Danube cycle path. With a beautiful view of the river, the route winds through the Strudengau cultural landscape. The Strudengau gets its name from the many dangerous whirlpools and shoals. It was therefore once considered by boaters to be one of the most dangerous stretches of the Danube. Today, this section of the landscape is part of the reservoir area of the downstream power plant and is easily navigable by boat.

The route continues along the Danube cycle path, passing through few towns, all the way to Ybbs an der Donau. This allows plenty of time to enjoy the flora and fauna of the Strudengau, which is impressive in itself due to its large number of protected trees. In Ybbs an der Donau, it’s time for a bit of culture again. Highlights here include the old town of Ybbs, with its restored Renaissance townhouses, and the parish church of St. Lorenz. The church’s organ has borne Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s initials since his visit in 1767. Austria’s largest run-of-river power plant, the Ybbs-Persenbeug Power Plant, is also located here. The route leads through the town and then across the Ybbs River.

After a short stretch along the river, the route returns to the Danube near Sarling. The next stop is the village with the peculiar name Krummnußbaum, whose origin most likely stems from the walnut trees that once grew along the river. Immediately following this is the municipality of Pöchlarn. It was known as Bechelaren in the Early Middle Ages and is mentioned in the Nibelungenlied as the ancestral castle of Rüdiger von Bechelaren. It is also the last major town separating you from your destination, the city of Melk. After a secluded but relaxing ride along the Danube, you’ll finally reach the end of today’s stage.

Melk is a beautiful way to conclude this tour, as the town can truly be described as a “cultural highlight.” Parts of the town, such as Melk Abbey, are part of the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey has been described as the “most iconic and dominant Baroque building”; it also houses the Melk Abbey High School, the oldest surviving school in Austria. Since this is where the famous “Wachau” region begins, the hills grow higher and steep vineyard slopes abound on all sides. It’s the perfect panoramic setting to end today’s bike tour.

Person responsible for the content of this tour
Danube Lower Austria Tourism GmbH