Grande Granite Loop: Stage 3
"Bohemian Forest biking, ridge cruising & cult lookout summit"
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Cultural/historical value
- Geological highlights
- Botanical highlights
- Faunistic highlights
Magnificent start: Wonderful ridge biking on the Bohemian Forest roof – with wide views & forest trails! In Guglwald, a pleasurable descent into the Stone Mill Valley delights. A mountainous trip into the hinterland then lets you experience solitude. Back at the Stone Mill begins the dreamy climb on the Petersberg ridge with final panoramic ridge cruising! After flowing downhill fun, the tough summit assault on the cult lookout summit Hansberg (850 m) starts! Long enjoyable descent into the Small Rodltal and opposite, up to the summit castle village Waxenberg (748 m).
Highlights:
- Bohemian Forest (Central Europe's largest forest area)
- Hansberg (cult lookout summit)
- Summit castle village Waxenberg (castle ruins, 360° panorama observation tower, castle)
- Overnight stay: In the summit castle village Waxenberg
Magnificent start: Wonderful ridge biking on the Bohemian Forest roof – with wide views & forest trails! In Guglwald, a pleasurable descent into the Stone Mill Valley delights. A mountainous trip into the hinterland then lets you experience solitude. Back at the Stone Mill begins the dreamy climb on the Petersberg ridge with final panoramic ridge cruising! After flowing downhill fun, the tough summit assault on the cult lookout summit Hansberg (850 m) starts! Long enjoyable descent into the Small Rodltal and opposite, up to the summit castle village Waxenberg (748 m).
You start on the Bohemian Forest roof in the ridge village St. Stefan am Walde (805 m) with a short ascent and are already at the highest point (914 m) of this stage at the AVIVA Hotel. Congratulations! The Bohemian Forest – Central Europe’s largest forest area – begins behind the hotel and thus the first highlight: Wonderful Bohemian Forest biking along a gently descending 5.5 km ridge! Briefly you dive down into the depths of the coniferous forest towards the north. A large clearing there lets you experience the eternity of the forests and their rural oases. Back at the southern edge of the Bohemian Forest, ridge biking impresses with wide views, later forest trail fun on historic paths. From the lowest point, the Löfflersäge, it goes a short climb on a quiet country road along the edge of the Bohemian Forest to Guglwald (750 m). Scattered "CAUTION national border" signs recall the time of the Iron Curtain to the Czech Republic. The return route to the Danube begins with a scenic descent: Asphalt slalom through pure granite idyll – past the beautiful farmers’ hamlet Gugler (artful granite window and gate lintels, farm chapel, granite wayside shrine, ...) – down to the Stone Mill. On the opposite valley flank it goes steeply uphill briefly and over a gentle settlement ridge down to Piberschlag. There a nice excursion into the solitude of the hinterland surprises: After a short “trail” fun into the Brentenbach Valley, you cycle on rural feeder roads through forest solitude and hidden (mountain) farmland to the inconspicuous highest point of this detour – a crossroads (775 m). Congratulations! For welcome regeneration, the 2 km long flow descent into the hidden Holzmühl Valley to Untereben ensures a good rest. There a shady forest path leads briefly up the valley flank, then you cycle relaxed downhill through rural cultural landscape. Two highlights in a row: Trail-like mixed forest climb to Brandl, flowing downhill fun to the Atzmühle at the Stone Mill. There begins a dreamy mountain challenge: the multifaceted 7 km long climb (260 vertical meters) on the Petersberg ridge! Initially through lonely valley forest, then over a rural ridge and finally over rural terraces up the mountain flank to the Petersberg. There, steep sections, natural meadow paths surprise... and beautiful views back to the Bohemian Forest. At the roof of the Petersberg ridge – congratulations! – relaxed panoramic ridge cruising delights. Fast, 3 km long downhill fun alternating between asphalt surfing and path flow brings you back to the valley. A first view opens to our stage goal – the summit castle (ruin) Waxenberg! A short counter ascent to the farmers’ hamlet Kaiser and in the following valley floor begins the tough summit assault (230 vertical meters) on the cult lookout summit Hansberg. The mountain ride happens in four sections: rustic coniferous forest, an initially tricky meadow section, more relaxed riding through settlements and finally a partly tricky forest path. At the summit house "conglomerate" (= fusion of chapel, private houses, snack station, ... into one building) you stand at the highest point (850 m). Congratulations! By the way: already in the 17th century a 10 m high tower and a chapel were built here. In the 19th century it was torn down and a guest room with observation deck was built. Over time the ensemble grew with a youth hostel, ski lift, ... to a cult lookout summit. On the east side of the summit house today a panorama viewpoint allows a beautiful view of Pfarrkichen am Walde, Ameisberg & Co.
