Borderland tour 'In Stifter's footsteps'

The tour - sporty, sensual, "donative"

Start & finish: Gasthof Greiner, Kohlstatt
Length: approx. 42 km
Profile: sporty - perfect for anyone who likes enjoyment and metres in altitude
Suitable for: ambitious leisure cyclists, e-bikers in tour/sport mode, cultural explorers with leg power

Where the forest takes over the introduction

Kohlstatt - Julbach

The first few metres are a real prelude: short, steep, but worthy - like a powerful prologue. Then Julbach, the "Merano of the Mühlviertel", opens up: warm colours, loving details, soft lines. A place that Stifter would have described as a "valley full of friendliness".

In the realm of the "colourful stones"

Peilstein - Kühstein - Rutzersdorf

Here, the granite is so pure in the terrain that you almost automatically slow down. It is the quiet hero of this region - hard, clear, consistent. In between, you roll along meadow paths and forest edges that feel like leafing through a book in the Bohemian Forest.

Anecdote for the road

Stifter was a writer and painter - often at the same time. It is said that he once sat for hours in front of a single granite block in order to capture "the essence of its tranquillity". Today, cyclists can do this in just a few minutes - a glance is enough.

The hilly landscape shows its grin

Towards Sarleinsbach

The descent to Sarleinsbach is one of those passages where the Mühlviertel does what it does best: It just lets you roll. Past the natural swimming pool, through the village, uphill again - the Ameisberg is calling.

A finale in the flow

Kollerschlag - Kohlstatt

Kollerschlag's new market square: modern, surprisingly open - a contrast that does you good. Then the route glides back towards the start - through forests full of moss, scent and stories.

Culture bonus

For all those who want to delve even deeper after the kilometres: Pure Stifter, multimedia, sensual - included:

Adalbert Stifter Museum and local history centre in Schwarzenberg

• The world's only Stifter hologram
• "Ride of Witiko" from a satellite perspective
• "Colourful Stones" listening station
• Original study & painter's easel

It's less museum - more key to the landscape.

As if from Stifter's larder

Refreshment tip: Gasthof Greiner

To start or finish: regional cuisine that can hold its own in literary terms.

• Game ragout with napkin dumplings
• Mühlviertel potato slaw with smoked meat
• Buchteln with vanilla sauce (Stifter's favourite dish!)

Highlights at a glance

• Ameisberg - highest point between the Danube & Bohemian Forest
• Granite formations along the entire route
• Julbach - the "Merano of the Mühlviertel" Kühstein & Peilstein - natural scenery with character
• Stifter Museum as a cultural bonus
• Regional refreshments with a literary touch