Donausteig stage 3_S05 Wilhering - Linz: “Over the Prinzensteig through the Linz Gate”
4040 Linz
Donausteig - simply amazing! This stage takes us from Wilhering in the fertile Eferding Basin through the wooded Danube Gorge of the Linz Gate into the urban Linz Basin to Linz. Along the way, we discover the ancient settlement area of Wilhering, one of the most beautiful abbey churches in the German-speaking area, the innovative Maximilian Fortress, a true cultural capital balancing between history and modernity, ...
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
- Insider tip
Seal of approval:
- Quality route according to "Österreichisches Wandergütesiegel"
The starting point for this Donausteig stage is the landing of the cable ferry in Wilhering. This former narrow point of the Danube has always been an important connection to today's Mühlviertel and lies at the eastern edge of the fertile Eferding Basin. The towpath leads us from here through atmospheric riverbank forests along the Danube to the magnificent Wilhering Abbey. Impressively, it towers over the rural cultural landscape behind the Danube bank and is a silent symbol of the region's cultivation. The abbey church is considered one of the most beautiful Rococo churches in the German-speaking area and simply amazes! Shortly after the abbey, the wooded Danube Gorge of the Linz Gate begins. The narrow Prinzensteig leads us halfway up the steep valley slopes with gentle ups and downs through the Kürnberg Forest: wonderful mixed forests, hidden deep views of the Danube, an alpine-like path, ... - a pure Donausteig experience! For this wonderful section, surefootedness and a certain freedom from dizziness are required. Later, the narrow hiking trail becomes a forest road. Passing the historic Donausteig rest area “Römerturm,” we reach urban settlement in Friesenegg after a short forest ascent. Here a short detour to Tower 13 of the Maximilian Fortress is worth it. It reveals a lesser-known Besonderheit of Linz and offers a fantastic view over the foothills to the Alps - simply breathtaking! The route continues downhill over residential streets through the villa district of the Zaubertal towards the Danube. Shortly before reaching it, a beautiful forest path almost leveled leads to the hidden pilgrimage chapel Maria Thal on a rocky ledge above the Danube. A few meters uphill, the younger Kalvarienberg church impresses with its figurative depiction of the 12th Stations of the Cross. Through beautiful mixed forest further uphill, we reach at the summit of the Freinberg in a spacious park area the scenic Franz Josefs Watchtower. Congratulations - here we stand at the highest point of this Donausteig stage! From the viewing platform of the watchtower, a wonderful view opens back over the idyllic Danube Gorge of the Linz Gate and over wide parts of the urban Linz Basin – what a striking contrast! After leaving the popular park, we hike downhill through the settlements of the significant Römerberg to the majestic Linz Castle. Here, the successful symbiosis of modern and historic architecture of the castle museum joyfully introduces us to the experience “Cultural Capital Linz.” After a short descent through the beautiful old town, we arrive at the magnificent main square of Linz. Donausteig - simply an experience!
Discover the following highlights with the Donausteig diary:
- Donausteig starting point “Wilhering”
- Danube ferry Ottensheim-Wilhering
- The Danube - a world of its own
- Donausteig starting point “Wilhering Abbey”
- Wilhering Abbey - uniqueness through fire
- Kürnberg Forest - A path for princes
- Donausteig rest area “Römerturm”
- Tower 13 - the Maximilian Fortress
- ...
Download: Donausteig diary stage 3_S05 Wilhering-Linz
ATTENTION: Keep an eye on the opening hours of the Franz Josef Watchtower and the gates of Linz Castle (see diary “Stage: 3_S05 Wilhering-Linz”)!
Directions:From the Donausteig starting point in Wilhering, we follow the towpath along the Danube downstream to the Donausteig rest area “Wilhering Abbey”. From there, continue briefly along the Danube and then take a sharp bend back via field paths to Wilhering Abbey. We circle the monastery complex on the west side. Passing the large abbey parking lot, we reach the main road B119. Follow this about 400 m towards Linz and at the intersection with Bräuhausstraße, turn half-right going up the asphalted Prinzenweg. At the next houses, the Donausteig turns left. Soon the wide forest road changes into the narrow, partially secured Prinzensteig (surefootedness and a certain freedom from dizziness are necessary here!). Halfway up the steep valley slopes, we hike with gentle ups and downs along the wooded Danube Gorge of the Linz Gate. Once on a forest road again, follow it to the left. Passing the Donausteig rest area “Römerturm” (a few meters off the path), you reach the paved Leondinger Straße. Turn right uphill here and after about 140 m immediately turn left again. Over forest paths uphill, we reach urban settlement at the Donausteig rest area in Friesenegg. At the next T-junction, a short detour to Tower 13 of the Maximilian Fortress is to the right. The Donausteig, however, leads left down Frieseneggerstraße in a long S-curve into the Zaubertal (about 1.5 km) and then further along Zaubertalstraße towards the Danube (about 400 m). After the guesthouse “Zaubertalstüberl,” we cross the stream and reach the pilgrimage chapel Maria Thal via a forest path. Continue uphill to the right to the Kalvarienberg Church. To the left beside its large crucifixion group is a gate; through this, we reach the Franz Josefs Watchtower on the summit of the Freinberg by stairs and park paths. On the descent, we pass the Barbara Chapel and at the end of the Freinberg park reach Römerstraße. This leads us downhill over the Römerberg, past Martinskirche to Linz Castle. We cross its courtyard (observe castle gate opening times!) and at the east portal of the castle take the stairs down left. Here stands one of the two Donausteig starting points in Linz. Walking straight ahead, we reach through the old town the main square of Linz.
To help you orient yourself, the Donausteig has been equipped with its own orientation system - you can find the description here.
ATTENTION: Keep an eye on the opening hours of the Franz Josef Watchtower and the gates of Linz Castle (see diary “Stage: 3_S05 Wilhering-Linz”)!
Tip:End this wonderful stage with a cultural evening event in Linz – connecting Donau Steig & culture!Equipment:
Besides suitable footwear for the partially secured Prinzensteig, there are no special requirements in addition to your personal hiking equipment.Additional information:
WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz, Austria
Tel. +43(0)732/7277-800
Fax. +43(0)732/7277-804
info@donausteig.com
Wilhering Municipal Office
Linzer Str. 14
4030 Wilhering
Tel.: +43(0)7226/2255
Fax: +43(0)7226/3095
gemeinde@wilhering.ooe.gv.at
www.wilhering.at
Tourist Information Linz
Hauptplatz 1
4020 Linz
Tel. +43 732/7070 2009
Fax: +43 732/7070 54 2009
www.linz-tourismus.info and www.linz.at/tourismus
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Board possible
The range includes a wide variety of breads, various types of pastries, the original Kornspitz, Danish pastries and sweet and savory snacks. All specialties are produced in the Raiffeisen Arena's own bakery. The store also sells selected products from the current Adidas lifestyle collection.
The restaurant with its large panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the interplay of historical and modern architecture not only guarantee an impressive atmosphere - first-class food and a select range of drinks and wines make the Schloss - Herbersteins Brasserie a new place for culinary encounters.
The Franz-Josef-Warte was built in 1888 in honor of the 40th anniversary of the office of Emperor Franz Josef. The plans were drawn up by Ignaz Scheck (Upper Austrian Construction Company). In 1912 a porter's apartment was added.
Information: Marktgemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 26 / 22 55 0
Naherholung und Lebensraum…
Stadtnahe Wälder erfüllen wichtige ökologische Funktionen, sind aber auch Naherholungsraum für die Städter. Interessanterweise konnten sich gerade im Raum Linz relativ naturnahe Wälder erhalten. Auch die Stadt selbst kann vielen unerwarteten Tieren einen Lebensraum bieten. Ein besonderer tierischer Bewohner ist der Uhu, der im Kürnberger Wald und in Linz (Haselgraben) beobachtet wurde. Von Wanderern wird er eher selten beobachtet, da er nachtaktiv ist und tagsüber hervorragend getarnt an seinem Ruheplatz sitzt. Er wird auch Waldpolizist genannt, was auf seine Bedeutung für ein intaktes Biotop hinweist. Zu seiner Beute zählen Säugetiere wie Igel, Ratten, Mäuse, Kaninchen aber auch Vögel wie Tauben, Krähen und Enten.