The 5 km long descent enchants with short trail fun, flowing speed rush on quiet country road to St. Veit im Mühlkreis and steep gravel path into the Small Rodltal. Above the idyllic meadow valley towers on a wooded hill the summit castle (ruin) Waxenberg. One more enjoyable ascent (170 vertical meters) through rural cultural landscape and beautiful mixed forest, then you have reached today’s stage goal, the summit castle village Waxenberg (748 m).
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Board possible
Hotel for singles, solo travelers and friends.
Arrive alone, vacation together.
Experience society & make new friends
Just got single or has you been a single long since? Alone vacation? But then vacation without couples and a hotel without children, not sitting alone at the cat table, not a small room with a high single room surcharge and above all not feeling alone. But where is that possible?
In the AVIVA, in the hotel exclusively for singles, solo travelers and friends. AVIVA is make friends. Holidays without couples and children!
We are more than a wellness hotel. Arrive alone, make new friends, vacation together, celebrate, be active in sports, relax, eat well, experience nature, laugh, have profound conversations, experience communication and society or just have time for yourself. A club vacation for singles and solo travelers without being a club.
There are numerous leisure activities around the Frellerhof. Hike the Mühlviertel on our natural themed hiking trails, take a trip to the nearby wind turbines or use the nearby ice rinks for an exuberant game of bratl. A hike or pilgrimage to the holy water in the Maria Rast forest chapel completes your excursion.
For celebrations we offer you a guest room for 40 people. A pretty parlor for 20 people is available. There is also a large hall for approx. 200 people. The newly designed garden is always open when the weather is nice and has 60 seats. We are happy to keep places free for you.
The new FrellerKeller attracts with numerous specialties and the exquisitely designed space both for the eyes and for the well-being of our guests. Company parties, anniversaries, birthday parties, ... stylish and tasteful ambience! The ancient vault has been restored and emphasized with both modern and traditional furnishing elements. You can enjoy the popular bacon from your own Selch with selected wines from Austria or international top wine regions.
We are Bio.Genuss.Partner
We use high-quality organic products from the region - for genuine Mühlviertel taste.With our Bio.Genuss.offer and our commitment, we show that organic is not just a product, but also an experience.
With our Bio.Genuss.excursion tips, you can find out which organic farms are near us and how you can visit them - to discover, taste and buy.
As a partner of the Bio.Genuss Mühlviertel-Danube project, we combine enjoyment, origin and hospitality - for all those who not only want to eat organic, but also experience it.
Discover all enjoyment experiences & offers at: www.biogenuss-muehlviertel.at
The apartment is located away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in the middle of nature, on the Czech border not far from the Vltava/Lipno reservoir. The many possibilities for outdoor activities from numerous (mountain) bike trails, hiking opportunities and finally the nearby lake offer a balancing change from the often hectic everyday life.
The associated horse stable offers the opportunity for trail rides and much more with your own or rental horses - visit horse-in-harmony.at
Located in the middle of the picturesque Bohemian Forest at 840 m, the Helfenberger Hütte invites nature lovers and active recreational athletes.
It is located directly on the Nordwaldkammweg and is therefore the ideal starting point for various cycling and hiking tours in summer.
Due to the traffic-free location, it is also ideal for families.
In winter there is a cross-country ski run right next to the hut and there are countless opportunities for snowshoe tours.
The hut is run as a self-catering hut and is particularly suitable for families, school classes and other groups. It is ideal for hiking days, project weeks, getting to know each other as well as seminars and exams.
The cottage:
It consists of two separately bookable cabin parts with overnight accommodation for 31 or 39 people. The exact division of beds can be seen in the reservation form. There is a separate lounge for each part of the hut. A common kitchen and two leisure rooms in the basement with a Bolder wall and table football are available. There is enough space in the garden for various games and there is also a barbecue area
You can meet the innkeepers in the kitchen. Or in the service. Because that's what the Atzmüller family has always been known for: For genuine hospitality and conviviality. And for the delicious tavern delicacies. Because tempting delicacies are conjured up here from the best local produce.
The cuisine is regional and down-to-earth
And finely prepared at the same time. Some dishes are reinterpreted. One thing always remains the same: you can taste the origin. Regionality is important, which is why most of the vegetables come from Eferding, the meat from the village and the bread and pastries from the bakery around the corner. And you can taste it, whether at the breakfast buffet, a cozy snack or dinner with friends or family.
And because beer has been brewed in the Mühlviertel for more than 500 years, there are not only the best beers to taste here. But also numerous tips for excursions along the "Mühlviertel Beer Route".
