--- title: Dr. Kirchschläger Trail url: "https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-tour/detail/430008119/dr-kirchschlaeger-trail.html" description: "Short description:Beautiful hike on the Danube heights from Kirchschläger's birthplace to the baptismal church. Unforgettable rest at the \"President's Chair.\" Steles with impressive portraits and quotesQuality of experience: ****Recommended season:MarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberProperties:ScenicRefreshment stops available" date: 2017-02-22 modified: 2026-03-18 --- # Dr. Kirchschläger Trail Dr. Kirchschläger Trail ========================= **Starting place:** 4133 Niederkappel **Destination:** 4131 Niederkappel ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/463564/69049DF43734A353B7F1F6074AB80FF12E70AA8B8F0CD22391F2B336CCA8588B/praesidentenstuhl.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/249312/B403F7633A22BD5C68267DB84DDBEBDE48B24EB6D152A1D212C494B4434D70FE/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg) ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/260x195/249313/E73C18AE4BA62027292230A080126E43CC06C5833F657149ABC2D8102EDCC944/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg) Open copyright © Gemeinde Niederkappel Close copyright [ ![President's Chair](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/463564/69049DF43734A353B7F1F6074AB80FF12E70AA8B8F0CD22391F2B336CCA8588B/praesidentenstuhl.jpg "© Gemeinde Niederkappel") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/463564/69049DF43734A353B7F1F6074AB80FF12E70AA8B8F0CD22391F2B336CCA8588B/praesidentenstuhl.jpg) Open copyright © Gemeinde Niederkappel Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249312/B403F7633A22BD5C68267DB84DDBEBDE48B24EB6D152A1D212C494B4434D70FE/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg "© Gemeinde Niederkappel") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249312/B403F7633A22BD5C68267DB84DDBEBDE48B24EB6D152A1D212C494B4434D70FE/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg) Open copyright © Gemeinde Niederkappel Close copyright [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/249313/E73C18AE4BA62027292230A080126E43CC06C5833F657149ABC2D8102EDCC944/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg "© Gemeinde Niederkappel") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/249313/E73C18AE4BA62027292230A080126E43CC06C5833F657149ABC2D8102EDCC944/dr-rudolf-kirchschlaeger-steig.jpg) Open copyright © Josef Eibl Close copyright [ ![President's chair in Niederkappel: A woman sits on a wooden platform on a steep cliff. She is enjoying the view of a mountainous, wooded landscape with a lake in the valley. The surroundings appear peaceful and idyllic.](https://assets.tourdata.at/x550/206689/6CC5A2741E1FC8754F9EB59B36F67AC828D8012E5950CF8677E77F8396E43FE3/praesidentenstuhl.jpg "© Josef Eibl") ](https://assets.tourdata.at/1920x/206689/6CC5A2741E1FC8754F9EB59B36F67AC828D8012E5950CF8677E77F8396E43FE3/praesidentenstuhl.jpg) 1. 2. 3. 4. Hauptstraße 12 4133 Niederkappel [ open in Google Maps ](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hauptstra%C3%9Fe%2012%2C%204133%20Niederkappel "Link will open in a new window") [ Open in Apple Maps ](https://maps.apple.com/place?address=Hauptstra%C3%9Fe%2012%2C%204133%20Niederkappel "Link will open in a new window") ![](https://static.ecmaps.de/staticmap.jpg?experience=webarchitektur-meta&width=991&height=450&project=ttg-basemap&path=enc:azxfHqbvsAjA{B`AsFlA`@ZoD?wGp@wIT_Gj@oEdBiEf@_Ct@qIYgLBcLEsEk@qCQ_Df@{Lc@uC}@sAx@{BdBiEzCqGdA_B|CeDIuElAqNt@uCO_FOi@v@G`BmBnBG|Aa@d@gB@yB|BcFv@mDbCgGd@aCp@s@rA]n@e@xALtCG`AcArDkAjEd@jA?pBZx@fAk@vAw@JaB|DkBfCeA~C{@z@IbBm@zAoNpXuBvFuE~RcBdGDbC{@rFl@bBa@f@A?i@v@u@nEXlBz@zA_AhAcAEKjBu@ZS`AsCQUm@RbFI`B_@`CQbGzBfFl@tBv@Ri@|JoBuDiCnCm@bD{C|G}@rAh@l@jCS@x@oAjFiEjE{C`GmDdE?KCyALsAJqAFw@FcBFcBFcBPyBRsARqA`@eBL_@|@yAP[TcBReBTcBFaB@y@GeBGcBGeB@qB?qB@oB@qB?qBE}BCe@Ik@[uAIUCC@a@Aw@SsBi@{AQiBBmAn@kBFcAEwA_@oAHu@Pk@BEFODi@Hk@N]R[\e@R[V_@Va@^m@RYPg@Ps@Ts@Ze@LW@CXYJGHIl@i@Z[PUPSPWHY@[A_@Ce@Cg@?QAS@e@?AFk@BY@[?U?c@Bc@Bc@Fq@TqBL}@Ji@DWL_@J[Ja@BWCeAGwA?c@E_@KUMIF?JAh@ENEXWb@e@Xa@LMTEp@Bb@?TC\I`@MHI??