Grande Granite Tour: Stage 2
- culturally interesting
- Multi-day tour
Interactive elevation profile
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Tour-Details
Paths covering:
„Past the “North Cape” and ridge between rivers to the top of the Bohemian Forest“
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
Once you have passed Kohlstatt, you can bike ahead blissfully, Bohemian Forest ridge in view, through a patchwork of gentle hills, forest and meadow on to the northernmost point of the tour. Congratulations! The return journey starts with some wonderful forest biking on the ridge between the Mühl rivers. After seeing Julbach, the Mühlviertel’s mild weather retreat, you then progress to the meadow-filled valley of the Kleine Mühl river. On the route goes along the slope of the valley and over hidden hinterland hills to Sarleinsbach stream. And last but not least: three breath-taking ridges between rivers, followed by a dash up to the hilltop village of Sankt Stefan am Walde (805 metres) at the summit of the Bohemian Forest.
Highlights:
- Northernmost point on the route
- Julbach – the Mühlviertel’s mild weather retreat
- Kleine Mühl, Grosse Mühl and Steinerne Mühl (rivers giving the Mühlviertel region its name)
- Sankt Stefan am Walde (hilltop village, summit of the Bohemian Forest)
- Overnight location: At the summit of the Bohemian Forest in the hilltop village of Sankt Stefan am Walde
Once you have passed Kohlstatt, you can bike ahead blissfully, Bohemian Forest ridge in view, through a patchwork of gentle hills, forest and meadow on to the northernmost point of the tour. Congratulations! The return journey starts with some wonderful forest biking on the ridge between the Mühl rivers. After seeing Julbach, the Mühlviertel’s mild weather retreat, you then progress to the meadow-filled valley of the Kleine Mühl river. On the route goes along the slope of the valley and over hidden hinterland hills to Sarleinsbach stream. And last but not least: three breath-taking ridges between rivers, followed by a dash up to the hilltop village of Sankt Stefan am Walde (805 metres) at the summit of the Bohemian Forest.
Start by biking in the vicinity of the tri-border area between Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic from Kohlstatt, Bohemian Forest ridge in view, downhill through a blissful patchwork of gentle hills, mixed forest and meadow. Once you make it to the farmhouse at Bräuerau 16, you have reached the northernmost point of this MTB tour – the Mühlviertel’s very own “North Cape”. Congratulations! The return journey begins on the forested ridge between the Grosse Mühl and Kleine Mühl rivers. This is a relaxed ride uphill through shady coniferous forests with secluded clearings. After crossing past Golfpark Böhmerwald (and watching out for stray golf balls flying through the air!), the route will take you through a handsome area of mixed forest and a short trail ascent ahead of the highest point (728 metres). Then follows a brief forest descent, after which you will be standing at an anticline with gorgeous views over the Bohemian Forest ridge and the Kleine Mühltal. Now the route shifts over to the latter – the meadowy valley through which the Kleine Mühl flows. A steep asphalt road leads down to Julbach, the Mühlviertel’s mild weather retreat! Due to its south-facing position in a basin, it enjoys particularly temperate weather, so fruit trees thrive in spite of the village’s high, northern location. Then, for a short time, you will bike ahead on the slope of the valley before enjoying some invigorating downhill fun on fast-paced dirt roads down to the meadows by the Kleine Mühl river – different landscapes in perfect harmony. The route demands some tough legwork on the opposite side of the valley via Niederkraml, with a crunchy forest ridge (610 metres) and a short descent as you pass through to the historical market at Peilstein im Mühlviertel. Located on a hill above the Kleine Mühl, its name is said to derive from a hunting ground. A fast loop spirals down into the valley, back up on the other side of the valley to Stierberg and then back again. This is followed by some majestic high ridge biking along the Kleine Mühl valley, taking in lonely farm roads, quaint forest paths, idyllic meadow routes, sublime views and more. Leisurely riding interspersed with crunchy climbs and fast descents! Highest point: In the mountainous forest between Rampetzreit und Hennerbach (640 metres). From Rutzersdorf, you climb a crunchy double hill in the agricultural backcountry (highest point: Innerhötzendorf at 580 metres). After a brief chance to recharge your batteries riding through a secluded forested valley and then a rough-and-ready steep climb, you will have reached the historical market at Sarleinsbach. Half-time – a perfect spot to take a break! The attractive market square is lined by the centuries-old grand houses of local farmers who made a prosperous living for themselves and acquired full rights as burghers in the town.
