Stage 6: Linz – Mauthausen

From the City of Peace Linz downstream along the Danube

From the Main Square or the Linz Tourist Information, the route, steeped in history, leads us over the Nibelungen Bridge to the other side of the Danube.

At the New Town Hall, we reach the stainless steel JERUSALEM WAY Dove of Peace. It is precisely aligned to the east, towards Jerusalem, and was erected in September 2023 as part of an interreligious ceremony.

Open the installation of the JERUSALEM WAY Dove of Peace in Linz

After crossing the bridge, we see the New Town Hall of Linz on the left and the Ars Electronica Center on the right. The Jerusalem Way now leads directly to the left bank of the Danube. From here, we follow the Danube Cycle Path R1 for about 15 kilometers downstream.

Along the Danube to Abwinden and St. Georgen an der Gusen

Shortly before the Abwinden-Asten Danube power plant, we turn left and cross a Danube side arm on a bridge. Through the subsequent underpass, we can safely cross the Donaubundesstraße B3 to Abwinden.

We keep right and follow the R1 cycle path for a short distance before turning left into Oberfeldstraße. After the railway underpass, we keep right. The path then leads uphill; a beautiful panoramic view opens up, and soon the church of St. Georgen an der Gusen becomes visible.

St. Georgen an der Gusen and Bergkristall

Particularly important is the reference to the nearby tunnel system “B8 Bergkristall”. It was one of the largest underground armaments and production complexes of the Nazi regime and was closely connected to the Gusen/Mauthausen concentration camp complex.

After the parish church, we reach the Main Square of St. Georgen an der Gusen. Pilgrims are welcome in the rectory opposite the church. Please contact them in advance if possible.

From St. Georgen, we follow the signs right, heading east along Hauptstraße or Mauthausener Straße. Shortly after the railway underpass, we turn left. The path now leads uphill through a settlement, further through a small forest, and over dirt roads towards Frankenberg.

Via the Wienergraben to the Mauthausen Memorial

Further along the way, we pass wayside shrines, crosses, and farmsteads. The route leads downhill, then over dirt and farm roads and through a hollow way down towards Wienergraben. From there, we continue to the entrance of the Mauthausen Memorial.

There we reach the so-called Stairs of Death. We ascend them consciously and thoughtfully. Once at the top, we enter the former Mauthausen concentration camp.

Please allow sufficient time for your visit to the memorial. This place reminds us of what people can be capable of – and why remembrance, responsibility, and peace are inextricably linked.

From the Memorial down to Mauthausen

After the visit, we leave the area downhill via the Remembrance Road. At the Frellerhof cider tavern, we turn left and reach the Uferstraße through a hollow way. This leads further to Mauthausen.

Within sight of the outdoor pool, we reach Linzer Straße, keep left, and finally arrive at the impressive promenade of Mauthausen, near the left bank of the Danube.

There is a pilgrim stamp in the Mauthausen parish church. Accommodation and catering options are available in Mauthausen. A visit to the town is worthwhile even independently of the stage.

Pilgrim Accommodation

Examples of simple or inexpensive accommodation:

• 4310 Mauthausen: Mauthausen Parish
• 4310 Mauthausen: Peterseil’s Radl Zimmer , Reiferdorf 11, Tel. +43 7238 2864

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 LINZ – MAUTHAUSEN

OPEN GPS & POI JERUSALEM WAY AUSTRIA

Places along the stage:
Linz – New Town Hall – Abwinden – St. Georgen an der Gusen – Wienergraben – Mauthausen Memorial – Mauthausen