\@LDFBBBNNFBF?DIDQBS&server=meta.tourdata.at) **Short description:** Beautiful hike on the Danube heights from Kirchschläger's birthplace to the baptismal church. Unforgettable rest at the "President's Chair." Steles with impressive portraits and quotes **Quality of experience:** **** **Recommended season:** - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November **Properties:** - Scenic - Refreshment stops available **Description:** The former Federal President Dr. Rudolf Kirchschläger was born and baptized in Niederkappel. The attractive but also demanding circular hiking trail leads through the beautiful landscape of the Mühl and Danube valleys from Kirchschläger's birthplace on the Kleine Mühl near Obermühl, where the "Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone" now commemorates him, to the baptismal church - the "Mühlviertel Cathedral" in Niederkappel. Along the themed trail, stations with pictures and quotes from the life of the popular Federal President provide insight into his work as a great person and politician. Various themes such as politics, humanity, and humor are addressed. In honor of Dr. Kirchschläger, a unique viewpoint - the "President's Chair" - was created, offering unforgettable sublime moments.**Equipment:** Sturdy hiking boots recommended! [ Tour and route information ](#ttgCollapseTourdetails) --------------------------------------------------------- **Starting place:** 4133 Niederkappel **Destination:** 4131 Niederkappel **duration:** 3h 4m **length:** 10,2 km **Altitude difference (uphill):** 368m **Altitude difference (downhill):** 433m **Lowest point:** 281m **Highest point:** 548m **difficulty:** medium **condition:** medium **panoramic view:** Great panorama **Paths covering:** Asphalt, Path / trail, Street, Other **Starting point:** Niederkappel town square or Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone in Obermühl **Destination:** Niederkappel town square or Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone in Obermühl **further information:** - Board possible [ ![Altitude profile Dr. Kirchschläger Trail](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008119&width=355&height=250&FontSize=12&mkt=en) ![Altitude profile Dr. Kirchschläger Trail](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008119&width=450&height=350&mkt=en) ](#ttgHoehenprofilModal "Dr. Kirchschläger Trail") [ Along the trail ](#ttgCollapseAnDerStrecke) ----------------------------------------------- ![Cafe-Bäckerei Pumberger](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/345172/003D7AB771E74B403F70BC0F88671570335D722BB1C6F4029BB2440A06CAC56A/cafe-baeckerei-pumberger.jpg "Cafe-Bäckerei Pumberger") Cafe-Bäckerei Pumberger Many delicacies from the in-house bakery can be enjoyed in the integrated, cosy café. [ Open copyright © Copyright: Gasthof Gierlinger Close copyright ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/107946/C99C17B50B0249AB6BF3E3204A8B6DC77F10796FA91209616B0B1BFADAAB6859/gasthof-gierlinger.jpg "Gasthof Gierlinger (© Copyright: Gasthof Gierlinger)") Donauparadies Gasthof Gierlinger ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/101860/donauparadies-gasthof-gierlinger.html) ![Dr. Kirchschläger Gedenkstein](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/396912/FFA18D8E1941A1E8182461626F84F24EFFD3F870E4165B2080F1E2A16E0400CF/dr-kirchschlaeger-gedenkstein.jpg "Dr. Kirchschläger Gedenkstein") Dr. Kirchschläger Memorial Stone Dr Rudolf Kirchschläger was born in Grafenau, Niederkappel, in 1915 and was baptised a few days later in the Niederkappel parish church. As a result, Dr Kirchschläger repeatedly visited our town with his family in his later years. He celebrated his 70th and 80th baptism anniversaries in Mühlviertel Cathedral. Dr Kirchschläger died in Vienna on 30 March 2000. In his memory, a memorial plaque was placed in the parish church (donated by OSR Konrad Jäger) and a memorial stone was erected on the site of his birthplace in Grafenau 21. There is also a Kirchschläger trail that leads from the former family home on the Kleine Mühl to the Mühlviertel Cathedral. [ ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/151955/52D1BA4C11E0FA42A198A04C0BF3057CA7EBFF0D2AA325834428207DAA5A989A/unser-haus.jpg "unser Haus") Ferienwohnung Familie Jäger ](https://www.upperaustria.com/en/oesterreich-unterkunft/detail/430020344/ferienwohnung-familie-jaeger.html) ![KircheOberm%c3%bchl9](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/465540/D6EB1D4D5EFA3E1D73090E2691A4322AC9C638CCDB2D81AC6C7D233CB46A3223/kircheobermc3bchl9.jpg "KircheOberm%c3%bchl9") Filialkirche Maria Geburt Obermühl From a branch church to a modern church building A church was built in Obermühl between 1770 and 1772 and dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. At the time, it was a branch church of the parish church of Kirchberg ob der Donau. Due to the construction of the Aschach Danube power station, whose backwater reaches as far as Obermühl, the old village was relocated. The old church was demolished and the present church building was erected on a higher site in a modern style according to plans by the Viennese architect Heinz Scheide in 1964. The miraculous image of Mary was moved to the new church. In 2007, the church was rebuilt according to plans by architects Josef Schütz and Rainer Habringer and artistically redesigned by Gabriele and Alois Hain from Haslach an der Mühl. **Every first Sunday after All Saints' Day, the ceremonial Danube procession takes place with a boat trip and wreath-laying.