Danube Path from Passau to Linz

Hardly any other region is as varied as the Danube region in Upper Austria. Numerous landscapes that couldn't be more different accompany the hiker on the Donausteig from Passau to Linz to Grein and offer breathtaking insights into and views of a fabulously beautiful country. Discover highlights such as the striking narrow valley, the natural wonder of the Schlögener Schlinge and the numerous nature reserves.
 
Accommodation: Comfortable rooms with bath or shower/toilet, TV and partly Internet/Wi-Fi. Public car park on site. Payable on site: local tax.

Price per person:
1.5. – 5.10.2023: EUR 790,-
Supplement: half-board EUR 225,- ppp; single person EUR 94,- ppp

Code: OBLZDS1 DS B

Your Hiking Tour

Day 1:
Individual arrival to Passau or Kellberg and overnight stay.
When you arrive in Passau, you want to spend a little time in the baroque city of three rivers right at the beginning of your trip, the city on the Danube, Inn and Ilz is so diverse and attractive to visitors. It is located on a headland between the Danube and invites you to stroll and Inn old town.
Day 2:
In the breakthrough valley of the Upper Danube.
Hike Kasten - Engelhartszell: approx. 5 hours, 15 km, elevation gain/descent: 450 / 630 m
Experiencing the Danube from the ship is a special treat right at the beginning of the trip. Former merchants' and town houses are passed, as is the headland of the old town, where the meeting of three rivers, which is probably unique in the world, can be observed from three different directions. After a few turns of the Danube, you leave the ship in Kasten and the hike can begin. On this wooded first stage you will be rewarded again and again with wide views of the Danube Gorge Valley and, with a short detour, you can also climb the highest peak of the Donausteig - the Haugstein. From the idyllic small town of Stadl, the path slowly goes downhill again into the Danube valley to Engelhartszell, whose former importance as a toll station for Danube shipping can be traced back to the 12th century. The monks of the local Trappist monastery Engelszell are proud of their liqueur and beer - both made themselves - and have a good reputation. After the hike, you will be picked up in Engelhartszell by taxi to take you to your accommodation at the Schlögener Schlinge. (1 night in Haibach)
Day 3:
Natural wonder Schlögen loop
Hike Au – Obermühl: approx. 3 hours, 9 km, elevation gain/descent: 286 / 286 m
You wake up at the Schlögen loop, where the hiking tour runs along the northern bank of the Danube. Here the meandering Danube meets the mighty Bohemian Massif. The excavation process of the Danube into the hard rock took millions of years - the result is unique!
We also recommend exploring the Ciconia Donausteig circuit. This leads over eleven kilometers to beautiful viewing areas in the unique natural area of the Danube loop 'Schlögener Schlinge' and, among other things, provides insight into the history of Roman times. The path is varied and is complemented by clear information boards and rest areas - a worthwhile pleasure tour!
The starting point for the hike to the overnight location is Au - you take the cross ferry from Schlögen to Au. The trail becomes wildly romantic after the second bend of the Schlögen loop. The path continues past the alluvial terrace of Grafenau and directly to today's destination in Obermühl. (1 night)
Day 4:
In the Mühlviertel highlands
Hike Obermühl – Untermühl: approx. 3-4 hours, 9 km, elevation gain/descent: 454 / 458 m
Right at the beginning of the hike we go up into the highlands of the Mühlviertel to the 25 meter high wooden observation tower Burgstall. With the densely wooded Danube valley, the Sauwald and the gentle hills of the Mühlviertel, you can see three landscapes from here and, if the visibility is good, you can also see the Alps. Before we head back downhill into the Danube valley, we hike through a steep mixed forest. It's wonderful when the view widens and the Danube Bay of Untermühl comes into view. Overnight stay in Untermühl.
Day 5:
Through the wildly romantic Pesenbachtal to Aschach
Hike Untermühl – Aschach: approx. 6-7 hours, 18 km, elevation gain/descent: 684 / 712 m
The wildly romantic trail starts from Untermühl through the jungle-like Donauleiten up to Neuhaus Castle, which was built in the 12th century as a hunting lodge for the Passau bishops. Nestled in the Mühlviertel hilly landscape, St. Martin will soon be reached. Salt was traded here on the old royal road, the via regia. Shortly afterwards you leave the high plateau and finally come to the Pesenbachtal, another highlight of the Donausteig. The hike through this wooded valley is tranquil. As it continues, the section of the stream narrows into a gorge-like gorge. The path alternates between wooden paths and beautiful paths downhill from the cascading water. After leaving the romantic valley, we head back down old paths to the Danube in the beautifully situated Aschach. Overnight stay in Aschach.
Day 6:
Over the Pöstlingsberg to Linz
Hike Aschach – Linz: approx. 6 hours, 16 km, elevation gain/descent: 693 / 692 m
From Aschach take the bus to Ottensheim (about 13km) and cross the Eferdinger Basin. At the beginning of the hike you walk along the “Treppelweg” for a while, then you wander through a rural cultural landscape up to the Dürnberg and on to the atmospheric summit forest of the Koglerau. After a long descent and ascent, the two church towers of the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingsberg, Linz's landmark, come into view. From here you have a unique view eastwards into the urban Linz basin. Down to Linz you follow the Stations of the Cross and walk over the Nibelungen Bridge to the baroque main square. Overnight stay in Linz.
Day 7:
Possibility of extension or departure from Linz
If you want to explore Linz, the best place to start is in the beautiful old town around the magnificent main square.

Requirements and general information
The tours have differences in altitude of up to 1000 meters, the daily walking distance of 10 to a maximum of 25 kilometers can be covered without difficulty in about 4 to 8 hours. The starting and resting places along the Donausteig are constantly provided with large information boards, which tell illustrated Danube legends and make the Donausteig a fabulous hiking experience.