Donausteig Stage 1_N04 Obermühl - St. Martin: “Summit Assault - Danube Valley & Mühlviertler Highlands”

This Donausteig stage starts in Obermühl. The small Danube village lies in the forested breakthrough valley of the upper Danube at the mouth of the Kleine Mühl into the mighty Danube stream. The appearance of the village is puzzling: a historic place with uniform architecture from the 60s? From the village center, we hike along a beautiful footpath through the quaint hillside forest of the steep Danube slopes uphill. Wall remains, wayside shrines, a stone arch bridge, ... bear witness to the historical importance of this path. Upon reaching the high plateau of the Mühlviertler highlands, we leave the forest and after a few meters arrive at the Burgstall observation tower. Congratulations - here we stand on one of the seven Donausteig peaks! It is the highest elevation rising directly from the Danube stream. From the viewing platform, there is a magnificent panoramic view: over the Mühlviertel, the Danube valley, the Sauwald, ... up to the Alps – simply stunning! A few meters later follows the summit stone of the Burgstall. Then, on a village street, we descend briefly into the rural village center of Kirchberg. On the onward route, we hike through the atmospheric cultural landscape of the rolling high plateau: lush meadows, laborious fields, quaint forests, traditional farms, wonderful views, ... – pure Mühlviertel idyll! Along the way, farmers’ roads, field and forest paths alternate delightfully. At Winzberg, a farm road leads us again through the steep mixed forest of the Danube slopes down to the Danube stream. There we are greeted by a beautiful view over the idyllic Danube bay of Untermühl. We follow the riverside road, cross the mouth of the Große Mühl, and finally stand in the Danube settlement of Untermühl. Only with knowledge of the history of this place do we recognize its diverse specialness – simply exciting! The short but steep climb through the primeval Danube slopes to Neuhaus Castle is an experience in itself. Initially on a wildly romantic trail, later on an overgrown, old road course, we reach the magnificent castle, a highlight! It makes us smile not only because of its architectural details but also tells of the nearby quarrying of the famous Neuhauser granite. From here, the stage continues comfortably uphill on a side road to the Donausteig rest stop “Neuhauser Platzl”. After a short descent followed by a longer ascent, we are again on the atmospheric high plateau of the Mühlviertler highlands. A panoramic Donausteig rest stop offers wonderful views back over our stage – pure landscape enjoyment! Then we hike in gentle ups and downs through the rural cultural landscape on farm roads, field and forest paths to St. Martin. Danube valley and high plateau – simply an experience!

Discover the following special features with the Donausteig diary:

- Obermühl - the sunken village!

- Donausteig starting point “Obermühl”

- The salt route?

- The rock grotto

- A Viking ship?

- Burgstall observation tower – a Donausteig peak!

- Donausteig rest stop “Burgstall”

- Kirchberg – simply Mühlviertel!

- ...

Download: Donausteig diary stage 1_N04 Obermühl-St. Martin

From the Donausteig starting point “Obermühl”, we follow the road to the right beside the church about 200 m uphill. Then, a beautiful footpath leads right through the steep forest of the Danube slopes up to the high plateau of the Mühlviertler highlands. There we leave the forest and after a few meters reach the Burgstall observation tower. Immediately following is the summit stone of the Burgstall and the Donausteig rest stop “Burgstall”. Afterwards, a farm road brings us a short way down to Kirchberg, where we follow the village street eastward. Passing the municipal office on the left, we continue past the Donausteig starting point “Kirchberg” until the building materials store at the edge of town. Now first left and immediately right to the sports field. Soon begins a longer forest path, crossing an asphalt road. At the forest edge, a farm is bypassed on the left. Finally, its farm driveway leads us to a T-junction. There, left downhill to the farm at the end of the road. Then mostly on forest paths, sometimes meadows and a short road section, to the Gasthof Kaltenbrunn. Here, on the asphalt road, left downhill. At the next left curve, straight ahead, we reach a large farm at a right bend. Pass it on the left. Initially on meadows, later on forest paths, we hike through the steep forest of the Danube slopes down to the Danube stream. Then left along the riverside road, across the bridge over the Große Mühl and right downhill to Untermühl to the Donausteig starting point “Untermühl” (at the parking lot in front of Gasthof Ernst). From here, a short stretch along the road heading east. After the small bridge (cyclist barrier), the Donausteig leads left between two huts. Then we hike on a beautiful footpath through the steep forest of the Danube slopes up to Neuhaus Castle. Above, left on the road further uphill to the Donausteig rest stop “Neuhauser Platzl”, where we descend again for a short stretch to a creek. Right leads over a panoramic meadow path up to a farm at the Falkenberg. Now continue on farm roads to the T-junction in Grub. Here first right and at the next road fork in the forest, left uphill. A field path leads to the next farm. There right downhill into the forest. Afterwards, field paths take us past a large four-sided farm to the Landshaager main road. We follow this right and turn right onto the village street at the edge of St. Martin. Shortly after, we arrive at the Donausteig starting point “St. Martin” in front of the parish church.

To make orientation easier, the Donausteig has been equipped with its own orientation system - you can find the description here.

In Untermühl, in front of Neuhaus Castle and in St. Martin, several information boards offer exciting details about the hidden special features of the area. Take your time and read!

WGD Donau Oberösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Lindengasse 9
4040 Linz, Austria
Tel. +43(0)732/7277-800
Fax. +43(0)732/7277-804
info@donausteig.com

Municipal office Kirchberg ob der Donau
4131 Kirchberg ob der Donau
Tel.: +43(0)7282/4601 Fax: 46015
gemeindeamt@kirchberg-donau.at
www.kirchberg-donau.at

Tourism Association St. Martin
Markt 2
4113 St. Martin
Tel.: +43(0)7232/2105
gemeinde@sankt-martin.at
www.tourismus.sankt-martin.at