R1.12 Weltstein Loop
4040 Linz
„To the Roof of the World and Back“
Recommended season:
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Family friendly
- Geological highlights
Enjoyable summit bike route from the legendary Danube River in the Machland plain up to the Weltstein (478 m) in the Aist-Naarn hill country. Includes a short walk on the last meters to the summit. River cycling along the Danube and Aist, mountain biking in the hill country, flat cycling in the Machland plain … and a 2.7 km panoramic descent with Alpine views. A true delicacy!
Highlights:
- Schwertberg (flatboat ride on the Aist)
- Aiserbühne (castle-like theater backdrop in a quarry)
- Weltstein (highest point of the loop)
- Mühlstein town Perg (Mühlstein Museum Steinbrecherhaus, Erdstall – Ratgöbluckn)
- Naarn Canal (historic wooden log rafting canal)
From the boat harbor Au on the Danube, you briefly accompany the mighty Danube on its legendary towpath upstream to the mouth of the Aist. Then you change rivers and follow the meanders of the former pearl river across the extensive Machland plain. From the beautiful bike path along the river dike, you look out grandly over fertile fields and magnificent four-sided farmsteads. From Furth, you cycle at river level – occasionally on short sandy roads – through settlements and an open industrial area. At the edge of the plain, the historic market town Schwertberg surprises with a beautiful park on the Aist River including flatboat ride opportunity and a hidden Renaissance castle.
Here begins the idyllic hilly landscape of the Aist-Naarn hill country and the 220-meter summit climb to the Weltstein. Settlement roads lead – partly steeply – up to a rural ridge. Tip: Shortly before the summit, a detour to the Aiserbühne is recommended, an old quarry with an elaborate stage castle as an open-air theatre! At the junction at the summit, the summit loop of the atypical route branches off. Over the airy ridge, you cycle gently uphill on farm roads into the rural village of Winden. A short descent offers cooling off. Then you pass through the shady mountain forest of the Jocklgraben in serpentine curves fairly steeply – but manageable with low gears – uphill. High above impresses the farming settlement Lina: rustic farmsteads, beautiful orchards, narrow fields, lush meadows, magnificent deep views ... A rural paradise on the roof of the world! A few meters later you arrive at the bike parking lot "Weltstein." The grand panoramic view delights and gives a proud sense of altitude. A short walk brings you to the legendary forest summit Weltstein (478 m). Congratulations!
As an additional reward, enjoy 2.7 km of panoramic descent with Alpine views set to the rhythm of rural cultural landscape. Pure bliss! After a short counter ascent, the summit loop ends. You then race through hidden fields down into the lonely Aisthofner Bachtal and immediately back up on the opposite slope. Through scenic farmland, you finally reach the edge of the Machland plain with gentle ups and downs – the Mühlstein town Perg. Tip: A short detour to the Mühlstein Museum Steinbrecherhaus makes the former importance of Perg conscious! The idyllic town center invites you to enjoy a relaxing break. After passing residential areas, you go out to the strictly regulated Naarn River – a historic rafting canal used to transport firewood for the metropolises Vienna and Budapest. At the sewage treatment plant, you leave the Naarn and cross the wide Machland plain on rural side roads. Large wheat, corn, and vegetable fields ... testify to fertility, beautiful farmsteads to lively tradition. At the height of the Straß farmstead, you rejoin the mighty Danube through river meadows. Now follows a relaxed cycling out on the riverbank dike along the legendary towpath. To the roof of the world and back!
Tip:Discovery trips with enjoyable stops! This route leads directly past the following culinary partners:
Safety guidelines:
The main part of this enjoyable summit bike route leads over paved side roads or farm roads and along the Danube on the well-paved towpath. Along the Aist River, it goes between the Danube and Furth via a well-paved dike bike path; afterwards, four sections (380 m, 650 m, 170 m, 200 m) run over comfortably rideable sandy roads. Basic shifting skills are advantageous for the long climb. Basic braking skills are necessary for the long descent.
