The power of water

Description

The Steinbach Valley is a side valley of the Ybbs Valley heading towards Lunz am See. It branches off about 1 km outside of Göstling near the inn "Kögerlwirt" to the right from the Ybbs Valley. Due to 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 in Göstling.

Using diagrams, signs, old buildings or ruins, hikers are shown the many ways humans have used the power of the wild brook to generate electricity, drive water wheels, operate hammer mills, transport wood and charcoal, etc., and continue to do so today.

Starting point of the tour

Inn Kögerlwirt 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 it, the themed hiking trail leads over lush meadows and through shady forests to the wild romantic gorge "Die Not". Over centuries, the Steinbach has deeply carved itself into the high rocks here.

A newly constructed wooden footbridge leads hikers right through the impressive gorge with its towering rock walls. Previously, the access road to the back of the Steinbach Valley also ran here. However, since the gorge is impassable 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 becomes narrower, more romantic and of rugged beauty. The path now leads hikers along the Steinbach Road directly beside 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. Notable information about the five owl species found in the wilderness area (eagle owl, northern hawk-owl, tawny owl, long-eared owl and sparrow owl) is presented at several stations along the way.

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

If you only climb a small section of the mountain path, you reach the Steinbach shadow side. Here are some unmarked forest paths that offer a unique view of the Dürrenstein area and the Steinbach Valley.