4.3
(9)
137
riders
17
rides
Gravel biking around Hartkirchen offers diverse landscapes, from the flat plains along the Danube River to the varied terrain of the Eferding Basin and surrounding hilly areas. The region features a network of well-maintained cycle paths, country roads, agricultural paths, forest tracks, and gravel roads. This combination provides routes suitable for various skill levels, allowing cyclists to experience both riverside rides and more challenging routes through the countryside. The Eferding Basin specifically includes areas with mixed asphalt and dirt paths,…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.5
(8)
82
riders
43.1km
02:19
100m
100m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
6
riders
20.1km
01:25
370m
370m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(1)
5
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4
riders
34.6km
02:36
660m
660m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Pupping is a municipality with 1792 inhabitants in Upper Austria in the district of Eferding in the Hausruckviertel region.
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Ottensheim-Wilhering Power Plant and Lock! This impressive facility on the Danube plays an important role in energy generation and shipping. Here are some interesting aspects: ### General Information - **Location**: The power plant and lock are located in the municipality of **Wilhering** in **Upper Austria**. - **Year of Construction**: The power plant was built from **1970 to 1975** and is a run-of-river power plant. ### Technical Features 1. **Lock**: - The lock has **two lock chambers** measuring **230 × 24 m**. - It allows ships to pass through and overcomes the height difference in the river. 2. **Power Plant**: - The power plant has an **capacity** of approximately **30 MW** and uses the current of the Danube to generate electricity. - It is part of a project with **72 million euros** being invested to ensure the lifespan and efficiency of the power plant for another **50 years**. 3. **Water level**: - The river dam length is **16 km**, and the dam target is at an altitude of approximately **250 m**. ### Significance - **Energy generation**: The power plant contributes significantly to the region's electricity supply and is an important component of renewable energy sources in Austria. - **Shipping**: The lock is a central point for inland navigation on the Danube, enabling the transport of goods and passengers. ### Summary The **Ottensheim-Wilhering power plant and lock** are not only technical masterpieces, but also crucial elements for the energy supply and shipping in the region. A visit to this facility offers exciting insights into the world of hydropower and engineering! ✨
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Fastest connection between Danube north of Ottensheim - Feldkirchen and Danube south of Wilhering - Alkoven
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The trail along the Donauleiten is quite nice, not particularly difficult to ride but with a precipice
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Surrounded by forests and meadows, fishing becomes a real nature experience where swimming is also permitted
6
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In the Neufelden reservoir, surrounded by forests and meadows, fishing becomes a real nature experience where swimming is also permitted
3
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CAUTION! Currently (June 2025) there is very deep gravel under the bridge near the castle on the descent from the castle to the Danube. Danger of falling!
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Hartkirchen offers a wide variety of gravel biking experiences, with over 40 routes available. These trails cater to different preferences, from leisurely rides along the Danube to more challenging routes through hilly terrain.
Spring and summer are particularly recommended seasons for gravel biking in Hartkirchen. During these months, the natural scenery is in full bloom, and the weather is generally ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes along the Danube River and through the Eferding Basin.
Yes, Hartkirchen offers routes suitable for various skill levels. While many routes provide a moderate challenge, there is at least one designated easy route. For a relatively gentle ride, consider the Feldkirchen Bathing Lake – Deinhamer Danube Cycle Path loop from Feldkirchen an der Donau, which features a bathing lake and sections of the famous Danube Cycle Path.
Absolutely. For those seeking a more demanding ride, Hartkirchen has over 25 difficult gravel bike trails. These routes often feature more significant elevation changes and varied terrain. An example of a challenging route is the Danube Cycle Path near Exlau – Danube Cycle Path South Bank loop from Gerling OÖ, which covers over 70 km with substantial climbs.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can ride along the majestic Danube River, experience the dramatic Schlögen Loop (Danube Bend), and explore the varied terrain of the Eferding Basin. Routes also pass through scenic floodplains like the Alkovner Au and near natural bodies of water such as Brandstätter See and the Feldkirchner Lakes. Don't miss the Steinerberg Danube Loop for more stunning river views.
Yes, Hartkirchen's gravel routes often pass by significant cultural and historic sites. You can visit the Pupping Franciscan Monastery, explore the historic town of Eferding, or even detour to the Schaunburg Ruin for panoramic views. The region also features the Rad-Weg des Buches, a Protestant theme route with historical significance.
The gravel bike trails around Hartkirchen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 15 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes, which offer a mix of riverside paths, country roads, and forest tracks. The well-maintained cycling infrastructure and the opportunity to combine natural beauty with cultural exploration are also often highlighted.
Yes, several routes provide excellent viewpoints. The Schlögen Loop itself is a dramatic natural wonder, and detours to higher vantage points offer breathtaking views of this Danube oxbow lake. Additionally, the Mayrhofberg Observation Tower is a notable viewpoint in the area, offering expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Many of the gravel bike routes in Hartkirchen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Feldkirchner Lakes – Pupping Franciscan Monastery loop from Eferding and the Schlögen Loop – Danube Cycle Path South Bank loop from St. Agatha, which offers a challenging ride through the Danube Valley.
Hartkirchen's gravel biking terrain is wonderfully diverse. You'll encounter well-maintained cycle paths, quiet country roads, agricultural paths, and forest tracks. This mix allows for both comfortable riverside rides along the Danube and more varied, sometimes challenging, routes through the Eferding Basin and surrounding hilly areas.
Yes, for those looking for longer rides, Hartkirchen is part of the larger Danube Cycle Path network, which is famous for its extensive routes. You can find several longer loops, such as the Danube Cycle Path near Exlau – Danube Cycle Path South Bank loop from Gerling OÖ, which spans over 70 km, offering a full day of exploration.
Beyond the Danube itself, keep an eye out for unique natural monuments. The Kerzenstein is a distinctive rock formation, and the Ottensheim-Wilhering Hydroelectric Power Plant is an impressive man-made structure along the river that can be seen on some routes.


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