Donausteig (Danube Trail)

Known as the “City of three rivers”, Passau is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and has much to offer. The charming laneways and archways of the Baroque old town have remained largely unchanged throughout the centuries.

Overnight: Passau

Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 630 m | Walking time: 5 hrs approx.

Start the day with a short ferry ride from Passau to Kasten/Vichtenstein. From there you hike along beautiful forest paths on the southern bank of the Danube to the historic market village of Engelhartszell. For the adventurous hiker, there is the option of climbing up to the Haugstein summit – the highest point on the Donausteig at 842 m. We can highly recommend a visit to Engelszell Abbey (Austria’s only Trappist monastery), which is known for its home-made liqueurs, beers and chocolates. At the end of your hike, you will be picked up and taken by taxi to your accommodation for the night at the Schlögener Schlinge.

Overnight: Riverresort Donauschlinge

Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 286 m | Descent: 286 m | Walking time: 3 hrs approx.

Or longer option with Ciconia nature path

Distance: 19.5 km | Ascent: 463 m | Descent: 452 m | Walking time: 6 hrs approx.

Before you start your hike to Obermühl along the Danube’s northern bank, we recommend taking the 10.5 km loop walk on the Ciconia nature path to the Schlögener Blick. This vantage platform is where you have the famous view of the iconic Schlögener Schlinge river loop. Along the way, you pass numerous info boards and art sculptures describing the unique landscape. You then take the short ferry trip across the river to Au, from where you follow the riverside nature trail Donauschlingenweg to the little riverside village of Obermühl.

Overnight: Obermühl

Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 454 m | Descent: 458 m | Walking time: 3½ hrs approx.

You begin today with an ascent from Obermühl in the wooded Danube Gorge up to the Burgstall summit peak (608 m). Remains of stone walls, crucifixes and a stone arch bridge testify to the historic significance of this path. Enjoy the spectacular views from the Burgstallblick lookout tower before descending to the farming village of Kirchberg. You continue downhill through undulating meadows and fields before a final steep descent through woodlands to the village of Untermühl on the Danube.

Overnight: Untermühl

Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 684 m | Descent: 712 m | Walking time: 6 hrs approx.

Today’s hike is another up and down route. You first ascend from Untermühl to the idyllic village of St. Martin on the rural plateau of the Mühlviertler Highlands. You then descend through the wild and romantic Pesenbachtal gorge, passing the distinctive Kerzenstein rock spire and cascading waterfalls along the Pesenbach stream. You reach the banks of the mighty Danube once again at Oberlandshaag, where you cross a bridge over the river to Aschach. We recommend taking some time to explore the lovely town of Aschach. Its medieval townhouses feature gothic, baroque and renaissance era facades and courtyards.

Overnight: Aschach

Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 693 m | Descent: 692 m | Walking time: 5 hrs approx.

From Aschach you first take the local bus to Ottensheim (13km, hourly intervals). Ottensheim is a historically important Danube crossing and the town’s beautiful marketplace tells of a long tradition as a trading hub. On this panoramic stage, you hike from Ottensheim over the summits of the Donaublick and Pöstlingberg to the vibrant and historic city of Linz.

After a short section of forest, you ascend past meadows, fields and orchards to the Dürnberg Mountain and the summit cross of the Donaublick (688 m). You will enjoy wonderful views over the fertile Eferding basin and the narrow gorge of the Danube River. Your next challenge is the Pöstlingberg, a 539-metre-high hill above the city of Linz. Here you will find the Pöstlingberg pilgrimage church, as well as a viewing platform over the city. A way of the cross then leads you down through meadows and woodland before you finally cross the Danube bridge to the magnificent main square of Linz.

Overnight: Linz

Your hiking trip on the Danube comes to an end this morning. Train tickets are included to take you back to Passau for onward travel.