Multi-day route Krems - Mariazell

From Krems main station, follow the Danube cycle path upstream out of town to Mautern - there cross the bridge or the Danube. From Mautern on side roads to Furth and further over a prolonged first ascent at the foot of Göttweig Abbey. On quiet side roads, continue over Eggendorf and Höbenbach to just before Theyern, where you continue on the Paraplui route (MTB trekking route) in the opposite direction. You go up to Paraplui mountain and from there continue on the "Water to Wine Tour", also in the opposite signposted direction. Passing through Inzersdorf ob der Traisen, past Walpersdorf Castle to Ederding, where you switch to the "Herzogenburg grapevine louse tour" and follow it (again opposite) to Herzogenburg to the Traisen valley cycle path. Leisurely cycling upstream along the river to the state capital St. Pölten.

In St. Pölten, follow the signposting to the Traisen valley cycle path (about 1.5 km). The first kilometers lead now flat upstream along the Traisen on the cycle path heading south and traffic-free out of the city. In Reith near Wilhelmsburg, turn against the signposting onto the "Sagenstein tour" to the first quite steep (!) ascent to Rudolfshöhe with the first refreshment possibility at Ochsenburger hut.

Back in the valley at Wilhelmsburg, follow another flat kilometers on the Traisen valley cycle path before turning right in Rotheau and a few kilometers later again right opposite the "Kaiserkogel round". Over Meiselhöhe, you climb the Kaiserkogel including the associated hut and roll down against the "Kaiserkogel trail" into the Pielach valley to Rabenstein.

The next section runs against part of the "Geisbühel route", where at the top a short out and back section to the Josef-Franz hut makes a worthwhile detour with refreshment and - on weekends - overnight accommodation. Descent to Tradigist and there sharp left onto the "Dörfl on the Eben route" (again wrong direction) to just before Kirchberg.

Then follow the "Loicher panorama tour" (in the "correct" direction) to the Günter chapel near Wallerbach. There turn left down into the valley and at the L102 turn left again towards Schwarzenbach. Some kilometers downstream to the junction right into the Taschlgrabenrotte and at Waitzgraben turn into the "Eibeck round" and follow its signposting in riding direction. Past the Eibeck Alm, the route continues until you turn left in Wies onto the "Frankenfelsberg round" (wrong), to Laubenbachgegend.

The "Mariazellerbahn route" begins and/or ends directly at Laubenbachmühle station and starts in this direction with the longer, but not too steep ascent over Puchenstuben towards Turmkogel and Wastl am Wald. From now on you are in the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park amid beautiful forest scenery and with nice views of the Ötscher "from behind". Passing through the dreamy Gösing, continue to Reith from where you come over a short section of the "Ötscher trekking route" and a short ascent up to Annaberg.

Continue on the "Annaberg-Hubertussee route" (in the signposted direction) - over the Walster origin and Ulreichsberg to the rustic Wuchtl hostess near the idyllic Hubertus lake. Via Fadental, you reach Mitterbach to the last natural highlight including numerous refreshment options - the crystal clear and wonderfully refreshing Erlauf lake. From there only a few more kilometers to the finish at Mariazell in front of the famous pilgrimage basilica.

MTB hardtail or off-road MTB trekking bike

Please observe the Biker Fair Play Rules including the official usage times of the MTB trails. Beware of oncoming bikers when the route goes against the signposted direction of the respective MTB trekking tour.

ÖBB to Krems main station

Mariazell Railway from Mariazell (Himmelstreppe) return via St. Pölten

Bike transport possibly reservation required, + recommended

Mostviertel Tourism GmbH

Neubruck 2/10, 3270 Scheibbs

www.mostviertel.at

info@mostviertel.at

Take time for the small and large sights! Landesgalerie Krems, Cathedral St. Pölten, Kirchberg Castle, Dirndl manufactory, Ötscher base, Basilica and much more.