R1.08 Danube-Granite Loop
4040 Linz
"Of Danube waves, granite, and hops"
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Geological highlights
- Botanical highlights
A mountainous bike loop from the Upper Danube Valley up to Kirchberg ob der Donau to the 360° panoramic observation tower "Danube on the Mountain" (613 m). Then follows leisure cycling over the hilly Mühlviertel granite highland: majestic vistas, rural cultural landscapes, hidden granite quarries... Cultural highlights: Neuhauser Granite (art), beer.
Highlights:
- Observation tower "Danube on the Mountain" (360° panoramic view, castle site)
- Granite Experience World (discover the fascination of granite)
- Neuhaus Castle / St. Martin
The Upper Danube Valley – One of the longest breakthrough valleys of the Danube with over 90 km (!). The starting point for this attractive granite highland loop is in a very quiet section of this deep narrow valley – in the port town of Untermühl. Today inconspicuous, it was once significant: a supply point for Danube shipping, loading port for the famous Neuhauser Granite...! After crossing the Große Mühl river mouth, the 300-meter altitude ascent begins onto the plateau of the Mühlviertel granite highland. In the natural mixed forest on the steep valley slope, it climbs in switchbacks on a quiet district road. The rural cultural landscape makes the steepness more gentle. In the neat hill village Kirchberg ob der Donau, you have made it. Congratulations! The surprising highlight: the magnificent 360° panoramic view from the observation tower "Danube on the Mountain" (613 m) – over the Mühlviertel, the Danube valley, the Sauwald, ... up to the Alps! By the way, here you are standing on the highest elevation rising directly from the Danube stream.
Now leisure cycling begins in the rhythm of the hilly Mühlviertel granite highland: meadows, fields, orchards, small farming hamlets, groves... pure rural idyll! On the way to Altenfelden, the plateau appears visually limited and secluded. You cycle over farm roads and a short forest/field path down to the lonely farmstead Hötzendorfer. On a rural district road, you climb uphill after Unteredt until you reach the market town of Altenfelden, located on a gentle ridge after a shady mixed forest. Congratulations, you are at the second highest point of the loop! The historic market town was once established as a church village (= church in the center), therefore it lacks a classic marketplace. At the village outskirts, the elevated location becomes apparent: the fantastic panoramic view deep into the hinterland of the plain conveys a sense of vastness! After a short detour into the settlement area of Neufelden, you cycle on the bike path beside the busy Rohrbacher street over the long Mühltal bridge. From Apfelsbach, you go through cultivated farmland over a gentle landscape ridge into the rural village of Kleinzell.
Further along, the Resilacke awaits at the village edge: an abandoned granite quarry now serving as an idyllic natural swimming area – a secret tip! In this environment, you also discover some of the well-known Mühlviertel hop gardens. The short descent into the hidden forest valley of the Diesenbach creek requires a short uphill ride on the opposite slope as well. In the granite village Plöcking, another highlight awaits: the Granite Experience World! This offers exciting insights into the uniqueness of the granite region. The famous Neuhauser Granite is, by the way, mined here in the vicinity. Through atmospheric farmland, up and down the hills, with majestic views... and passing Austria's oldest brewery, the Hofstetten Brewery, you reach St. Martin in the Mühlkreis. The charming village center tells of proud tradition and modern everyday life. The special feature of the village, however, only reveals itself with the knowledge of its history: a support point on the salt route to Bohemia! Tip: In the parish church, an intricate net rib vault made of Neuhauser Granite captivates. A brisk descent with two short uphill sections brings you down to the magnificent Neuhaus Castle. Then you dive back into the rustic gorge forest of the Danube narrow valley and shortly thereafter you are at the starting place. Of Danube waves, granite, and hops!
Tip:Explorations with a delightful stopover! This route passes directly by the following culinary partner:
- Hofstetten Brewery
The main part of this granite highland loop uses quiet, paved (secondary) roads and farm roads. The few sections along busier roads have separate, wide bike paths. Three sections – each between 300 - 400 m – run over natural forest/field paths. Basic shifting skills are advantageous for the long uphill ride. Basic braking technique is necessary for the long descent.
Signage:
To make orientation easier, the Danube bike loops have been marked with their own bike guidance system. This loop follows the signage "R1.08 Danube-Granite Loop".
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
Wir sind ein traditioneller Familienbetrieb aus dem oberen Mühlviertel, der bereits seit fast einem Jahrhundert direkt im Zentrum von Altenfelden seinen Kunden bei allen Fragen rund um Reifen, Felgen, Fahrrädern und E-Bikes einen erstklassigen Service bietet.