Discover our first-class seminar offers, which combine culinary delights with productive events. In a stylish ambience, we offer tailor-made solutions for your needs to make your seminars a complete success. Detailed information on our seminar packages follows below.
Modern seminar rooms for up to 30 people.
Feeling comfortable, treating the body to wellness and refuelling on new energy: Hotel Guglwald****s has pure lifestyle in store for its guests. From exclusive suites to the stylish-elegant wellness area with the ATRIUM sauna area to the Guglwald Kulinarium for gourmets, there is no shortage of luxury. An abundance of offers all around relaxation and physiotherapeutic treatments top off the perfect wellness programme.
The popular snack station is a good tip to enjoy a culinary excursion to the fullest with a hearty plank, Sulz, bacon or cheese snack as well as homemade bread. Incidentally, the gusto pieces are obtained directly from the Schuster meat shop next door.
Es handelt sich dabei um eine 1,4 Meter hohe Service-Station, die mit einer Aufhängevorrichtung für Fahrräder, einer Luftpumpe sowie Handwerkzeugen wie Schraubenzieher, Inbus- und Schraubenschlüssel etc. ausgestattet sind und an denen kleinere Gebrechen am Fahrrad bequem und kostenlos selbst behoben werden können.
Es handelt sich dabei um 1,4 Meter hohe Service-Stationen, die mit einer Aufhängevorrichtung für Fahrräder, einer Luftpumpe sowie Handwerkzeugen wie Schraubenzieher, Inbus- und Schraubenschlüssel etc. ausgestattet sind und an denen kleinere Gebrechen am Fahrrad bequem und kostenlos selbst behoben werden können.
Stelzerkapelle am Nordwaldkammweg zwischen Helfenbergerhütte und Guglwald
Geocache
Public Transit
How to get to the Danube region of Upper Austria?
The quick way to your destination – by train, bus, car, ship or airplane.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz
Phone +43 732 7277 - 800
Fax machine +43 732 7277 - 804
E-Mail info@donauregion.at
Web www.donauregion.at
Vis-à-vis users
1. The tours presented for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc. are to be considered non-paid tour recommendations and only serve as non-binding information. We have no intention of concluding a contract with the users of this website. The utilisation of the data does not lead to the establishment of a contract with us.
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The tour recommendations posted were created with utmost care; nevertheless, we assume no liability for the correctness and completeness of the information.
We point out that neither the tour recommendations included on this website nor the associated data and information were posted by us, but rather by third parties (Art. 16 Austrian E-Commerce Act). We have no influence on whether the details provided (e.g. distance, level of difficulty, change in altitude, description etc.) are authentic, correct and complete. We do not review these third-party contents. For this reason, we assume no liability for the authenticity, correctness and completeness of the information.
Construction-related measures or other influences (e.g. landslides and similar occurrences) can lead to temporary or permanent changes in a route (e.g. loss of a bridge and similar occurrences). Such occurrences can lead to part of the route or the entire route becoming impassable.
The use of the data as well as undertaking (riding, walking, taking etc.) the recommended tours or using the network of paths occurs at users’ own risk and on their authority. In particular, users themselves are responsible for the choice of route, outdoor orientation, adherence to traffic rules, supplies and equipment for tours listed in Point 1 (e.g. bicycle etc.), wearing a helmet, estimating their own fitness, recognising dangers and maintaining an appropriate velocity. We exclude ourselves from any liability whatsoever for damages, in particular accidents, that occur whilst taking part in the recommended tours.
2.Some of the tours lead over roads with normal traffic conditions. Please observe that there is an increased risk which can be avoided by means of appropriate attention and proper estimation and implementation of one’s own abilities. For this reason, please travel a route that is unfamiliar to you slowly and with special care. Pay constant attention to potential dangers and always observe traffic. Do not leave the routes featured in descriptions.
The potential use of private roads, in particular forestry roads and agricultural transport roads, can be subject to legal restrictions, which must be observed and adhered to.
The normal traffic rules apply. Each user (e.g. biker, motorbiker) is responsible for adhering to these rules and maintaining his/her bike/vehicle and its equipment (lights, brakes etc.) in good working order. Each user is also responsible for ensuring that he/she rides at a velocity that is appropriate for the conditions and his/her skill level and for maintaining sufficient distance to the rider in front. We explicitly recommend adjusting velocity to correspond to the respective field of vision, wearing a helmet, using reflective clothing (or similar) and employing bicycle lights in line with regulations.
3.Each tour requires good physical fitness as well as detailed planning. We explicitly recommend only taking the tours in the case of optimal healthiness.
