Description
There is an interesting legend about the origins of the pilgrimage basilica in Maria Neustift: Allegedly, in the area around present-day Neustift, two feuding brothers (Lord von Gleiß near Sonntagberg and Lord von Hartweigstein from Hinterhaus Castle near Ertl) encountered each other in battle. Shortly before the supposed defeat of the latter, he vowed to build a church if he survived. Suddenly, fog rolled in and Lord von Hartweigstein managed to escape, after which the cornerstone for the church was soon laid. From this historic site, we hike northeast toward Freithofberg and shortly after turn onto a field path. The path leads through fenced meadows, crosses a stream, and goes across the meadow to the next farmhouse. Here, we meet a lovely avenue of fruit trees leading back to the road and continue from farmhouse to farmhouse through the green Mostviertel, enjoying wonderful views into the valley and surrounding mountains to the south, such as Elmkogel (898m), Spindeleben (1066m), Redtenberg (1028m), and Schnabelberg (958m). After a longer hike, we finally reach Konradsheim, visible from afar due to the prominent hill on which the small town's church is built. Continuing to Haid, the trail passes again over meadows and fields, where you might easily come across peacefully grazing deer, seemingly unafraid of pilgrims. On the right, you can already see Buchenberg, home to the namesake nature park. Shortly after, we arrive at a large chapel built on a hill, from which we already have a wonderful view of our stage destination, Waidhofen an der Ybbs.
Starting point of the tour
Maria Neustift
Destination point of the tour
Waidhofen/Ybbs
Route description Upper Austria Mariazellerweg: A: 4th stage: Maria Neustift - Konradsheim - Waidhofen an der Ybbs
The pilgrimage leads from Maria Neustift (613m) northeast to the Lower Austria state border and over Bischhofberg (751 m) to the "Schwarze Kuchl". Further via Haunoldstein and Bichl to Konradsheim (651m, briefly steep uphill). From the parish church in Konradsheim – where overnight accommodation is available at the Gasthof Seisenbacher – the path takes us to Haid (wayside shrine), then briefly uphill and afterwards steeply downhill to Waidhofen (362 m).
Directions
Coming from Salzburg, it is best to take the A1 to the Sattledt exit. Then follow the B122 to Steyr and continue to Maria Neustift.
Coming from Vienna, exit at Amstetten-West and stay on the B121 until you reach Böhlerwerk. At Böhlerwerk, turn right and take the L6195 and L86 to Maria Neustift.
Parking
Around the church in Maria Neustift, there are many free parking options.
From Steyr, bus no. 441 goes in the direction of Großraming Ennsbrücke. Stop: Maria Neustift, town center.
