If you want to discover the Danube region of Upper Austria on foot, the Donausteig is a true hiking paradise. On a total of 450 kilometres, spread over 23 varied stages, 49 Donausteig loops and numerous regional circular hiking trails, hikers have countless opportunities to experience the landscape, culture and history of the region up close.
The Donausteig largely follows the Danube from Passau to Grein and leads through different landscape regions of Upper Austria: the Mühlviertel, the Hausruckviertel and the Traunviertel. Along the way, there are always impressive views of the Danube valley, tranquil forests, rolling hills and picturesque villages.
Many stages can be easily experienced as a day trip thanks to the excellent public transport connections and bus stops just a few minutes' walk away from the routes. At the end of the day's hiking, the return journey ensures comfort and relaxation - completely stress-free and environmentally friendly.
Stages for day trips by public transport
Particularly attractive is the stage from Engelhartszell to Schlögen past the famous Schlögener Schlinge. This stage leads through the densely wooded valley of the upper Danube, then across the rural Sauwald high plateau to the deeply indented Schlögener Donauschlinge. Discover historic Engelhartszell, Austria's only Trappist monastery, the hidden natural jewel of the Kleine Kösslbachtal valley and the Donausteig rest area "4/4-Blick" with 360° panoramic views of all four quarters of Upper Austria. There is a direct connection between the start of the stage ( "Engelhartszell Nibelungenstraße/Fähre" stop ) and the finish ( "Schlögen/Haibach Donauschlinge" stop ) via the regional bus route 670.
Those who prefer to view the wonderful Eferding Basin from a variety of perspectives can choose the stage from Aschach to Eferding - through the cultivated plain, over the wooded ridge on the western edge, back to the Danube and finally to Eferding in the centre of the plain. Discover the historic Danube market in Aschach, large square farmsteads, the ruins of Schaunberg Castle, the largest castle ruins in Upper Austria, and the small monastery church in Pupping. Eferding, the third oldest town in Austria, is the crowning glory of this stage. The stage start (stop "Aschach an der Donau Kirchenplatz") and finish ("Eferding Busterminal (Schulzentrum)") are directly connected via the regional bus route 201.
