Every journey begins with a first step ...

Dove of Peace in Arbing

An extraordinary day awaits us: Today we will make a pilgrimage from Mauthausen to Arbing – the founding site of the Jerusalem Way!

From the promenade in Mauthausen, the path initially leads us north up to the church, where we find a pilgrim's stamp in the entrance area! We then descend to the village via another set of church steps, walk along the beautiful promenade, cross the Danube Federal Highway No. 3, and—as we did the day before—follow the left/northern bank of the Danube downstream, passing the Danube bridge above us. We continue along the R1 cycle path, cross the Aist Bridge, and then turn right, reaching the harbor and campsite of Au/Donau a little later. Here, we have food and possibly accommodation options at the "Donau-Standl" (Danube Stand), and in the future, there will also be a Jerusalem Way stamp available there.

After a break, we follow the towpath along the Danube for a bit, then turn left through a wooded area and arrive at the Brandl Lacke, a very small lake. At the end of the lake, we continue left on the path, cross the dam, and later, via the parish path, we reach the village of Naarn, where we could already see the Archangel Michael Church from a distance. Since June 2025, there has been a Jerusalem Way pilgrim stamp (see photo).

With a nice stamp in our passport, we continue on. Near the end of the village, the path branches off to the right. Via the village of Pratztrum and the R975 cycle path, we reach the canal along the Naarn River on a gravel road. Downstream, we also find swimming and camping opportunities. We follow the Naarn, cross a small bridge to the left bank, and then follow the paved road until we reach the left turn into a wooded area. Following forest and field paths, we finally reach Arbing, where the imposing fortified church, standing imposingly on a hill, is clearly visible from afar.

Shortly after entering the village of Arbing, we reach the Donaubundesstraße (Danube Federal Highway) and cross it (careful!). We then see a gas station on the left – there's a small supermarket with a coffee shop and a pizzeria. The path then leads us to the church steps and up to our destination for the day, the church dedicated to the parish patron, "John the Baptist."

ARBING – Birthplace of the Jerusalem Way

The small town of Arbing is of particular importance for the Jerusalem Way – the international peace and culture route. This unique pilgrimage route was founded and initiated here 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 peace dove made of stainless steel ceremoniously erected during an international peace march – a powerful symbol of peace, unity and hope. See website

A THANK YOU VERY MUCH goes to all the dedicated people from Arbing, Schwertberg and Naarn who made this worthy gesture possible for the 15th anniversary. Information can be found on the Information board at the Peace Dove. 

Selected media reports: Newspaper TIPS  /  Diocese of Linz  /  Facebook

In the parish church there is a particularly beautiful Jerusalem Way stamp with dove of peace (see photo). The stamp is located at the back of the church, near the entrance to the choir, where magazines and information are located.

Accommodation is available in the pilgrim hostel of Johannes Aschauer, including original Jerusalem Way stamp For the pilgrim's passport (overnight accommodation is available for a voluntary donation, free for members of the Jerusalem Way Association). Contact: in advance by phone or WhatsApp: +43 699 18031970
or E-Mail: johannes@jerusalemway.org

Those who want to continue a bit further will find affordable accommodation for pilgrims at the start of the next stage near Baumgartenberg – the Zickerhofer guesthouse on a farm. It's just 500 meters from the Jerusalem Trail (approximately a 10-minute walk). Contact: +43 7269 410 www.zickerhofer.at

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