Signage:
To make orientation easier for you, the Danube bike loops have been marked with their own bike guidance system. This loop follows the signage "R1.12 Weltstein Loop".
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
- Board possible
Living with the sun - you can enjoy that in Austria's first energy self-sufficient house. Energy Globe Winner 2018. Modern architecture and art make your stay a special experience. The tourist community of Schwertberg offers many sporting and cultural highlights.
We are an organic.pleasure.farm
We invite you to experience organic with all your senses on our farm. Take time to look, smell, taste and discover - here you can experience organic.A special symbol of this is our Bio.Genuss.Bankerl made of Mühlviertel granite and wood: a place to pause, enjoy and arrive.
We are part of the Bio.Genuss Mühlviertel-Danube project, which links organic businesses even more closely with restaurants and accommodation providers - for tangible enjoyment and genuine origin.
Discover our Bio.Genuss.portrait and all Genuss.experiences at: www.biogenuss-muehlviertel.at
Gemüsehof Voggeneder is an experience for young and old alike. Manuel not only invites his guests to come and pick strawberries in June, but also offers vegetable tastings for tourists. The farm is very easy to reach, especially from the Danube Cycle Path or the R1.13 Alpenblick route. The combination of enjoyment and insight into regional agriculture makes the farm a special destination for national and international visitors. Last but not least, the farm conveys a relaxed and familiar atmosphere that invites you to experience the constant work on the farm for yourself. And if you can't get enough of the produce at the vegetable farm, you are sure to find what you are looking for in the farm store and can take some fresh produce home with you.
We are an organic farm & partner
We use our own organic products and organic products from the region - for real 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 other organic farms are located 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
Small campsite for three standing places
Arrival Monday to Sunday. Registration via WhatsApp at: 0664/73477049
Enjoy a wide variety of ice creams in the beautiful guest garden, directly on Perg's main square.
Lunch menu € 12,00
Classic burger + fries
Bacon burger + fries
- Easy Cheese + fries
daily from 11:00 to 14:00
Where the Aist flows into the Danube is a place that brings people together: Camping Au is more than just a campsite - it is a culinary meeting place for travellers from all over the world. Campers, cyclists and locals come together here to experience nature, enjoy good food, laugh together and swap stories.
The campsite stands for cosmopolitanism and community - inspired by the travels of the two campsite operators and the special atmosphere that welcomes every guest. Gerhard and Arnold, both career changers, have been running this unique meeting place since 2006. What once began with a small hut and a few barrels has developed into a place that now brings together people from over 60 nations. Arnold, a trained chef, and Gerhard, a globetrotter with a knack for crafts and gardening, complement each other perfectly. Their love of diversity and their travels characterise the special atmosphere of the campsite. "For us, camping means bringing nature and people together - that's the most beautiful and sometimes the most challenging thing," says Arnold, smiling as he prepares vegetables for dinner. This philosophy is particularly reflected in their multicultural kitchen team, which is enriched by Nepalese chefs - a connection inspired by Gerhard's travels in Nepal. A culinary highlight that is particularly popular with many guests is the "Donaustandler". This exciting fusion of regional ingredients and innovative flavours never fails to delight guests. In addition to this favourite, the "Donau Stand'l" also offers regional specialities such as crispy Steckerlfisch, the vegetarian "Boßner" or freshly prepared farmer's doughnuts. For vegans, there is also the Nepalese Momo, which rounds off the offer.
The location of the square, directly on the Danube and surrounded by orchards, invites you to experience nature in all its beauty. You can watch kingfishers, cycle along the banks or visit the "Biberbursch": a beaver that has lived nearby for years and regularly builds its dams. Gerhard laughs: "We have a kind of contract with him - as long as he sticks to the rules, he can stay!"
