The power of water

Description

The Steinbach valley is a side valley of the Ybbs valley towards Lunz am See. It branches off about 1 km outside of Göstling at the Kögerlwirt guesthouse to the right of the Ybbs valley. Because of its scenic beauty, its rare and protected alpine flora and fauna, and its many comfortable walking and hiking opportunities, it is one of the most popular excursion destinations of Göstling.

Using diagrams, panels, old buildings and ruins, hikers are shown many ways in which humans have used the power of the wild brook to generate electricity, to drive water wheels, to operate hammer mills, to transport timber and charcoal, and so on, or still use it today.

Starting point of the tour

Kögerlwirt guesthouse in Göstling an der Ybbs

Route description The power of water

The valley is a scenic jewel with a lot of variety. At the beginning there is a small reservoir. Past this, the themed hiking trail leads over lush meadows and through shady forests to the wild-romantic gorge "Die Not". Over the centuries the Steinbach has deeply carved itself into the high rocks here.

A newly built wooden walkway leads hikers right through the impressive gorge with its towering rock walls. In earlier times, the access road to the back Steinbach valley also ran here. However, because the gorge is not passable in winter due to avalanche danger, a tunnel and avalanche barriers were built for the road.

At the end of the gorge the valley changes character. It is now narrower, more romantic, and of rugged beauty. The path then leads hikers along the Steinbach road directly by the cool Steinbach and past fish ponds.

After the fish ponds you reach the Owl Trail. It runs for two and a half kilometers through the Windischbachau and is an experience for the whole family. Interesting information about the five species of owls found in the wilderness area (Eurasian eagle-owl, Northern hawk-owl, tawny owl, long-eared owl and sparrow owl) is presented on several stations along the trail.

From here, a small, steep mountain path leads over the Tremmelsattel to the Salzatal. This mountain path also allows ascent to the Dürrenstein (1,878 m), the Tremmel (1,201 m), the Schwarzkogel (1,547 m) or the Ringkogel (1,668 m). These mountain hikes, however, require surefootedness, fitness and endurance from the hiker.

However, if you only climb the mountain path a short way, you reach the Steinbach shady side. Here there are several unmarked forest trails that offer a unique view of the Dürrenstein area and the Steinbach valley.