Stage 7: Mauthausen – Arbing

From Mauthausen to the founding region of the Jerusalem Way

A special day awaits us: Today we pilgrimage from Mauthausen to Arbing – to the birthplace of the Jerusalem Way.

From the promenade in Mauthausen, the route first leads northwards up to the parish church. In the entrance area of the church there is a pilgrim stamp. Afterwards, we go back down into the village via another church staircase and follow the beautiful promenade along the Danube.

We cross the Danube road B3 and follow – as on the previous day – the left, or northern, bank of the Danube downstream. In doing so, we pass the Danube bridge above us and continue along the Danube Cycle Path R1.

Along the Danube to Au an der Donau

After the Aist bridge we turn right and a little later reach the harbour and camping area of Au an der Donau. At the Donau-Standl there are places to stop for refreshments and supplies; accommodation can also be enquired about there or in the surrounding area.

After a break, we follow the towpath along the Danube for a little while longer. Then the Jerusalem Way branches off to the left through a wooded area and leads to the Brandl Lacke, a small lake.

Naarn and pilgrim stamp

At the end of the Brandl Lacke we continue left along the path, cross the embankment and later reach the village area of Naarn via Pfarrweg. The parish church of Archangel Michael can be seen from afar.

Since June 2025, there has been a Jerusalem Way pilgrim stamp on the information table in the church. With a beautiful stamp in the pilgrim passport, the route continues towards Arbing.

Via Pratztrum to Arbing

Near the end of the village, the Jerusalem Way turns right. Via the hamlet of Pratztrum and cycle path R975, we reach the canal along the Naarn on a gravel road. Downstream there are also swimming and camping options.

We follow the Naarn, cross a small bridge to the left bank and from here follow the asphalt road to the turn-off left into a small wooded area. Via forest and field paths we finally reach Arbing. The impressive fortified church on a hill is clearly visible from far away.

We reach the entrance to Arbing; then on the right we see a petrol station with a small supermarket, café and pizzeria. There we carefully cross the Danube road B3. The route leads into the village to the church steps and up to the village square and the parish church, which is dedicated to St John the Baptist.

Arbing – birthplace of the Jerusalem Way

The small village of Arbing is of special importance for the Jerusalem Way: this is where the international peace and pilgrimage route was founded and initiated on June 24, 2010.

15 years later, on June 28, 2025, a particularly moving moment took place: in the square in front of the church, a handmade JERUSALEM WAY stainless-steel dove of peace was ceremonially installed as part of an international peace march – a visible symbol of peace, connection and hope.

Open installation of the JERUSALEM WAY dove of peace in Arbing

A heartfelt thank-you goes to all the dedicated people from Arbing, Schwertberg and Naarn who made this dignified gesture for the 15th anniversary possible. Further information can also be found on the information board by the dove of peace.

Selected media reports: TIPS / Diocese of Linz / Facebook

In Arbing parish church there is a particularly beautiful Jerusalem Way stamp with dove of peace. The stamp is located at the back of the church by the stairs up to the choir, where magazines and information are also available.

Pilgrim accommodation

Accommodation is available at the pilgrim hostel run by Johannes Aschauer, with an original Jerusalem Way stamp for the pilgrim passport. Overnight stays are by voluntary donation; for members of the Jerusalem Way association it is free of charge. Please be sure to get in touch in good time.

Phone / WhatsApp: +43 699 18031970
Email: johannes@jerusalemway.org

If you would like to walk a bit further, at the start of the next stage near Baumgartenberg you will find another low-cost sleeping option for pilgrims: Gästehaus Zickerhofer on a farm, about 500 metres from the Jerusalem Way.

Contact: +43 7269 410
Web: www.zickerhofer.at

Navigation and GPS

The Jerusalem Way route through Austria is GPS-based. For navigation, please use the current Jerusalem Way app or the provided online route, and if possible download the map for offline use before starting the stage.

OPEN GPS ROUTE MAUTHAUSEN – ARBING

OPEN GPS & POI JERUSALEM WAY AUSTRIA

Places along the stage:
Mauthausen – Au an der Donau – Brandl Lacke – Naarn – Pratztrum – Arbing