Grande Granite Tour: Stage 1
- culturally interesting
- Multi-day tour
Interactive elevation profile
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Tour-Details
Paths covering:
“A dash up to the peak of Granite Country’s highlands and uplands”
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
Starting from the deep Danube Gorge, bike to the village of Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis (840 metres) at the southern summit of the bevelled uplands and savour the panoramic views. After a fantastic downhill run with alpine scenery, the route follows the hilly agricultural landscape on the west slope of the mountain range. The second peak dash takes you from the forested summit of Ameisberg, the highest point of the uplands at 941 metres! Enjoyable downhills with a varied backdrop and a hilly stretch then take you up to the north end of the uplands. Then, it is a case of navigating a gently hilly highland with a harmonious patchwork of woodland and fields into the secluded village of Kohlstatt. A spectacular start!
Highlights:
- Upper Danube Valley Nature Reserve (rare, forested gorge)
- Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis (highest village in the region, panoramic viewpoint)
- Ameisberg (highest mountain in the region, lookout point)
- Schloss Altenhof palace (architectural gem)
- Overnight accommodation: A secluded Mühlviertel inn
Starting from the deep Danube Gorge, bike to the village of Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis (840 metres) at the southern summit of the bevelled uplands and savour the panoramic views. After a fantastic downhill run with alpine scenery, the route follows the hilly agricultural landscape on the west slope of the mountain range. The second peak dash takes you from the forested summit of Ameisberg, the highest point of the uplands at 941 metres! Enjoyable downhills with a varied backdrop and a hilly stretch then take you up to the north end of the uplands. Then, it is a case of navigating a gently hilly highland with a harmonious patchwork of woodland and fields into the secluded village of Kohlstatt. A spectacular start!
The Upper Danube Valley is over 90 kilometres long, making it one of the longest gorges along the Danube. Nestled in the deep gorge of the Upper Danube Valley, where the Ranna river flows into the Danube, the lonely hamlet of Rannamühl is the starting point for this choppy uphill blast. First, you will ride along the banks of the broad Danube downstream on quiet side roads. Around 1.7 kilometres after Niederranna begins the 550-metre summit dash! The first third of this ascent heads up the shady mixed forest in hairpin bends through the Danube Valley’s steep slope. At the legendary Schloss Marsbach castle, once a feared nest of robber barons in feudal times, the route swings up even more steeply for a short interval. Then the landscape opens up, with the first realisation of the elevation reached ensuring a welcome sense of success. You will subsequently pass through lush meadows, fertile fields, scattered farmers’ hamlets, woods and more besides – in short, idyllic Mühlviertel countryside! Relatively leisurely country lanes then lead up a small hill to the mystical Labyrinth der Verwandlung (“Labyrinth of Transformation”) installation. The magic of the place prompts visitors to think about the sort of transformation that multi-day biking tours awaken in us – mountain biking as philosophical inspiration! Following the rhythm of the hills, you will then ride uphill to the ridge at Emmerstorf. Here, you can get a first view of the village of Hofkirchen in the centre of a rolling high plateau. After a loop with a refreshing descent and an enjoyable trail climb, you will be at the edge of the historical market. Slightly above the village stands the Labyrinth der Begegnung (“Labyrinth of Encounters”) installation, which recalls the local history of salt trading and from which a majestic view of the Alps can be taken in. A dirt road, itself with a panoramic vista, then ascends to the next stretch of high land – with some steep sections along the way. The last climb leads through wonderful mixed forest on the mountainside – initially on trails, then finally on a quiet country lane towards the village of Pfarrkirchen, which boasts breath-taking views of the surrounding scenery. This is the highest village in Mühlviertel Granite Country’s highlands and uplands. At the edge of the forest above the centre of the village is a magnificent panoramic viewpoint (840 metres), which is sure to delight those visitors who make it up there. Congratulations, you are standing at the southern summit of the bevelled uplands! Sensationally beautiful views down the valley reinforce the elevation you have reached, while the Alpine backdrop is no less breath-taking. This is followed by a blissful, dreamy downhill stretch, encompassing historical forest trails, effortless asphalt surfaces with astonishing views over the Alps and a free-flowing frolic through the forest until heading down to Schloss Altenhof, which is well worth stopping to see. The inhabited private palace on a terraced hill is a true gem, from the avenue running through it to its stately gardens and architecture. Once it belonged to the House of Falkensteiner, a powerful ruling family that was significantly involved in developing settlements from the Mühlviertel’s primeval forests. The route now follows the hilly agricultural landscape on the western slope of the upland. After a short and fun descent through meadows comes a hidden mini valley full of the spirit of Mühlviertel rural life, after which you can conquer the heart-pumping ascent to Schlag (elevation gain: 160 metres). Following the rhythm of the hills, you can then whiz along down to Aumühle mill with some short counter-climbs. There begins the second summit dash (410 metres)! This involves riding up a high ridge, taking you close to nature along tracks through fields and meadows as well as on lonely farm roads past a scattering of hamlets. As the elevation increases, the views over the surrounding scenery will open up – as will your sweat pores. Around the hamlet of Amesedt, the plateau allows a welcome opportunity to proceed at a more leisurely pace before immersing yourself in the forest at the summit. Short, steep steps require some adroitness from the rider. After a relaxed section of country lane, you will make the final climb through dreamlike mixed forest with a number of tricky spots to navigate. At the foot of the observation tower surrounded by the forest, you are at the highest point of either the bevelled uplands or Granite Country’s highlands – 941 metres. Congratulations! The castle-like viewing tower was built back in 1903 for tourist use, although today, it generally cannot be accessed. Next, a 3.5-kilometre downhill stretch with a varied backdrop is sure to put a smile on any biker’s face, followed by enjoyable trail riding through the high forest, which then opens up into visually beautiful landscape. The lowest point is reached at the hamlet of Mollmannsreith. A section across hilly terrain with a 140-metre ascent and a brisk 2-kilometre descent takes you through lonely coniferous forests and secluded farmland and onwards to Kollerschlag. The end of this settlement’s name means “clearing”, recalling the time in which sections of the Mühlviertel’s ancient forests were felled for development. Here at the north end of the elevated terrain begins a final climb into the uplands – a bending uphill course with 150 metres of elevation gain through striking shady forests and agricultural oases. The farming hamlet of Geretschlag is followed by an expanse of elevated, gently undulating terrain featuring a harmonious patchwork of woodland and fields up to the secluded village of Kohlstatt. All in all, a spectacular start!
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.
- 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
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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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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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Interactive elevation profile
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Tour-Details
Paths covering:
Grande Granite Tour: Stage 1
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