Short description:
The Donausteig-simply fabulous! This stage leads us from the Tri-River City of Passau along the Danube streams, across the rural Sauwald plateau into the wooded narrow valley of the Danube, over the atmospheric plateau to Kasten on the Danube. We discover Passau as the Bavarian Venice, the frontier of upper Bavaria, the gateway to the upper Danube valley, the idyllic Sauwald (Forest), the hidden past of Kasten, the world of Danube river rafting...
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Quality of experience: ******
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Description:
This donausteig-stage starts in the tri-river city of Passau. The historic town lies at the confluence of the Inn, Danube and Ilz in the forested Durchbruchstal (valley) of the upper danube. From the donausteig-starting point we hike through Passau's new center and experience the city from its modern side. After crossing the Inns we continue through the historic part of the town downstream. Idyllic streets testify of a flourishing trade in the former suburb. Later, we follow the Inn by its shores. Magnificent views of the majestic old town remind of us Passau as the Bishop residence of the Eastern danube. At the latest by the confluence of the three rivers does one realize: Passau is a jewel with many facets! We continue a small piece along the mighty river, and then turn off into the last stretches of the city. Shortly thereafter a street leads over a small hill into the Haibachtal (valley) (city border between Germany and Austria). Here begins the short climb through the beautiful woodlands of the Donauleiten up to the Sauwald-plateau. Idyllic hiking trails bring us passed the beloved forest chapel "Maria im Walde." Arrive at the impressive high plateau, undulating landscapes characterize the scenery: lush meadows, cultivated fields, scattered homesteads,... simply idyllic! Now we hike on beautiful farm roads uphill. The donausteig branches of to the left, shortly before the centre of Freinberg, and continues, on forest and foot paths, through a deep forest trench of the Kräutergrabenbaches (stream). After this w stand again at the rural high plateau. Here, the Donausteig-resting point "Panorama Blaas" opens up deep views into the tri-river city of Passau - a wonderful highlight! No wonder that this is one of the most famous views of the Danube. Following this is a comfortable downhill walk into the Danube valley, through the valley flank of the Donauleiten. Largely ton field and forest roads we finally reach the bottom of the Valley. On the Schwemmlandterrasse (terrace) we accompany the Nibelungen Street downstream approx. 2.4 km. First on side road, then along cycle paths. The myth of the legendary Nibelungs comes to mind involuntarily. After the Kösselbach bridge, a beautiful forest path leads through the steep mixed woodlands of the donauleiten uphill onto the rural sauwald-plateau. At the top farm roads lead uphill to the rural village Unteresternberg. In the following fields the donausteig turns left and cross the forest trench of the Bräunbaches (stream). Across from it we stand again at the rural high plateau. Here a detour to the left leads to the Panorama view „Burg Krämpelstein“ offers deep views into the danube valley and onto castle Krämpelstein. The trail however continues to the right. In a long right curve we continue uphill through the farm village Dietzendorf to the farm hamlet Hötzmannsdorf. There we turn left and walk across wonderful field paths along a small mountain ridge. The high plateau of the Sauwald presents itself from its most beautiful side: a mosaic of fields, almost boundless, traditional farmsteads, the undulating landscape,... - harmony in perfection. Following a left turn we reach teh donausteig-resting point "Panoramablick". Congratulations - this is the Summit of this Danube climbing stage! The views from here go across the deep dug Danube valley and wander until far into the Bavarian forest. After a short meadow descent the donausteig crosses the forest ditch of the Buchetbaches (stream) starting from Oberbamberg. In Wollersberg, we stand again at the rural high plateau. The road leads now in a right curve uphill to the street, which brings us left to Hütt. From there, it continues through the forest down to Kasten on the Danube. From culture to nature - simply fabulous!
Discover the following features with the Donausteig-diary:
-Passau-the Bavarian Venice
-Donausteig-starting point "Passau"
-Ludwigsplatz (square)-the gateway to the city
-Beer, an ancient elixir of life
-In the monastery garden
-The Hindenburg bridge or the "Fünferlsteg"
-Serverinskirche (church)-one of the oldest places of worship
-the city center-of commercial riches & floating Mills
- ...
Download: Donausteig-diary "Stage 1_S01 Passau box" - yet to follow!
To facilitate the orientation, the donausteig was provided with its own system of orientation - you will find the description here .
Passau Tourismus e.V.
Bahnhofstr. 36
94032 Passau, Deutschland
Tel. +49(0)851/955980
Fax: +49(0)851/35107
tourist-info@passaude
www.tourismus.passau.de
Tourism agency Vichtenstein
4091 Vichtenstein 70
Tel.: +43(0)7714/8055
Fax: +43(0)7714/8056
gemeinde@vichtenstein.ooe.gv.at
www.oberoesterreich.at/vichtenstein
Getting there
The main train station of Passau is located approx. 350 m west of the Schanzbrücke (bridge) (Navigation: D‑94032 Passau, Hauptbahnhof).
Public Transit
Passau can be reach by train and bus. A transfer back from Kasten is possible as well by bus. However a transfer back is only possible via two morning buses! information of timetables online at www.vlp-passau.de and http://www.ooevv.at .
Parking
The city center of Passau is mostly a short parking zone. For long periods of parking there are numerous parking garages and parking lots available. Information on the location and prices of this places can be found here .
Please get in touch for more information.