In the heart of the Mühlviertel granite landscape, where tradition is still firmly anchored in everyday life, a familiar aroma can suddenly envelop you - the spicy, inviting smell of hops and malt. And where else would this smell come from if not from the Landbrauhaus Hofstetten? This is the oldest brewery in Austria, which began life as a simple inn in 1229. Today, almost 800 years later, the brewery is run with passion by Peter Kramer in the fifth generation and has developed into a beacon for regional beer and sustainability in the Danube region. Without the importance of the Danube as a trade route for transporting salt, the brewery would probably not have existed at this location, says Peter Kramer today.
The brewery looks back with pride on its long history and combines this with innovative ideas. The result: a variety of speciality beers that delight beer lovers from near and far. From traditional Märzen to creative varieties such as pumpkin and honey beer, which are the result of spontaneous ideas and local collaboration. It's not just beer that is brewed here, history is made here. The Hofstettner Granitbier in particular is a highlight in the range and a true homage to the geological and cultural roots of the Mühlviertel granite country. Shimmering amber in colour, this beer combines the purity of water filtered through the region's granite layers with Pilsner and caramel malts and Mühlviertel hops. The result is a strong beer that delights with subtle caramel notes. Now the question remains: what is the best way to enjoy Hofstettner specialities? Freshly brewed at the farm's ramp sales, online or at retail and catering partners in the Danube region.
As a traditional three-cornered farm, the brewery is nestled in a landscape that radiates tranquillity and stability. It was important to Peter Kramer to carry on the centuries-old history of the house and to preserve the historical heritage. The water needed for brewing comes from the hotel's own spring, which is surrounded by a water conservation area. The valuable malting barley grows in the surrounding communities, cultivated by organic farmers who also have strong ties to the region. Under Peter's management, a range of up to twenty types of beer is proudly produced here, half of which is already brewed from 100% Mühlviertel organic raw materials. This dedication to regionality and sustainability can be found in the fine drops of beer.
Visitors who make their way along the many hiking, cycling and mountain bike trails, such as the Donau-Granit-Runde or the MTB Granit-Bier-Runde to the brewery, are invited to discover the variety of beers and take a piece of the Mühlviertel back home with them. Traditionally, guided tours are offered, where you can even take a sip of Kübelbier yourself in the cellar. The in-house shop also offers a variety of gift ideas that perfectly round off the beer experience and give a piece of Mühlviertel brewing art to take home with you.
Groups between 10 and 30 persons can book a tour through our brewery, followed by a beer tasting, from wednesday to friday. Included is a tour through the historic brewhouse from 1929 in contrast to the modern brewhouse, a visit to the fermentation cellar, the granite cellar and the tapping of our Kübelbier directly from the storage tank.
The e-bike can be charged at the charging station at the reverse loop.
The apartment is located in St. Martin im Mühlkreis. Size of the accommodation: 190 sqm; 4 bedrooms with private keys (max. 8 persons)
Kitchen with complete equipment. Washing machine on the ground floor. Free internet. Television in every bedroom. Kitchen, wardrobe, WC, and bathroom for shared use. It is possible to purchase various food items and drinks from the on-site regional market.
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.
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.
The natural stone nature trail, the Hammerhütte as a small museum including film and craft demonstrations, extraordinary events in the Arena Granit natural amphitheater, as well as wonderful hiking opportunities through the Mühlviertel granite highlands round off the experience. Guided tours are offered all year round to introduce you to the history of the granite region and Austrian geology.
A unique feature is its orientation as a petrological nature trail based on a geological structure, which leads through all regions of Austria from north to south. The educational trail focuses on granites from the granite highlands (Mühlviertel, Waldviertel, Sauwald) and the EUREGIO Bohemian Forest/Bavarian Forest as well as natural stones from all over Austria, such as marble, limestone, conglomerate, sandstone and many more.
International granite varieties:
In addition, 50 international granite varieties are presented, which impress with a special variety of colors, structures and textures. Native deciduous trees also complement the educational offer. Various worksheets (including solutions) and group activities for schoolchildren and clubs make the Granite Adventure World an attractive excursion destination.
Guided tours offered all year round:
In the guided tours offered all year round, since 2011 also with audio guides (here the information comes from the 'tape' and is listened to via headphones), you will be introduced to the history of the granite region and Austrian rock science. A rest area at the intersection of the nature trail with the "Feldbahn" and "Granitweg" hiking trails, as well as a rest area on the ' Donausteig' invite you to linger. The granite play castle "Burg Plekhingstein", built from large granite blocks and boulders with corridors, caves and a castle chamber, is enthroned here as an attraction for the youngest visitors.
School class offers
If you would like to take your school class on a day trip to the Granite Adventure World, please call 0664 463 00 14 for more information.
