The Mystical - Strudengauer 9er (Stage 1)
4040 Linz
On the first stage of the Strudengauer 9er, brave adventurers walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. The special energy surrounding three significant stones – Marienstein, Mondstein, and Frauenstein – has inspired the imagination and superstition of the local residents for centuries and has given rise to countless legends.
Recommended season:
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Cultural/historical value
- Summit route
According to oral traditions, the wind on this stage appears in different forms. On particularly stormy days, especially in winter and during the Rauhnächte (whispering nights), the "wild hunt" takes place, with the devil and his team crossing the forests of the Strudengau. "Windstrauka," as the colloquial term for the wind is called, can also appear around the Mondstein in other forms, for example as an old, blind man, or as a particularly beautiful or particularly ugly woman. Those who want to appease the wind supposedly sacrifice salt, bread crumbs, or feathers.
In mysticism, the area around the Mondstein also grants certain locals special powers ("baptizing women") or lets the souls of the dead wander through the woods on certain nights ("Fuchtelmandl"). The special shape of the Mondstein (also called "Herzerlstein" by locals) is reflected in the Strudengauer 9er logo. A picture board in the slate gorge recalls the special fate of a lard dealer who sank into a swamp. The offering bowls at the Frauenstein seem never to dry out and bring luck to petitioners. Truth or superstition due to the special mysticism of the harsh winter nights in the Strudengau – nobody knows.
Directions:Starting from the hiking trail starting point Grein directly at the Danube riverside, the route first heads downstream to the mouth of the Greinerbach. From there continue on the "Hermann-Wenigwieser-Weg" and the Greinerbachstraße. Cross the Greinerbach and before the Bauernwieserweg follow hiking trail no. 7 to the Wassenberger Chapel. Then the Marienstein awaits, a natural monument and mystical power spot for the first rest. Continue on hiking trail no. 7 to the Hintergruber farm. Cross the B119 and the Gießenbach, then follow hiking trail no. 9 to the Hotel Aumühle. Past the Aumühle continue on the Gütweg Gießenbachtal heading north. Follow hiking trail no. 11a on the Kleine Gießenbachrunde until you reach Klausmühle. Then continue on the Donausteig past the Mitterlehner farm to the Mondstein. Here a second rest with a view is offered.
The hike continues on the Donausteig past the Kollroß Chapel and the Klein Eder farm. Follow hiking trail 5b on the Frauensteinrunde to the Frauenstein, the last of the three mystical stones. At the Geisberger farm, a detour to Bad Kreuzen is possible. On the way back, take the snack station Speckalm (station with hiking fridge open around the clock) on the Kreuzner Donaublickrunde. Continue on the Donausteig past the Mühlberg rest area (organic shop) and then on the Greiner Donaublickrunde back to Grein or follow the 2nd stage of the Strudengauer 9er - the Cozy One.
Tip:- Viewpoint Marienstein (natural monument and power spot)
- Mondstein (cult stone and resting place)
- Frauenstein
- Places to eat: Aumühle and Speck-Alm (station with hiking fridge open around the clock)
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Circular route
- Board possible
Immerse yourself in the world of the senses. Our wellness oasis with sauna, brine steam bath, caldarium and relaxation room is soothing for body and soul. Experience pure bathing fun in the swimming pool with waterfall or in the whirlpool with music.
Experience true hospitality with culinary delights of the region, tasty international dishes or selected top wines. Nothing stands in the way of a cosy evening in our house. Feel welcome in our lovingly furnished rooms of our hotel. Comfort and cosiness for a successful stay.
The seminar rooms are equipped with the latest technology, allowing your ideas free rein and embodying the peace and tranquillity of the Mühlviertel countryside.
Right on our doorstep you will find a natural spectacle of a special kind. During a two-hour walk on the qualified hiking trail you will experience the romantic Stillenstein Gorge with its mighty rock formations. In addition to selected cultural events, the Strudengau also offers numerous wonderful cycling and hiking opportunities.
Let yourself be inspired by our delicacies and enjoy the magnificent Danube view from our unique sun terrace with a good glass of wine or a cultivated glass of beer.
We have 3 different menus daily and also always fresh regional offers.
Coffee & Coffee Specialities
Teas & hot drinks
homemade pastries
breakfast & snacks
lunch & dinner menu
Drinks of all kinds
wines from our own wine cellar
Air-conditioned garden directly on the town square
Info: Verein Grein Tourismus
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 68 / 70 55
Im Einklang mit der Natur wirtschaften…
ist das Ziel des vom OÖ Naturschutzbund, Bezirksgruppe Machland Nord betreuten Hofes. Zwei Wohnhäuser und diverse Wirtschaftsgebäude zeichnen den Hof aus. Das Areal gliedert sich in Wiesen oder Weiden und Wald. Etwa 20 Hochlandrinder werden in Freilandhaltung gehalten. Jahrtausendelang bewirtschaftete und kultivierte der Mensch das Land im Einklang mit der Natur. Mit diesem Naturwirtschaftshof sollen altes Wissen und alte Bewirtschaftungsmethoden bewahrt werden. Durch eine ökologische schonende Bewirtschaftung kann eine enorme Artenvielfalt und das Landschaftsbild, das den Betrachter erfreut, erhalten werden. Das Wissen um diese Bewirtschaftungsart soll in Form einer Ausbildung zum Naturwirt auch weitergegeben werden.
