Wilderness hike (Owl trail with extension to the Tremel)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5,47 km
Duration: 2:00 h
Ascent: 604 m elevation gain

The Owl Experience Trail on the edge of the wilderness area – an experience for the whole family. After eight experience stations, a partly steep climb follows on a hiking trail to the Tremel.

Starting point of the tour: Rotschild ponds car park, Steinbachtal
Tour destination: Tremel (mountain ridge)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5,47 km
Duration: 2:00 h
Ascent: 604 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
4/6
Overall experience:
6/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point599 m
Highest point1203 m

Nice views
Suitable for families and children

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Description

In April 2012, the Owl Experience Trail of the Dürrenstein Wilderness Area was opened. It leads over two and a half kilometers through the Windischbachau and is an experience for the whole family. Remarkable facts about the five owl species found in the wilderness area (Eurasian eagle-owl, Northern hawk-owl, Tawny owl, Long-eared owl, and Eurasian pygmy owl) are presented along the trail at the following stations:

From the egg into the wilderness
In the beginning was the egg
Where do owls breed?
Watch out, young branch!
Hearing like an owl
Hunters of the night
Owl calls & wingspans
All about the Northern hawk-owl

There is much to discover off the stations as well: including replicas of the five owl species found here as well as secrets of their breeding behavior. The scenic attractions and the structures of the second Vienna high spring water pipeline also make a visit worthwhile.

After the last station, the initially and mid-way steep ascent continues up to the mountain ridge to the Tremel at about 1,200m above sea level.

Equipment Hiking equipment with provisions and sufficient drinks
Route description The starting point is the car park " Rotschild ponds ". The route begins through the iron gate arch to Steinbach. Through Steinbach and past the castle lying somewhat higher on the left side after about 900m. Then it continues along the Windischbach, past the Dr. Karl Lueger tunnel and other structures of the II Vienna high spring water pipeline, gently ascending to Windischbachau (approx. 3.4km at approx. 646m). Up to here, it is family-, stroller- and child-friendly. Now the initially and mid-way steep ascent follows along a partly narrow hiking trail up to the mountain ridge at the Tremel at just under 1,200m above sea level.
Getting there Coming from Linz: A1 exit Oed - direction Aschbach Markt - continue on the B121 to Waidhofen - in Waidhofen/Ybbs take the B31 towards Göstling/YbbsComing from Vienna: A1 exit Ybbs/Donau - direction Eisenstraße - follow the B25 to Göstling/Ybbsapprox. 700m northeast of Göstling on the Ybbs continue into the Steinbachgraben (Ybbssteinbach 34)
Editor’s tip In summer, there is the possibility to participate in owl excursions.