Stage 4: Aschach an der Donau – Wilhering Abbey

Along the Danube to Ottensheim

This stage is intentionally kept somewhat shorter. This leaves time in the afternoon for arrival at Wilhering Abbey, for visiting, prayer, silence, rest, or practical matters like doing laundry.

The route today is largely flat and stays close to the Danube for long stretches. From Aschach an der Donau, the Jerusalem Way leads downstream toward Ottensheim.

By ferry to Wilhering

In Ottensheim, we cross the Danube by ferry. Please check the current operating times in advance, as they may vary seasonally and depending on weather conditions.

After the ferry crossing, we follow the signage or the GPS route. Soon, Wilhering Cistercian Abbey comes into view.

Further information: Wilhering Abbey

Wilhering Abbey – an important junction on the Jerusalem Way

At Wilhering Abbey, the main route of the Jerusalem Way coming from Spain reaches the Danube for the first time. At the same time, the feeder route coming from Germany via Passau merges into the main route here. This makes Wilhering an important junction on the Jerusalem Way.

From here, the routes coming from Germany and the main route continue together via Linz, Mauthausen, the founding region of the Jerusalem Way, the Wachau, Vienna, the Balkans, and Turkey toward Jerusalem.

The Danube will accompany the Jerusalem Way for a long time to come—sometimes very close, sometimes from a distance. It thus becomes an important orientation line on the way east for many more stages.

Pilgrim stamp and pilgrim accommodation

At Wilhering Abbey, pilgrims receive a Jerusalem Way pilgrim stamp with peace dove. There is also pilgrim accommodation at the abbey. Please inquire in good time and check current availability in advance.

Those who have enough time should also visit the monastery complex and the famous abbey church. Wilhering Abbey is one of the important monasteries in Upper Austria and a special spiritual place on the Jerusalem Way.

Looking ahead to Linz

The next stage to Linz is also intentionally kept shorter. This leaves time for the Upper Austrian capital. Linz has been a City of Peace since 1986 and was European Capital of Culture in 2009. An additional rest day may therefore be worthwhile.

Navigation and GPS

The Jerusalem Way route Passau – Linz is GPS-based. Please use the current Jerusalem Way app or the provided online route for navigation and download the map for offline use before starting the stage if possible.

OPEN GPS ROUTE PASSAU – LINZ

OPEN GPS & POI JERUSALEM WAY AUSTRIA