** ![Fischgasthof_Aum%c3%bcller1_web](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/345876/F3A4BD2F3F4ED59B0F0A619E391F6E2C5209D06AC9E057F872FB3CED7AB72BCA/fischgasthofaumc3bcller1web.jpg "Fischgasthof_Aum%c3%bcller1_web") Fischgasthof Aumüller Our Fischgasthof is located right next to the Danube, nestled in the beautiful Danube valley. Our down-to-earth business is located directly on the Danube cycle path and the Donausteig trail. We are part of the Donausteig innkeepers' cooperation, are flexible and are happy to cater to the needs and wishes of our guests. We process Danube fish we have caught ourselves, game from our hunting grounds and serve numerous cider and juice varieties from our "Donautaler Mostkellerei". As a certified cider sommelier, I recommend our pear frizzante with the name "Donauperle" - a protected trademark! Seasonal delicacies such as Eferding asparagus can be found on our menu and the beer comes from the nearby Mühlviertel breweries Hofstetten and Schlägl. For groups, we offer guided tours of the winery with documented tastings of cider and juice. We cater to the individual wishes of our guests. Cider snacks and hot dishes in our sales room and wine tavern or inn. Capacity up to 60 people in the inn up to 100 people. ![Freibad](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/396396/2644AEC1D415CF543506FC07A865628F5A5D8C16E1FB31401AB6F5E08610383F/freibad.jpg "Freibad") Outdoor Pool Niederkappel Enjoy sunny hours in the heated outdoor pool in Niederkappel. The well-kept facility offers a spacious sunbathing lawn, a children's pool, shady areas and an adjacent children's playground - ideal for families, sports enthusiasts and those seeking peace and quiet. ![GH Wakolbinger](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/345171/7D57CC60C8E2BD1C6FDDE80EF72D617D74FD125250C126A216DC9ECC223426BE/gh-wakolbinger.jpg "GH Wakolbinger") Gasthaus zum Mühlviertler Dom Cosy inn to stop off at in any season ![Gasthof Gierlinger](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/462700/EB0DB556DD6BCDE85D74590088B14EF003846B66BEF6E99EF7CE06EB99779804/gasthof-gierlinger.jpg "Gasthof Gierlinger") Gasthof Gierlinger Our tradition-conscious family inn is located directly on the Danube. Enjoy a cool freshly tapped beer with wonderful views of the Danube flowing by, or let us spoil you with our down-to-earth and regional delicacies. We look forward to your visit! From the Gierlinger Danube Paradise, nature and sport can be wonderfully combined. The Danube cycle path and the hiking trails are a paradise for all those who like to be active and enjoy exercise. ![Mühlviertler Dom](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/465471/0F3B003D1FA8439762FCE4BFF5422567315DC6AF53398A9BD1EF115D5349DEE8/muehlviertler-dom.jpg "Mühlviertler Dom") Mühlviertel's Cathedral The Gothic church dating from 1404-1411 had finally become too small in the 19th century. Calls for a new church to be built grew louder and louder. The well-known and probably most important bishop of Linz, Bishop Rudigier, encouraged the establishment of a fund to enlarge the church, and the village judge and local poet Ignaz Donabaur made the first donation in 1858. The church was rebuilt between 1890 and 1895 and the plans for the "Mühlviertel Cathedral" were drawn up by Raimund Jeblinger, then master builder of the cathedral in Linz. The church was built at great sacrifice by the parish population. The parish and church patron saint is St. Andrew the Apostle. The church itself was consecrated in 1895, but the tower was not completed until 1907 and the organ was purchased in 1912. During a group tour, you will learn about the construction history of the Mühlviertel cathedral and at the same time gain an exciting insight into a time of great religious and social upheaval, which also left its mark on a small village. ![Präsidentenstuhl](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/396910/69049DF43734A353B7F1F6074AB80FF12E70AA8B8F0CD22391F2B336CCA8588B/praesidentenstuhl.jpg "Präsidentenstuhl") Präsidentenstuhl The presidential chair is located in Haar and was designed by artist Michael Lauss. The wonderful view, appropriate seats for subjects and drink holders for thirsty short-term presidents make for an unforgettably sublime moment. ![](https://assets.tourdata.at/660x495/316898/8696F1EA201594113802CCC08BCE8DA87DFE0DDEBEAE359CBC102E82088802BE/variant-jpg.jpg) Rastplatz Kleine Mühl Info: Gemeindeamt Niederkappel Tel.: +43 (0) 72 86 / 85 55 **Scheue Räuber...