Details for: Upper Austria Mariazellerweg: A: 4th stage: Maria Neustift - Konradsheim - Waidhofen an der Ybbs
Brief description
In this stage, we explore the landscape between Maria Neustift and Waidhofen an der Ybbs, encountering the pilgrimage church in Maria Neustift, many chapels and wayside shrines along the way, the prominently located church in Konradsheim, and some deer that are by no means shy in the forests and meadows before Waidhofen.
Description
There is an interesting legend about the origins of the pilgrimage basilica in Maria Neustift: Allegedly, two feuding brothers (Lord of Gleiß near Sonntagberg and Lord of Hartweigstein from Hinterhaus Castle near Ertl) clashed in battle in the area around today's Neustift. Shortly before the supposed defeat of the latter, he vowed to build a church if he survived. Immediately afterwards, fog suddenly rolled in and the Lord of Hartweigstein managed to escape, whereupon the foundation stone for the church was laid shortly afterwards. From this historic site, we hike in a north-easterly direction up the Freithofberg and after a short time turn onto a dirt track. The path leads us through fenced pastures, we cross a stream and walk across the meadow to the next farm. Here we meet the road again at a pretty avenue of fruit trees and now walk from farm to farm through the green Mostviertel region, enjoying wonderful views of the valley and the surrounding mountains, e.g. the Elmkogel (898m), the Spindeleben (1066m), the Redtenberg (1028m) and the Schnabelberg (958m). After a long hike, we finally reach Konradsheim, which can be seen from afar thanks to the prominent hill on which the church of the small village was built. We continue across meadows and fields to Haid and it is easy to come across deer grazing peacefully on this idyllic path, which seem to have no fear of pilgrims. On the right, we can already see the Buchenberg, where the nature park of the same name is located. A little later, we come to a large chapel built on a hill, from where 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.
Author's tip
In the old town of Waidhofen a/d Ybbs, there are numerous gastronomy and accommodation establishments.
