L3 Grillenparz-Trail

Circular route of approximately 11 kilometers and about 550 meters of elevation gain with ever-changing path sections, starting from Kirchdorf train station with rewarding views and an inviting resting bench at the summit of Grillenparz

After starting at Kirchdorf train station, you go straight ahead first to the Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Hospital, behind which lies the named destination of this route, the Grillenparz, also locally called Grillparz. Before the hospital, turn right and the warm-up continues through narrow side streets of Kirchdorf before turning left into the city park after the indoor pool and elementary school. After the park, ascending a bit steeper, turn right before a distinctive left curve at the border between Kirchdorf and Micheldorf into Groileitenweg (signpost "Oberschlierbach 6km").

After a few houses, you leave the asphalt and reach a wide forest or forestry path. Shortly afterward at a junction, follow the left, narrower path further through the forest that leads to a meadow area with a view opening towards Altpernstein Castle. Then it continues flat again on a side street before you reach a narrow meadow path beside a small brook behind a house. After a short flat section on the road, the path turns left, well-signed towards Grillenparz and Schlierbach. Here begins one of the most beautiful sections of this round with a great view into the Kremstal, to the opposite Kremsmauer, and the Totes Gebirge beyond. On a rooty forest trail, you reach the highest point of the route and can look forward to the following short downhill through the forest.

Make sure to take time for a short detour to the Traunstein viewpoint bench. At the end of the path, you reach a small settlement. After crossing the road leading from Kirchdorf to Oberschlierbach, there is first an uphill, then flat, longer asphalt section. Near a transmission mast, the "Grillparz parking lot" is signposted, where you can already spot the distinctive summit tree. Once you enter the forest, follow some steep steps and a path through the forest on the left towards the summit. The last meters of elevation go over a meadow, where you reach the 842-meter-high Grill(en)parz with an inviting bench and larch tree, on the backside of which a summit book box is mounted. To the north, the view stretches far over the central area to the Mühlviertel, often recognizing the industrial chimneys of Linz.

For the return to the starting point, briefly take the ascent path again but turn right at the forest edge towards Kirchdorf. The trail runs nicely through the forest, first moderate, then quite steep for a section, and finally leads into Scherleitenstraße. Past the upscale restaurant Scherleiten (which unfortunately only cooks for closed groups of 10 or more people), a short section on asphalt is run, followed by another forest section. After this forest, you already have a good view of the approaching town of Kirchdorf. The path goes over several switchbacks past a farm through a settlement and shortly later reaches the hospital, from where you go straight back to the train station.

The required equipment always depends on the specific route and weather conditions. Regarding food: this is very individual, and it is advisable to have more rather than less when it comes to equipment and provisions. A 5 km round in the valley requires less than a challenging route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, warm clothing is very important.

We have a general checklist here for you:

• Weather-appropriate running clothes for the respective season – weather forecast – region – altitude. These include, among others:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headwear (cap/headband/neck gaiter)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headwear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks, or hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective route (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)


• Snacks for an energy boost in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a waist belt for shorter routes.


• Dry pack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optionally a small trash bag)


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. An Israeli bandage is, in my opinion, highly recommended: it is a one-handed wound and pressure dressing. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated into trail backpacks)


• Mobile phone


• Map material (online and/or offline)


• E-Card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Crampons/spikes: these can be very beneficial in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

This trail was run for us by Werner Ramsebner