After a good meal, it's best to stay on site. Campsites, huts, owl's nests and sleeping barrels ensure relaxed nights in the middle of nature. Whether on a cycle tour along the Donau cycle path, on a hike "Fuchtelmanderl-Weg" or on a day trip - Camping Au offers enjoyment, relaxation and the feeling of being part of something special.
These tours also lead past the donAu-Stand'l:
Whether home cooking or oven-fresh pizza with Austrian or Italian wines. Our family-run business takes great care of your physical well-being. In the morning we serve a hearty breakfast.
The Schartmüller family offers home-style cooking at customer-friendly prices, which you can enjoy in a dining room for groups of up to 50 people.
In addition, the Gasthaus zum Einhorn has several guest rooms, which are equipped with shower/bath and WC as well as TV/Sat.
In particular, Perg was the home of millstone production. There are interesting documents on the history of Mitterberg, the Castle in Ruins, and the former administration center.
Ratgöbluckn: The 106 meters long underground tunnel system dates back to medieval times. It was chiseled into sandstone and connects eight chambers, which include two sitting alcoves and nineteen light niches. The tunnel system used to be a place of refuge during the turmoil of the Middle Ages.
Scherer Quarry: Small, secluded outdoor system with still visible remainders of millstone production.
In 1734, the council of the market town of Perg decided to build the Calvary Church. Construction work lasted until 1754 and the late Baroque circular building with an elliptical floor plan and rococo interior was consecrated to the crucified Saviour in 1765.
Table room
Our Tafelzimmer is also suitable for civil weddings.
Stadl
The Stadl adjoins the party room, which is particularly suitable as an extension and has many advantages due to the existing bar system.
On warm summer nights, the inner courtyard can be used not only for a welcome drink, but also for a cosy get-together.
In 2001 we renovated the Stadl, giving it a rustic yet very festive character.
Blacksmith's shop
This room, which has been left in its original state, has a unique rustic ambience. Forging was still done here until 1938.
Our forge is particularly cosy in the cold season, as the original forge makes an excellent open fireplace. The fire in the fireplace radiates a pleasant warmth and cosiness that will make your event an unforgettable evening.
This room, which has been left in its original state, has a unique rustic ambience.
Tramstüberl
This room has a tram ceiling, a spacious bar and a tiled stove. If required, the tables can be arranged to create a small dance floor.
As the smithy is next door, these two rooms can also be used together. This allows you to use the rustic ambience of the Schmiede and the bar area of the Stüberl.
This room has a tram ceiling, a spacious bar and a tiled stove.
A large hall with a beautiful stucco ceiling and parquet floor offers enough space for larger events. An excellently equipped bar is located directly in front of the hall. The hall can be used in many different ways. Whether birthday parties, lectures, seminars or other festivities.
The museum that never closes
The fascinating world of millstones
around the clock
The millstone museum Steinbrecherhaus offers a unique opportunity to experience the history and culture of the Perger millstone crushers around the clock. With an innovative audio guide system, you can explore the various exhibition areas of the freely accessible site at Mühlsteinstraße 43 at any time and at your own pace. The informative and entertaining narrations bring historical objects to life and enable a deep understanding of the town of Perg's past.
The millstone is one of the oldest, most important and above all vital tools of mankind. Because the millstone is the prerequisite for our daily bread. Even in the Bible, in the Book of Moses, it says: "You shall not seize the mill or the millstone, for whoever does so seizes life!
And for centuries, millstones have ensured a certain prosperity for the small market town of Perg. After all, the Perg millstone quarries were famous far and wide and were the largest in the old k&k monarchy.
Mühlviertler Stub`n: comfortable parlor and restaurant
NEW: s`Gwöberl - Rrstaurant - bar for up to 40 persons
Event center & dining hall: ideal for anniversaries, balls, celebrations, weddings
Rustic beer garden with chestnut trees.
- spacious sunbathing lawn
- Children's playground with running drum, rope slide, sandpit etc.
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.
In Schwertberg finden Sie diese SelfService-Station beim Dachsbergsteg, nahe dem Römerrastplatz am R30.