In der Nähe von Grein trieb einst auch der Teufel sein Unwesen. Was es mit der Geschichte "Die Teufelsmauer" auf sich hat, weiß die Donau-Sage.
Information: Marktgemeindeamt
Tel.: +43 (0) 72 66 / 62 55-78
Wollsäcke…
Geologisch gehört das Aist-Naarn-Kuppenland, in dem wir uns befinden, zur Großeinheit der Böhmischen Masse und besteht hauptsächlich aus Graniten und Gneisen, dem Kern eines alten Gebirges. Besonders regionaltypisch sind die Fels- und Block gebilde, die durch Verwitterungsprozesse entstanden sind. Oft finden sich an Kuppen, Rücken und Scheiteln Fels- und Blockgebilde. Sie entstehen durch die sogenannte Wollsackverwitterung. Durch sie bleiben abgerundete Blöcke übrig, durch Abtrag des sie umgebenden Materials werden sie freigelegt. Sie sind landschaftsprägende Elemente und wichtiger Lebensraum für Flechten und Moose.
Bei der Wollsackverwitterung dringen chemisch aggressive Lösungen in das Gestein ein und es kommt zu einem Steinzersatz entlang der Ecken und Kanten. Es entstehen abgerundete Steinquader, die von Verwitterungsmaterial umgeben sind. Wird dieses Material abgetragen, bleiben sie als Wollsackblöcke, oft in bizarren Formen, zurück.
Der geheimnisvolle Mondstein hat eine interessante Geschichte - spüren auch Sie den "Zauber des Mondsteins".
Typical Italian, Mediterranean and regional delicacies in the restaurant or to take home.
Salad buffet
Cocktail bar
Beautiful shady garden
Greek, Italian and Mexican specialities, pizza service, daily menu.
The Speck-Alm - the name says it all. However, there is much more to Tanja and Michael Gaßner's farm than just a generational business focussing on pork. The smell of freshly baked wood-fired bread mingles with the clear Danube air every day, while the ringing of cowbells heralds the arrival of guests. It is living values, animal encounters and a daily endeavour to bring their guests closer to nature and the region that have characterised the Speck-Alm near the Wolfsschlucht gorge near Bad Kreuzen for 35 years.
There is only one accommodation on the Gaßner farm: the "Schweinehotel", where around 170 Swabian-Hallis and Edel-Land pigs are reared from fattening to slaughter. There are also cattle, Styrian pinto goats, wild fattened chickens, ducks and quails as well as domestic cats on the Speck-Alm. The farm clearly communicates what it is all about: regional enjoyment that makes the origin of its ingredients transparent. Pork, fresh meat, sausage and meat loaf are processed directly on the farm for the cider tavern, which has been in existence since 1989, and sold on site. Where does all the other food come from? Also from the immediate neighbourhood, of course! However, it is probably the vegetables and herbs that have travelled the shortest distance, as they are lovingly harvested by Tanja in her own vegetable patch and herb garden. In addition to potatoes and carrots, she now also grows cabbage sprouts, cabbage and sweetcorn. "The soil," say Tanja and Michael, "provides us all with a basis for life." They want to pass on their awareness of how food is produced to every guest who visits the farm. If you want to take home something more than just living values, you can visit the Speck-Alm's own farm shop and buy meat and sausage products or bacon and meat dumplings - which are made by hand on the farm.
As an example of sustainable agriculture and regional ties, the Gaßners and their team work every day to bring their guests closer to the diversity and quality of their products and to preserve the tradition of their farm. Everything that cannot be grown on the farm is sourced from small farms in the immediate vicinity.
However, the Speck-Alm not only offers culinary delights, but also plenty to experience! Visitors to the farm can experience farming up close, feed the animals and learn about the production processes and origins of our daily food. Excursions to the Speck-Alm are particularly popular with school classes. The Gaßner family tries to teach pupils about local agricultural products in a fun way. The farm is best reached via the Wolfsschlucht or the Kreuzner-Herzklopfen-Runde, which makes it a popular stopover for hikers in particular.
Getting there
Access from Linz via federal road B3 to Grein
Access from Amstetten via Westautobahn A1 to Grein
Three ship landing stages in Grein
Public Transit
By Danube Riverside Railway 133 starting from Linz main station to Grein-Bad Kreuzen station.
Parking
Parking directly at the hiking trail starting point or at the Danube riverside near the ship landing stage. Free short-term parking zone (blue zone) at the town square and in the city center, parking duration 90 minutes. Long-term parking lots near train stations, city entrances, etc. Disabled parking spaces are located at the historic town square of Grein, in Rathausgasse, as well as at the Danube riverside.
- 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