We recommend that you conclude an accident and liability insurance policy. Use an onboard computer that displays the respective kilometres travelled per day and is calibrated for the front wheel.
4.Special for mountain bikers – Fair-play rules:
Mountain biking is one of the most wonderful outdoor leisure-time activities. Whilst biking or on a mountain biking tour, mountains and lakes, meadows and cabins are re-discovered in new ways. A couple of rules for fair play in the forest help to avoid conflicts whilst mountain biking.
a.Pedestrians have the right of way: We are accommodating and friendly to pedestrians and hikers. Upon encountering these fellow travellers, we alert them by using the bicycle bell and slowly overtake them. We avoid paths with heavy pedestrian traffic altogether. Take nature into account: We do not leave refuse behind.
b.The braking distance should be half of the total distance visible: We ride at a controlled pace, are ready to brake and maintain a braking distance half as long as the total distance visible, especially in curves, because we always have to count on obstacles on the path. Damage to the path, stones, branches, wood piles, grazing livestock, cattle grids, barriers, tractor-type forestry machines and authorised vehicles pose dangers that we need to be ready for.
c.Don’t drink and drive!: Do not drink alcohol when mountain biking. Take care at stop-off points (dealing with bike racks, dirty shoes or clothing).
It is obligatory to provide first aid!
d.Marked routes, closed paths and blockades: Keep to the marked routes, observe the blockades and accept that these roads are primarily for agricultural and forestry use!
Blockades can often not be avoided and are in your own interest. Biking beyond the intended path and outside of opening times is punishable and turns us into illegal bikers.
e.We are guests in the forest and behave accordingly, including vis-à-vis forestry and hunting staff. Whilst mountain biking, mobile telephones and music players are forbidden! Biking requires your full attention.
f.Avoid unnecessary noise. Out of consideration to the animals living in the wild, we only bike during full daylight. As a principle, we always wear our helmet (even when riding uphill)! Don’t forget emergency supplies: We always have a repair set and bandages along.
g.Don’t overestimate your skills: We should not overdo it when it comes to biking technique and physical fitness. Take the level of difficulty posed by the route into consideration and make a precise estimate of your experience and skills as a biker (braking, bell, lights)!
h.Close gates: We approach grazing livestock at a walking pace and close every gate behind us. We should avoid causing escape and panic reactions in the animals. Nothing stands in the way of the fun and athletic challenge in the mountains and forests!
i.Traffic rules: The general traffic rules (StVO) apply for all the mountain biking routes and we adhere to them. Our bike therefore needs to be in perfect technical condition and equipped in line with the traffic rules, including brakes, a bell and lights. We inspect and service our mountain bikes regularly anyway.
5.We assume no liability for the contents of external websites; in particular, we assume no liability for their statements and contents. Moreover, we have no influence on the design or contents of the websites to which hyperlinks on www.muehlviertel.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to www.muehlviertel.at. There is no on-going review of websites to which hyperlinks on www.muehlviertel.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to www.muehlviertel.at. We do not appropriate the contents of websites to which hyperlinks on www.muehlviertel.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to www.muehlviertel.at.
Vis-à-vis bloggers
PLEASE OBSERVE:
1. Each of your tour recommendations for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc., along with other details and information, is free of charge. In particular regarding the correctness of the information, we assume no liability, nor do we assume any liability whatsoever for the consequences of the use of your tour recommendation by a third party (in particular by a user of this website). We do not review the tour recommendations you post, including other details and information, at any time.
We have no intention of concluding a contract with persons who post tour recommendations and/or other details and information on this website. Posting data (information) does not imply that a contract has been concluded.
By recommending a tour, we assume special responsibility vis-à-vis other athletes. Please take this responsibility seriously and describe your tour recommendation with utmost care and to the best of your knowledge and belief.
2.Your tour recommendations must therefore clearly and unambiguously include at least the following criteria and provide a sufficiently detailed description:
• Starting point
• Detailed route description
• Distance/Overall distance
• Level of difficulty
• Dangerous spots
• Average duration of trip
• Change in altitude
• Finishing point.
If possible, please provide the change in altitude.
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Thank you for your efforts!
4. We are not responsible for the contents of external websites; in particular, we do not assume any liability for their statements or contents. Furthermore, we do not influence the design or contents of websites that can be accessed from www.muehlviertel.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to www.muehlviertel.at. The websites that can be accessed from www.muehlviertel.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to www.muehlviertel.at are not regularly monitored. Furthermore, we do not assume any claims to the websites that can be accessed from www.muehlviertel.at via hyperlinks or that use hyperlinks to refer to www.muehlviertel.at.
Altitude profile - Grande Granite Loop: Stage 3
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