Info: Marktgemeindeamt Naarn im Machlande
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 62 / 582 55
Gegabelter Fluss…
Bevor der Mensch in den Lauf der Donau eingegriffen hat, verzweigte sich die Donau, in mehrere Haupt- und Nebenarme. Zwischen Geschiebeanlandungen und -ablagerungen herrschte ein dynamisches Gleichgewicht zu dem regelmäßige Überflutungen und Laufverlagerungen gehörten. Unter diesen Einflüssen entwickeln sich Flussauen, in denen alle Bewohner an den schwankenden Wasserstand angepasst sind. In Mitteleuropa sind heute nur noch Reste der ursprünglichen Auen vorhanden, da viele dieser Wälder durch Abholzung, Umwandlung in landwirtschaftliche Flächen, Besiedelung und Flussregulierungen zerstört wurden. Trotz Nutzung und wasserbaulicher Eingriffe sind entlang der Donau flächige Auwälder erhalten geblieben. Sie enthalten die naturschutzfachlich wertvollsten Tier- und Pflanzenarten des Machlandes. (nähere Infos: Naturinfozentrum Saxen, www.entenlacke.com).
Früher waren die Donau-Auen besiedelt von Wassergeistern, die die Menschen mit ihrem Gesang betörten und sie dann in die Tiefe zogen. Heute findet man keine Wasserwesen mehr. "Wer die Nixen vertrieben hat"? Eine Donau-Sage erzählt von dem Ereignis.
The rest areas consist of an exposed concrete column, reminiscent of a Roman milestone, bearing a Roman head created by artist Miguel Horn and containing information about the local community, the Danube cycle path and the Romans, as well as a 5 metre long rest bench made of concrete and stone and a paved floor made of Danube pebbles. The architecture is based on design elements from Roman times.
The design for the Roman rest areas was the result of a competition organised jointly with the University of Art and Design Linz and won by student Lukas Beltrame. An important partner in the construction of the squares is the construction academy in Steyregg, which produced all the built-in parts for the squares with its apprentices.
Salve is a place of encounter!
Come to the Café & Bistro and enjoy the conscious deceleration. Coffee specialties, teas, various breakfast options, delicious snacks and lunch dishes - here you are only served products that the providers stand behind 100%, quality before quantity!
Come by or order your lunch menu in advance - the Salve team is looking forward to your visit!
The first "Perger Stainprecher" were mentioned in 1391 AD.
In 1582, Emperor Rudolf II confirmed the trade regulations of the Perger millstone crushers, which lasted until 1859.
However, the profession of millstone crusher gradually died out after the First World War. Today's open-air site, which was made accessible again in 1988, shows the remains of what was once a large quarry.
Information: Marktgemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 02/ 58 255 - 0
Flößerei und Holzschwemme
Bis vor ca. 65 Jahren stand Au an der Donau ganz im Zeichen der Flößerei und der Holzschwemme. Flöße, die von Orten stromaufwärts kamen, vor allem aus der Ennsmündung, wurden hier zu größeren Flößen für die Weiterfahrt nach Wien und Budapest zusammengebaut. Aus dem kleinen „Enns-Floß“ wurde das große „Budapester-Floß“. Andererseits wurden aber auch Hölzer, welche eine Schwemmstrecke von manchmal 80 Kilometern zurückgelegt hatten, aus der Aist geholt, gestapelt, verkauft und mit Schiff oder Bahn weiter transportiert. In Au an der Donau war der größte Holzumschlagplatz der Monarchie.
Since Edith Wagner took over, the Wirtshaus Hofer has stood for traditional, home-style cooking, a rich selection of salads and lots of cosiness at the regulars' table.
We cook fresh and homemade food. Together we want to build on what the house is known for.
Public Transit
How to get to the Upper Austria Danube region?
The fastest 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.
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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:
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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.
Altitude profile - R1.12 Weltstein Loop
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