L2 Auen-Trail

Description:

This easy to run circular route of about 12 km leads us into the Steyrer Auen landscape and nature reserve.

Directions:

The route starts at Steyr train station, past the Protestant church we soon reach the bank of the Enns River and have a beautiful view of the Ennskai of Steyr with its historic houses. We go right through the Kollertor, continue over the Zwischenbrücke that leads us over the river. Here the rivers Enns and Steyr meet. We keep left and walk along a jetty to the Work World Museum, which we go around on the left.

Continuing past the University of Applied Sciences, we reach a junction where we cross the Steyr River again on a bridge to the left. We keep right and walk 500 meters until we come to the Teufelsbach. Here begins the actual Auen-Trail. First, a path leads along the river for about 1.5 km until we meet a road that we now follow to the right for about 500 meters until shortly before the bridge we turn left into the Himmlitzer Au. Beautiful natural paths through the Au now accompany us for the next 3.5 km. Past the gravel banks, the recreational area of the Steyr residents. Here on hot summer days, you can take a pleasantly fresh dip in the cool water of the Steyr River.

Continuing through the Au, we arrive at the tracks of the museum railway. We cross the tracks and walk right up the conglomerate wall. At the top, the path splits, we take the right and follow it for the next 1.5 km until the path leads down to the tracks again, which we now follow for the next few kilometers. Past the pilgrimage church Christkindl, we head back towards the city. We pass the museum railway station and make our way towards the center. The tower of the parish church points the way. Arriving at the historic Steyr town square, we walk beside the town hall into a passage to the other side of the houses and cross the Enns River over a pedestrian bridge that leads us back to the starting point of our route.

Equipment:

The required equipment always depends on the respective route and weather conditions. Regarding provisions: this is very individual and it is advisable to have more rather than less with you in terms of equipment and provisions. A 5km round in the valley requires less than a demanding route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, warm clothing is of great importance, for example.

Here is a general checklist for you:

• Weather-appropriate running clothes for the respective season – weather forecast – region – altitude. These include, among others:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headgear (cap/headband/buff)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks, or a hydration bladder with enough fluid for the respective route (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)


• Snacks for a boost of energy in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a waist belt for small routes.


• Dry pack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optionally a small trash bag)


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. In my opinion, an Israeli bandage is highly recommended: it is a one-handed wound and pressure bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated into the trail backpack)


• Mobile phone


• Maps (online and/or offline)


• E-Card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Microspikes/spikes: these can be a great advantage in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

Additional information:
This trail was run for us by André Prinz