The stage starts at Europaschloss Leiben. The castle, about 800 years old, towers on a mighty, steep rock and impressively marks the transition from the south of the rugged Waldviertel to the picturesque Danube valley. It goes slightly uphill through Weinzierl over the "Henzing" and continues along the road down to Urfahr, where the federal road is crossed. In Urfahr, the route then follows the Danube cycle path towards the Melk Danube power station. Here the long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau and the Wachau World Heritage Trail meet. It continues past Luberegg Castle to Rantenberg. From here the stage leads downhill to Emmersdorf.
The Melk Danube power station connects the north and south banks of the Danube and you can enjoy a direct view of Melk Abbey. It is also possible to cross the Danube towards Melk following the Wachau World Heritage Trail.