In der Burg Kürnberg machte ein junger Mann einst eine tolle Endteckung. Mehr dazu in der Donau-Sage "Aus Wein wird Gold".
Information: Marktgemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 26 / 22 55 0
Schotter…
Die Uferzonen des Donaustromes mit ihren lebensraumtypischen Begleitstrukturen und Biotoptypen gilt es zu erhalten, da sie einer Vielzahl von Tier- und Pflanzenarten Lebensraum bieten. Schotterbänke beispielsweise sind unverzichtbar für Vögel wie den Flussuferläufer. Er ist eine störungsempfindliche Art, der die Flusstäler als Lebens- und Brutraum hat. Oft stellt die Nutzung der Schotterflächen als Erholungs- und Badeplatz für den Menschen, ein Problem dar. Weite Abschnitte des Donauufers sind heute nicht mehr natürlich. Durch einige Revitalisierungsmaßnahmen werden aber der Donau naturnahe Habitate wie Kiesbänke und Inseln zurückgegeben.
Wenn sich zwei Menschen finden und. aus welchen Gründen auch immer, nicht zusammen sein dürfen, dann kann es passieren, dass zwei Seelen ihr ganzes Leben trauern. Was bleibt, ist nur "Eine unvergessene Liebe".
Tourist-Information Hauptplatz
Tel.: +43 (0) 732 / 70 70-2009
Rotes Kreuz, Notruf: 144
Polizei, Tel.: 059 133 451 000, Notruf: 133
Öffentliches WC im Alten Rathaus, Hauptplatz und am Urfahrmarkt-Gelände
Tipp
ARS ELECTRONICA CENTER – Einzigartig in Europa! Eine digitale Erlebniswelt für alle, die einen Blick in die Zukunft der Technik werfen wollen.
Weitere Tipps
LINZER CITY – Oberösterreichische Gastlichkeit genießen – die original Linzer Torte probieren, Einkaufen nach Lust und Laune und dabei die sehenswerte Altstadt von Linz entdecken! Kultur direkt an der Donau: Das Linzer Schloss(museum), das Lentos Kunstmuseum, der Donaupark mit dem „Forum Metall“ und das Brucknerhaus (Konzerthaus).
Es gibt viele Geschichten darüber, wie die Stadt Linz nun tatsächlich zu ihrem jetzigen Namen gekommen ist. Eine davon leitet den Stadtnamen von "Linz wie Luchs" ab - lesen Sie mehr...
Info: Marktgemeindeamt Wilhering
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 26 / 22 55 0
Arzt, Tel.: 0 72 26 / 2635-0 oder 0 72 21 / 888 16
Zahnarzt, Tel.: 20680 oder 2944
Rotes Kreuz, Tel.: 40144, Notruf: 144
Polizei, Tel.: 059133-4143, Notruf: 133
Öffentl. WC + Trinkwasser beim öffentl. Badeplatz 100 m nach Fähre Ottensheim und im Stift Wilhering
Chronik
1600 v.Chr. erste Besiedelung des Kürnberges.
15. v.Chr. – 488 n.Chr. Römer dringen bis zur Donau vor – Provinz Noricum, röm. Funde: Münzen, Gefäße, röm. Ziegelofen und Wachturm.
500 Bajuwarenniederlassungen, dieser Zeit entstammt die Nachsilbe „ing“.
985 Erste urkundliche Erwähnung.
12 Jh. Gründung der Zisterze von Ulrich und Cholo von Wilhering, Baubeginn des Klosters.
1237 Friedrich der Streitbare bewilligt dem Kloster die Gerichtsbarkeit über seine Untertanen durch Hofrichter – Hofrichterhaus, heute Landesmusikschule.
