The Mystical - Strudengauer 9er (Stage 1)

According to oral traditions, the wind on this stage appears in different forms. On particularly stormy days, especially in winter and during the Rauhnächte (whispering nights), the "wild hunt" takes place,  with the devil and his team crossing the forests of the Strudengau. "Windstrauka," as the colloquial term for the wind is called, can also appear around the Mondstein in other forms, for example as an old, blind man, or as a particularly beautiful or particularly ugly woman. Those who want to appease the wind supposedly sacrifice salt, bread crumbs, or feathers.

In mysticism, the area around the Mondstein also grants certain locals special powers ("baptizing women") or lets the souls of the dead wander through the woods on certain nights ("Fuchtelmandl"). The special shape of the Mondstein (also called "Herzerlstein" by locals) is reflected in the Strudengauer 9er logo. A picture board in the slate gorge recalls the special fate of a lard dealer who sank into a swamp. The offering bowls at the Frauenstein seem never to dry out and bring luck to petitioners. Truth or superstition due to the special mysticism of the harsh winter nights in the Strudengau – nobody knows.

Starting from the hiking trail starting point Grein directly at the Danube riverside, the route first heads downstream to the mouth of the Greinerbach. From there continue on the "Hermann-Wenigwieser-Weg" and the Greinerbachstraße. Cross the Greinerbach and before the Bauernwieserweg follow hiking trail no. 7 to the Wassenberger Chapel. Then the Marienstein awaits, a natural monument and mystical power spot for the first rest. Continue on hiking trail no. 7 to the Hintergruber farm. Cross the B119 and the Gießenbach, then follow hiking trail no. 9 to the Hotel Aumühle. Past the Aumühle continue on the Gütweg Gießenbachtal heading north. Follow hiking trail no. 11a on the Kleine Gießenbachrunde until you reach Klausmühle. Then continue on the Donausteig past the Mitterlehner farm to the Mondstein. Here a second rest with a view is offered.

The hike continues on the Donausteig past the Kollroß Chapel and the Klein Eder farm. Follow hiking trail 5b on the Frauensteinrunde to the Frauenstein, the last of the three mystical stones. At the Geisberger farm, a detour to Bad Kreuzen is possible. On the way back, take the snack station Speckalm (station with hiking fridge open around the clock) on the Kreuzner Donaublickrunde. Continue on the Donausteig past the Mühlberg rest area (organic shop) and then on the Greiner Donaublickrunde back to Grein or follow the 2nd stage of the Strudengauer 9er - the Cozy One.

• Viewpoint Marienstein (natural monument and power spot)


• Mondstein (cult stone and resting place)


• Frauenstein


• Places to eat: Aumühle and Speck-Alm (station with hiking fridge open around the clock)