Schopper & Dom - Culture by the Wayside
Before you start this stage on the south bank of the Danube, you should climb up to the "Schlögener Donaublick", 30 minutes above the village in Schlögen. From here you enjoy a magnificent view of the famous Schlögener Danube loop. After gaining the best overview in this way, you will then get to know the forest slopes of this river meander, the so-called "Donauleiten," up close by bike.
Natural routes lead you past Inzell and Kaiserau, where Schloss Neuhaus soon rises on a rock. Upon reaching the small market town of Aschach, you will find a worthwhile town center with ancient townhouses whose facades and courtyards date from Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. In the modern "Schopper Museum," you will learn interesting and curious facts about the old craft of shipbuilding, and in the old parish church, you can discover the supposed healing powers of the "Danube Cross." Also visit the barrier-free cultural hiking trail in Aschach and learn more about the history of the Danube market.
It is not far from Aschach to Eferding. The history of the small town somewhat off the Danube cycle path goes back to Roman times. Its town square counts among the most beautiful in Upper Austria, as the townhouses there have remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages. The parish church is nicknamed the "Eferding Cathedral" due to its size. It is as worthy a detour as the magnificent Starhemberg Castle with its museums and exhibitions. Tip: those who want to see a ski jump in nature – a detour to the Hinzenbach ski jumping arena is worthwhile!
More culture by the wayside is offered by the Wilhering Cistercian Abbey (founded in 1146) with its Rococo church and the Fritz-Fröhlich collection, “Fröhlich meets Sulzer” in the abbey museum. Immediately after your short visit, the ferry in the Ufer district will take you to the northern bank to Ottensheim, where you can enjoy the last cycling meters to Linz.
