In the autumn sunshine, there’s barely a 10-degree difference between being in the sun and in the shade. Or so it feels, at any rate. Above all, however, it gets dark much earlier in the northern Alpine valleys. Yet Austria also boasts gentle low mountain ranges – namely where the Bavarian Forest, the Bohemian Forest and Upper Austria’s Mühlviertel meet. Here, the sun shines all day long on green rolling hills, fringed by colourful autumnal woodland, granite cliffs and rustic places to stop for refreshments. A total of 950 kilometres of continuous, cross-border cycle routes (17) have been signposted across this landscape.
In addition, two multi-day tours with a challenge element have been highlighted and can be booked with luggage transport:
Tour 1: Granit Beer Tour
3 stages / 160 kilometres / 4,200 metres of elevation gain
A lovely walk through the Kleine Mühltal valley with views of the Schlögener Danube Bend and the Bohemian Forest, later passing the famous granite boulder stacks and over the Ameisenberg back to the starting point. Incidentally, you won’t go thirsty or hungry on this walk, as it takes you through the beer-brewing region.
You can join the route at any point along the way; starting from Untermühl, this breakdown into stages would make sense:
- Stage 1: From Untermühl to Oberkappel (approx. 58 km, 1,705 hm) – passes through the Kleine Mühltal valley and past the Schlögener Donau bend.
- Stage 2: From Oberkappel to Peilstein (approx. 51.5 km, 1,250 metres of elevation gain) – through undulating farmland with granite formations.
- Stage 3: From Peilstein to Untermühl (approx. 51.5 km, 1,160 metres of elevation gain) – via the 941-metre-high Ameisberg (the highest point of the route) and back into the Danube Valley.
Tour 2: Grande Granit Circuit
5 stages / 272 kilometres / 6,800 metres of elevation gain
This challenging route takes you on a complete loop through the Mühlviertel, but also includes a few more demanding sections. You can join the route at any village along the way. The tour planners’ suggestion:
Stage 1: From Rannamühl to Kohlstatt (approx. 66 km | 1,860 m elevation gain) – Up from the Danube Gorge to Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis (840 m) and over the Ameisberg (941 m) to Kohlstatt on Lake Traunsee.
Stage 2: From Kohlstatt to St. Stefan am Walde (approx. 65 km | 1,730 m elevation gain) – The route heads north through river valleys as far as the Czech border. It then winds its way through the typical coniferous forests of the Bohemian Forest, with a series of ups and downs, to St. Stefan am Walde.
Stage 3: From St. Stefan am Walde to Waxenberg (approx. 50–52 km | 1,220 metres of elevation gain) - The day begins with a leisurely ride through the panoramic highlands of the Petersberg, followed by an exciting, long descent, before a truly challenging climb (230 metres of elevation gain) awaits at the end to reach the accommodation at the Waxenberg castle ruins.
Stage 4: From Waxenberg to Untermühl (approx. 45 km | 1,100 m elevation gain) – A flowing descent leads into the Kleine Rodl valley. The route then moves onto a panoramic high plateau, which is interspersed with deep, technically challenging forest gullies. The route concludes with an exhilarating descent to Untermühl, offering views of the Danube Valley.
Stage 5: From Untermühl to Rannamühl (approx. 55 km | 1,400 m elevation gain) – The grand finale features no fewer than three highlights: the trails through the forested ravines along the Danube, the ‘Donau am Berg’ 360° viewing tower in Kirchberg, and the 7.5-kilometre descent with views of the Schlögener Danube Bend. And, of course, there are a few metres of elevation gain in between.
Information on Granitland Challenges
For the two unmarked Challenge routes, you’ll need the GPX data and a stamp card. Both can be ordered as part of two starter packs and left for collection at a restaurant along the route:
Light Starter Pack: 15 euros
- Stamp card
- Granitland beer glass
Premium Starter Pack: 39 euros
- Stamp card
- Granitland beer glass
- T-shirt
- Water bottle
- Gym bag
All the details: granitland.at
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor