Stage 9: Grein – Persenbeug-Gottsdorf

From Grein across the Danube

This stage begins in Grein an der Donau. Those who already crossed by ferry the day before and walked up to Nadlingerhof will start this stage from there. Otherwise, today we will cross from Grein to the other side of the Danube by ferry.

Important: The ferry operates seasonally. Please check the current operating hours in advance: Open ferry information for Grein

Alternatively, you can also walk across the Danube bridge. However, this option is a detour and should be checked in advance with the current GPS route.

Through the historic Strudengau

Once on the other side of the Danube, we first walk a short distance downstream along the right bank of the Danube. We are now in the Strudengau, a historic section of the Danube whose name comes from the formerly dangerous whirlpools, rapids, and shoals.

For centuries, the Strudengau was considered one of the most dangerous sections for Danube shipping between Regensburg and the Black Sea. Under Empress Maria Theresia, initial measures to mitigate the danger were taken in the 18th century; this section was only finally calmed by the construction of the nearby Ybbs-Persenbeug Danube power plant.

Subsequently, we pass the village of Hößgang. In the area of the inn of the same name, we turn right and climb up to the Danube ridge. A short but somewhat strenuous passage through the forest lies ahead – but we will later be rewarded with beautiful views and a very special place.

Nadlingerhof – first Peace Dove on the Jerusalem Way

At the top, we reach the approximately 500-year-old Nadlingerhof. Here you will find the first JERUSALEM WAY Peace Dove on the Jerusalem Way. It was ceremonially erected on August 15, 2017, is handcrafted from stainless steel, and is precisely aligned towards Jerusalem.

Of course, there is also a Jerusalem Way pilgrim stamp with a peace dove here. The Nadlingerhof cider tavern with its adventure museum invites you to rest and stop for refreshments on weekends.

For a visit, the pilgrim stamp, or a possible overnight stay, please contact them in good time so that no one is left standing in front of a closed door. A sleeping mat is required for an overnight stay.

Phone: +43 676 4867534
Web: www.nadlingerhof.at

Via Neustadtl and Willersbach towards Ybbs-Persenbeug

After resting or staying overnight at Nadlingerhof, we keep right at the end of the farm and follow the themed trail over the gentle hills of the Mostviertel towards Neustadtl an der Donau. A special viewpoint awaits us in this area.

Once at the top, we keep left, soon meet the Way of St. James, and now continue in the opposite direction to the Lueger Chapel. It is still located in the municipality of Neustadtl an der Donau, is worth seeing, and is a protected monument.

In the Berghof area, we keep left and descend to Willersbach. This brings us back to the Danube. The Gasthof Krenn with its beer garden is ideal for a break; camping and accommodation options can also be inquired about here or in the surrounding area.

From Strudengau to Nibelungengau

From Willersbach, the path continues close to the Danube. Subsequently, we reach the imposing Danube power plant Ybbs-Persenbeug. It is Austria’s oldest Danube power plant and also marks a transition: coming from the historic Strudengau, we now approach the legendary Nibelungengau.

Before crossing the power plant bridge, we pass the tourist information office with a small restaurant or snack bar in the immediate vicinity. Also within sight is the Bäckerei & Motel Weinberger, which offers simple rooms and space for groups.

Whether we stay overnight here or continue: The Jerusalem Way leads across the power plant bridge to the other side of the Danube. As we cross, we feel the hum of the mighty turbines under our feet and reach the left bank of the Danube.

By crossing the power plant, we also leave the Mostviertel. The stage destination Persenbeug-Gottsdorf is already in the Waldviertel. In the coming days, we will gradually delve deeper into the Nibelungengau.

Navigation and GPS

The Jerusalem Way route through Austria 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 GREIN – PERSENBEUG-GOTTSDORF

OPEN GPS & POI JERUSALEM WAY AUSTRIA

Places along the stage:
Grein – Grein Ferry – Hößgang – Nadlingerhof – Neustadtl an der Donau – Lueger Chapel – Willersbach – Ybbs-Persenbeug Danube Power Plant – Persenbeug-Gottsdorf