Here begins the tantalising prospect of river ridge riding, the chance to traverse the ridges that rise between the Kleine Mühl, Grosse Mühl and Steinerner Mühl rivers (from which the Mühlviertel region takes its name). After a rapid descent into Lichtenbach valley, you will begin to cross your first ridge between rivers (4.5 kilometres, 140-metre ascent, 180-metre descent) into the Kleine Mühl valley. The steep climb leads over a country lane, then onto a rough-and-ready forest trail to Obernberg (600 metres), the highest point. Give yourself a pat on the back! Let your heart rate come down for a while as you enjoy the stunning views. Finally, whiz through 3.2 kilometres of beautiful farmland accompanied by short counter-climbs into the forested Kleine Mühl valley. The route then follows the river along a quiet country road.
In Hühnergeschrei, you will begin to cross your second ridge between rivers (12.8 kilometres, 330-metre ascent, 290-metre descent) into the Grosse Mühl valley. Next, cycle uphill over a ridge with splendid views over the surrounding scenery. Short, steep sections provide the height, balanced out by a stretch of easy, flat terrain. Wonderful views paired with shady paths through mixed forest, meadow tracks that bring you close to nature, and lonely farm roads combine to create a majestic, high-altitude, idyllic countryside experience. Highest point: Crossing below spot mark 685 (675 metres). Good job! Following the rhythm of the hills, the 7.5-kilometre descent offers an assortment of fast-flowing riding, wind in your hair and fun on the trail, guiding you down to the thickly forested Grosse Mühl valley. Passing Schönbergmühle mill, the route then briefly follows the river along a quiet country road.
Immediately from here, you will begin to cross your second ridge between rivers (8 kilometres, 303-metre ascent, 260-metre descent) into the Steinerne Mühl valley. After a high ridge used for farming and featuring traditional hop gardens in Marbach, a trail takes you on a forest descent – followed shortly after by a crunchy forest ascent. Shortly after the Hollerberger farmstead, a fast downhill to Fleckbach stream provides a welcome opportunity to reset and recharge. Then it is time to get pedalling again – initially on a steep farm road, finally, in ultra-direct, rough-and-ready fashion, across the meadow to the Denkmalhof Unterkagerer farmhouse museum, a treasured piece of rural cultural heritage. On the farm road just above, your heart will be racing as you take in the beautiful views at the highest point (660 metres). Nicely done! The 3.2-kilometre descent with a short counter-climb heads down into the heavily forested Steinerne Mühl valley. Follow the meanders of the secluded river on riding trails provided by Mother Nature.
At Zaglmühle mill comes the final summit dash towards the top of the Bohemian Forest (elevation gain: 350 metres). This will involve cranking up steeply, initially on an asphalted road towards a settlement, later in close proximity to nature along a meadow track, then finally on a super-crunchy forest path. After the houses of Haummer, it becomes – mercifully – more leisurely. The panoramic views open up, and you can enjoy sublime mountain biking thrills at their finest. A gently ascending farm road will then point you up to the highest point (860 metres) just before Sankt Stefan. Congratulations! One short descent later and you will have reached the hilltop village of Sankt Stefan am Walde (805 metres).
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Board possible
Public Transit
Location and getting there
How to arrive in the Danube Upper Austrian region?
The fast way to your destination – by train, bus, car, boat or plane.
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- 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
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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.
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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.
Interactive elevation profile
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Tour-Details
Paths covering:
Grande Granite Tour: Stage 2
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