Information about the offers can be found here: erlebniswelt-granit.com/fuer-schulen
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
Weekly changing menus, as well as light dishes for hikers and refreshing drinks for hot summer days. On hot days, you can cool off with ice cream and cool drinks on our terrace. Enjoy your break at lunchtime, with menus that change daily, and you'll also find something for the small appetite in between.
This unique natural jewel with its unspoilt surroundings offers not only bathing water but also beautiful sunbathing areas with natural shade. Regular checks of the bathing water confirm its excellent quality.
The "Resi-Lacke" is an essential part of the local leisure structure in both summer and winter and is easily accessible by car. The Granitpilgern hiking trail leads just a few hundred meters past it and the Resi-Lacke is therefore also an opportunity for pilgrims to rest and refresh themselves.
Admission is free!
Mrs. Bettina Kapeller, the tenant of the bathing buffet, takes care of the physical well-being of the bathing guests, which is always open in summer when the weather is fine and is also open on weekdays during the summer vacations.
Fishing in the Resilacke
Permitted period:
- September 15 - November 30
- March 16 - May 31
- in each case from 06:00 to 20:00!
Day licenses are available at GH Scharinger and at the municipal office for € 14!
Information: Marktgemeindeamt
Tel.: +43(0) 72 32 / 21 05
Erlebniswelt Granit:
Der größte Natursteinlehrpfad Österreichs demonstriert mit über 160 Exponaten die heimische Steinlandschaft. Bei Führungen erleben Sie die Geschichte der Granitregion hautnah. Ein historischer Steinbruch bildet das eindrucksvolle Ambiente des Natur-Amphitheaters Arena Granit.
Brauerei Hofstetten:
In der privaten Landbrauerei Hofstetten werden ebenso edle wie außergewöhnliche Bierspezialitäten, wie Kübel-, Honigoder Granitbier kreiert. Ein ideales Ausflugsziel für Gruppen, die mehr über das altehrwürdige Handwerk des Bierbrauens erfahren möchten.
Schloss Neuhaus:
Am Höhenrücken der Donau thront das weithin sichtbare Schloss Neuhaus, die größte erhaltene Burganlage Österreichs. Bemerkenswert ist der fünfeckige Turm mit Kleeblattfries und originellen Wasserspeiern (Gesäß von Neuhaus). Führungen für Gruppen gegen Voranmeldung.
This cozy café is very popular with the locals; we are famous for our excellent tee and coffee as well as for the delicious cakes and ice-cream.
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.
Delicious pizzas! Delicious pasta! Large selection of regional and international specialties!
Celebrate your beautiful moments and special occasions with us. Weddings, birthdays, baptisms, company parties, etc. up to 70 people.
We look forward to welcoming you to our restaurant. Ask our staff for a pizza pass, every eleventh pizza is free!
The mighty Neuhaus Castle high above the Danube was built in the 12th century and used as a hunting seat by the bishops of Passau; in the 14th century the house of Schaunberg transformed it into a fortress.
In 1918 the family Plappart became the owner of Neuhaus Castle, which is, therefore, not open to the public. But even when you just walk around this 300 m long castle you feel like travelling back into the time of knights and chatelaines!
Bread - whether as a meal, as a side dish or just in between - almost everyone eats it every day.
Our bakery was founded 70 years ago by Fritz Wolfmayr - at that time on the market square in Altenfelden, in the middle of the beautiful Mühlviertel.
Due to numerous expansions of the company or the relocation to Veldenstrasse in 1961, our company now has 19 employees who produce a wide variety of baked goods for you every day from the best raw materials.
The use of modern machinery in combination with ancient, traditional recipes gives our products a unique taste.
We spoil our guests with down-to-earth home cooking.
Our traditional family inn is located on the market square in Altenfelden. Our dining room is a popular meeting place for locals, but also for our guests from near and far. Our outdoor dining area, where a large walnut tree provides shade, is very popular in the warm season.
Our hall offers enough space for various events - from baptism to birthday parties or company celebrations. Of course, our two fully automatic bowling alleys can also be used.
Our newly renovated guest rooms are available for short or long stays. Whether on business trips or active holidays with cross-country skiing, hiking or cycling in the granite country - we make sure that you feel comfortable with us.
Our traditional inn is known for the excellent cuisine. Only the best ingredients come into our pots, for the most part from suppliers in the immediate vicinity and also in organic quality. For special occasions and by prior appointment, there is also a roast in the Rein, knight's meal or tasty ribs.
Our guest house is located directly on the town square in Altenfelden. In addition to the cozy dining room, we have a hall, two bowling alleys and a beautiful garden with tree shadows. Modern, renovated rooms are available for overnight guests.
Public Transit
How to get to the Danube Region of Upper Austria?
The quick way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or plane.
- 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
