Nibelungengau long-distance trail 1: Sarmingstein – Persenbeug (feeder to/from Donausteig)

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 21,44 km
Duration: 6:15 h
Ascent: 617 m elevation gain
Descent: 629 m elevation gain

This stage section connects the Donausteig in Upper Austria with the Nibelungengau long-distance hiking trail in Lower Austria over a distance of 21 km.

Starting point of the tour: Sarmingstein, Strudengauhof guesthouse
Tour destination: Persenbeug, Danube bank

Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 21,44 km
Duration: 6:15 h
Ascent: 617 m elevation gain
Descent: 629 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
5/6
Overall experience:
2/6
Scenery:
3/6

Lowest point220 m
Highest point559 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops

Downloads

Description

The stage starts at the Strudengauhof guesthouse in Sarmingstein and first goes uphill to Nöchling. After Mitterndorf, it steeply descends in the direction of Yspertal, Rottenberg, and Viehtrift. Via a forest road about 2 km long, you reach the Hubertusmarterl. Then you come to a magnificent viewpoint at the Peace Cross before continuing through Hofamt Priel to the Danube bank in Persenbeug.

Equipment Hiking boots, backpack, hiking map and/or mobile tour planner, weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain protection), head covering, sun protection, first aid kit, possibly a flashlight, sufficient provisions (water, snacks)A comprehensive equipment list can be found here.
Route description The stage starts at the Strudengauhof guesthouse in Sarmingstein. The path leads uphill through a woodland area to Nöchling. At the beginning of the village, a shady spot next to a chapel invites you to linger and offers magnificent views of the Alpine panorama. The route continues through the village on asphalt to Mitterndorf. Afterwards, a steep woodland section descends towards Yspertal. Part of the path runs along the road before you reach Rottenberg through a steep forest section. Continuing on asphalt and road, the route heads towards Viehtrift before turning onto a forest road about 2 km long. Through the woodland, you reach the Hubertusmarterl with beautiful views of the Ybbs-Persenbeug Danube power plant and the Danube valley. The path then follows the road and a short meadow section before arriving at a wonderful viewpoint with views of the Danube at the Peace Cross “Am Reitern”. The path continues through woodland before going on asphalt through Hofamt Priel. Crossing the bridge, the B3 is crossed, passing Persenbeug Castle to the end point of the stage at the Danube bank in Persenbeug.
Parking Parking is possible in the village or at the Danube bank in Persenbeug.
Getting there You can reach Sarmingstein via the A1 West Motorway, exit Ybbs, along the federal highway B25 towards Ybbs, through Ybbs over the Danube bridge Ybbs-Persenbeug, keep left and follow the B3 towards Sarmingstein.From Krems, the Wachauerstraße (B3) leads directly into the community.
Public transport Travel with ÖBB to the Amstetten train station - timetable inquiry. From the station, you can take the post bus to Sarmingstein. More information on bus schedules can be found here.From Persenbeug, you can reach the Ybbs/Kemmelbach train station by post bus/public transport. More information on bus schedules can be found here.We recommend traveling by car, as public transport does not cover a seamless connection.
Editor’s tip Enjoy the magnificent views of the Danube valley in Nöchling and at the Peace Cross “Am Reitern”. The Danube bank in Persenbeug is worth a visit, and the bathing lake in Persenbeug-Gottsdorf offers a refreshing cool-down on hot summer days.The Nibelungengau long-distance hiking trail is signposted and walkable in both directions.Event highlight in Nibelungengau: Combine your hiking holiday with the Solstice celebration "Fire Magic in Nibelungengau" in June. Celebrate on the banks of the Danube in one of the Nibelungengau communities or on board a ship.

Recommended period

Current weather in Persenbeug

5° to 6°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed0,7 km/h

2° to 10°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed1,2 km/h

For easy and convenient tour planning, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app is recommended. Simply download for Android or iPhone.

Excursion tipsalong the route:
Visitor power plant Ybbs-Persenbeug, Peace Cross "Am Reitern", Bathing lake in Persenbeug-Gottsdorf

Dining options along the route:
Sarmingstein, Hofamt Priel and Persenbeug

Other sights in Nibelungengau:
Peace Museum Erlauf, Oskar Kokoschka Centre Pöchlarn, Europaschloss Leiben, Artstetten Castle, Maria Taferl Basilica

Events and happenings in the Nibelungengau region and surroundings can be found here.

All available promotional materials for Nibelungengau can be found here or browse online through the Nibelungengau travel guide.