Esternberg: Kößlbachrunde

INTERESTING POINTS ALONG THE WAY

Legendary cultural life:

• Parish church Esternberg


• Stauberkapelle in Ringlholz

Nature & Movement

• Kößlbachtal with Wanklmoar Sag


• Kneiding Reservoir


• Devil's Church (natural monument)

SPIRITUAL HIKING ON THE DONAUSTEIG:

In the Bible, the tree is described as a symbol of life and creation, and in many peoples and religions trees have a special significance. The first mentioned tree of Christianity appears as the apple tree – tree of knowledge – in the Old Testament. The intimate relationship between humans and trees is already mentioned in the Old Norse song collection "Edda" and in Celtic, Slavic, and Germanic cultures trees are revered as sources of strength for humans.
Through its rooting, the tree represents a close connection with the earth. With its branches stretching sideways and upwards it forms a connection to the sky. The silence and calm that we find on a forest walk can give us new strength and balance. Among the many kinds of trees, each has its own aura and symbolic power: strength, uprightness, flexibility, expansiveness, abundance...

On the Kößlbachrunde, which is characterized by interesting vegetation and special tree natural beauties, I approach trees with care:

• Touch tree bark and gently feel the surface.


• Lie down or sit on the ground and look up to observe the tree crowns.


• Hold leaves against the light and admire the veins in them.


• Discover various leaf shapes.


• Hug a tree, lean against its trunk and enjoy its strength.


• Brush over the back of your hand with pine needles.


• Observe the visible root system of the trees.


• Count the annual rings at a cut section.

Trees affect our soul through their being

We start in front of the municipal center of Esternberg and walk a bit along the street towards the northwest, but soon turn left again and head south. We soon meet the street again and follow it past the sewage treatment plant through the forest. After about 3 km, which we have walked along the Riedlbach valley, we reach the mouth of the Riedelbach into the Kößlbach and the "Wanklmoar Sag".

We now follow the course of the Kößlbach with its interesting vegetation until we turn left uphill in Kneiding. We leave the forest and walk through the cultural landscape to Ringlholz. From there it goes back through the forest to Esternberg.

This circular route is especially interesting for botanists and nature lovers. Rare plant worlds and natural beauties line the path.
Particularly recommendable is
a small detour downstream of the Kößlbach at the "Wankelmoar Sag" to a seven-stemmed flutter elm.

Esternberg Municipal Office
Hauptstraße 33
4092 Esternberg
Tel.: 0043(0)7714/66 55 Fax: ext. 9
gemeinde@esternberg.ooe.gv.at
www.esternberg.at

ESTABLISHMENTS ALONG THE ROUTE:

Gasthof "Kirchawirt z’Esternberg"
Esternberg, Tel.: +43 7714 630 16, closed Mondays

Gasthaus Jodlbauer, host at Kneiding
Schardenberg, Tel.: +43 7713 68 58, closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Opening hours: Wed - Fri from 3 PM - midnight, Sat from 1 PM, Sun and holidays from 10 AM