Details for: Granittrail overall
Brief descriptionGmünd – Wielands – Unserfrau – Weitra – Spital – Oberwindhag – St. Martin – Kleiner Semmering – Bruderndorf – Langschlag – Groß Gerungs – Arbesbach - Altmelon – Schönbach – Bärnkopf - Gutenbrunn – Yspertal – Altenmarkt – Persenbeug - Ybbs/Donau
As part of the Lower Austria Alpine route, the Granittrail covers a length of 157 kilometers and around 3,020 meters of elevation in 3 stages from Waldviertel to the Danube, from the Czech border at Gmünd via Groß Gerungs, Bärnkopf, Gutenbrunn and Altenmarkt to Persenbeug and Ybbs/Donau.
There are some who complete the entire route in ONE day – for example, as training for a cycling marathon. For average cyclists, the Granittrail is not achievable in a single go, at best in two parts, but preferably relaxed over three stages with an overnight stay at the recommended accommodations mentioned.
Starting point of the tourGmünd
Destination point of the tourYbbs/Donau
Route description Granittrail overall
Stage 1: Gmünd – Langschlag (48 km)
Start in Gmünd, passing Ehrendorf and Unserfrau with its pilgrimage church and small castle pond. After Weitra – Austria’s oldest beer town – the route goes through panoramic landscape towards Oberwindhag and St. Martin, where carpentry and wood carving invite you. Along the "Railway Experience Trail" follows the longest ascent, lined with granite blocks. The stage ends at Frauenwieserteich in Langschlag.
The detailed route description for stage 1 can be found here: https://www.waldviertel.at/a-granittrail-1-teiletappe-gmuend-langschlag
Stage 2: Langschlag – Gutenbrunn (approx. 60 km)
From Langschlag via power places in Groß Gerungs to Arbesbach with its striking ruin. Then varied forest and meadow paths, impressive granite formations, and a long uphill climb to the mountain lake at Wachtberg. The goal is Bärnkopf, the highest municipality in Waldviertel. After a short descent, the stage ends in Gutenbrunn.
The detailed route description for stage 2 can be found here: https://www.waldviertel.at/a-granittrail-2-teiletappe-langschlag-gutenbrunn
Stage 3: Gutenbrunn – Ybbs/Donau (approx. 50 km)
Highlight is the Yspertal – a scenic gem between the Ostrong mountains and the Danube. Gentle descents, quiet villages and views up to the Ötscher accompany the route. In Altenmarkt you either continue directly or take a challenging trail to the Danube. The target is Ybbs with a visit to the bicycle museum.
The detailed route description for stage 3 can be found here: https://www.waldviertel.at/a-granittrail-3-teiletappe-gutenbrunn-ybbsdonau
Find the best and fastest way to the start point of the route using the route planner: https://www.google.at/maps
All information about bus and train lines to Waldviertel can be found at www.vor.at or at www.oebb.at.
We recommend wearing a bike helmet. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Remember rain and sun protection. Also take enough to drink.
Safety informationMake sure when choosing your route that it fits your fitness level. Check whether the restaurants you want to visit along the way are open. Pack your charged mobile phone and maps in your backpack.
Map recommendationsMountain bike map Waldviertel available at https://www.waldviertel.at/prospekte-mountainbike-karte-waldviertel