1733 Zerstörung des Klosters durch Brandstiftung, Wiederaufbau der Kirche im Rokokostil.
1794 Im alten Grundbuch sind Katastralgemeinden Dörnbach, Schönering und Wilhering verzeichnet.
7.5.1973 Führung des Gemeindewappens.
9.7.1979 Markterhebung der Gemeinde Wilhering.
Tipps
Stiftskirche Wilhering: Die Kirche im Rokokostil ist heute der bedeutendste Kirchenraum des 17. Jh. Der blumenreiche Stiftspark ist öffentlich zugängig.
Wallfahrtskirche „Maria vom guten Rat“ – Pfarrkirche zum Hl. St. Stefanus
Die Wallfahrtskirche findet man nach einer Wanderung am „Jakobsweg“ durch den Kürnbergerwald in Dörnbach. Die spätgotische Außenkanzel ist einzigartig in Österreich. Das Bildnis „Maria vom guten Rat“ ist eine Nachbildung des Gnadenbildes aus dem ital. Wallfahrtsort Ganazzano. In Dörnbach können Sie auch eine private Bierbrauerei besichtigen (Voranmeldung).
Die Pfarrkirche in Schönering liegt an der Donausteigrundroute. Die gotische Kirche wurde 750 errichtet und 985 erstmals urkundlich erwähnt. In Dörnbach und Schönering finden Sie Gasthaus, Übernachtung, Bushaltestelle und Spielplatz.
Den Teufel verspottet man nicht! Ein Bursch hat es trotzdem getan - und fast wäre es um ihn geschehen, wäre da nicht "Ein Laib Brot zur Rettung" in seiner Tasche gewesen.
Direction information: Departure
Wilhering Abbey: monastery, culture and nature since 1146. Wilhering Cistercian Abbey, situated at the foot of the Kürnberg and on the banks of the Danube in a wonderful natural landscape, is a place of spirituality, pastoral care and encounters. Since 2019, the Abbey Museum has been inviting visitors on an interactive journey into the 878-year history of Wilhering Abbey. The collegiate church and cloister, the inner courtyard and the park are freely accessible. The gate with café, shop and the Benedict Hall are located in the former abbey farmhouse, as is the Abbey Museum. The abbey café offers self-service cakes, coffee, drinks and snacks. In our abbey shop you will find exquisite wines from our own vineyards, lovingly designed souvenirs, special gifts and souvenirs. You can also browse through our selection of books, CDs and regional delicacies - a pleasure for all the senses! Visit us and let us inspire you.
Welcome to WAKUWAKU - Asia Fusion Kitchen in Linz, your address for exceptional Asian moments of pleasure! Let yourself be inspired by our variety of exquisite à la carte dishes, prepared with great attention to detail and served in a stylish ambience. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a cosy get-together with friends - every visit to our restaurant is a special experience.
Enjoy a harmonious fusion of traditional and modern Asian dishes, perfectly tailored to the highest culinary standards.
Direction information: Destination
Getting there
From Wilhering Abbey, follow the main road about 1 km northwest and turn right at the long left curve to the Ottensheim-Wilhering ferry. (GPS: A-4073 Wilhering, ferry or riverside path).
Public Transit
Wilhering can be reached by bus. The stop “Wilhering Ferry/Bundesstraße” is closest to the Donausteig starting point. A return transfer from Linz to Wilhering is possible by bus. Information on the bus times can be found at http://www.ooevv.at .
Parking
There are only a few parking spaces at the ferry terminal. The next larger parking lot (unrestricted, free) is located at Wilhering Abbey (about a 20-minute walk along the bike path next to the main road).
- Suitable for kids (10 - 14 Year)
- 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 gemeinde@wilhering.at
Web www.donauregion.at
Web www.linztourismus.at/
https://www.linztourismus.at/
Altitude profile - Donausteig stage 3_S05 Wilhering - Linz: “Over the Prinzensteig through the Linz Gate”
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