** Dieser scheue Geselle ist der Fischotter (Lutra lutra), ein am Wasser lebender Marder. Er wird etwa 130 cm lang, kommt in ganz Europa vor und lebt vor allem dämmerungsaktiv in schwer zugänglichen Uferzonen. Sein Revier kann bis zu 40 km Wasserlauf betragen und ist durch Duftmarken gekennzeichnet. Sogenannte „Ottersteige“ bezeichnen Pfade, die er immer als Ein- und Ausstieg in seine unterirdischen Baue benutzt. Fischotter sind Allesfresser und deshalb wenig wählerisch. Zu den Beutetieren gehören Fische, Insekten, Krebse und Säugetiere. Zum Leidwesen mancher Teichwirte jagt der Fischotter natürlich gerne dort, wo es ihm leicht gemacht wird und hat schon so manchen Fischteich leer geräumt. Häufig wird das durch Einzäunungen oder Ablenkteiche verhindert. In Niederkappel kam einst eine ["Geheimnisvolle Magd"](http://www.donauregion.at/detail/article/geheimnisvolle-magd.html) einer armen Bauernfamilie zu Hilfe. Was es mit der fleißigen Frau auf sich hatte und wie sich die Armut doch noch von dem Bauernhof anwendete, erzählt eine spannende Donau-Sage. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. [ Arrival ](#ttgCollapseAnreise) ---------------------------------- **Accessibility / arrival****Getting there** From Linz on the B127 to the Altenfelden roundabout, turnoff to Lembach im Mühlkreis, follow the road to Niederkappel **Public Transit** [Arrival in the Danube region](https://www.donauregion.at/service/artikel/detail/2890/anreise-region-donau.html) How to get to the Danube region of Upper Austria? The fastest way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship, or plane. Reachable from Linz by public buses in about 1 hour **Parking** Town center [ Suitability ](#ttgCollapseEignung) -------------------------------------- **Most economical season**- Spring - Summer - Autumn - Early winter [ Accessibility ](#ttgCollapseBarrierefreiheit) ------------------------------------------------- Please get in touch for more information. [ Contact ](#ttgCollapseKontakt) ---------------------------------- **Dr. Kirchschläger Trail** Gemeinde Niederkappel Hauptstraße 12 4133 Niederkappel Phone [ +43 43 7277 - 800 ](tel:+43437277800) Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804 E-Mail [gemeinde@niederkappel.at](#mailto) Web [www.donauregion.at/niederkappel](https://www.donauregion.at/niederkappel "New window") https://www.donauregion.at/niederkappel [ Declaration of consent ](#ttgCollapseZustimmung) ---------------------------------------------------- Interactive elevation profile ------------------------------- [ Download GPS data ](#ttgDisclaimerContent) [ Create PDF ](#ttgTourdataPdfModal430008119) [To the website](https://www.donauregion.at/niederkappel "New window") ×Declaration of consent ---------------------- The tours presented here are suggested tours that are provided free of charge. 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Please accept the terms and conditions and click 'Send' [GPX - Download (without waypoints) ](javascript:void(0)) [GPX - Download (with waypoints) ](javascript:void(0)) [KML - Download ](javascript:void(0)) [TCX - Download ](javascript:void(0)) **Recommendation**: For most apps (Komoot, Strava, Outdooractive), please download **GPX**. **KML** is particularly suitable for Google Earth/map views, **TCX** for Garmin and training apps. ### Altitude profile - Dr. Kirchschläger Trail Close ![Altitude profile Dr. Kirchschläger Trail](//static.et4.de/ElevationProfileChart/Go.ashx?Experience=hoehenprofil-meta&Server=meta.tourdata.at&AddElevations=true&AddOfftrackWaypoints=false&AddSurfaces=true&AddWaypoints=false&globalid=tourdata_tour_430008119&width=800&height=600&mkt=en) powered by [TOURDATA](https://www.tourdata.at "New window") [ ![TOURDATA Logo](https://www.upperaustria.com/fileadmin/templates/global/images/Logo-Tourdata.png "TOURDATA Logo") ](https://www.tourdata.at "New window")