Obermühl lies directly on the Danube at an elevation of 284 metres. By the river stands the three-storey Freyer Körnerkasten granary, with its extraordinary 16-metre-high roof structure. The Danube is a defining feature of the town; the trails vary in their themes and route characteristics.

Hiking with different starting points

Danube Trail stage 1_N04, “Obermühl – St. Martin: Summit Climb through the Danube Valley & Mühlviertel Highlands,” starts in Obermühl. From the town centre, the stage follows a footpath uphill through the steep forest on the Danube slopes. The significant climb is an important factor when choosing your route if you are planning an uphill hike.

The Donaublickweg (Danube View Trail) also starts in Obermühl; other starting points are Niederkappel’s town square and Gasthaus Gierlinger. To choose between them, you can make a direct comparison: the steep climb through the Danube slopes defines the character of the Danube Trail stage, while the Donaublickweg offers three starting points.

The Danube and finding your way on the water

The Obermühl boat landing is located where the Kleine Mühl flows into the Danube, and on the Danube Cycle Path. The Obermühl–Kobling ferry operates on the Danube between Obermühl and Kobling in Haibach ob der Donau. The landing and ferry offer different points of reference: at the landing, the river confluence and the Danube Cycle Path are key, while the ferry is defined by its two endpoints. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable in advance.

Fish Nature Trail and offers by prior arrangement

The Fish Nature Trail runs downstream from Obermühl for about two kilometres and provides information about fish species found in the Danube. Ten glass panels give detailed descriptions of typical regional fish species and their way of life. The trail thus combines a clearly defined route with a nature theme covering both the species and how they live.

Guided tours of the Fish Nature Trail are available for school classes and tourist groups by prior arrangement. Tastings of various Danube fish and a visit to the cider cellar with a tasting are also available by prior arrangement. If you would like to include these offers, remember to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

Biographical and landscape themes

The Dr. Kirchschläger Trail offers a biographical perspective. Along the trail, stations featuring pictures and quotations from Rudolf Kirchschläger’s life explore themes such as politics, humanity and humour. Its focus therefore differs from the information about fish species on the Fish Nature Trail.

Nearby, the Donauschlinge Nature Trail runs through the Donauleitn between Au and Grafenau. Information boards describe the geology, fauna and flora. Unlike the Fish Nature Trail, which runs downstream from Obermühl and covers Danube fish, this nearby trail offers a broader focus on natural history.

Plan your stay around your interests

When looking for a hotel in Obermühl, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your trip. The Danube Trail stage is defined by its steep climb; the Fish Nature Trail is characterised by its route of about two kilometres downstream and its information about Danube fish. On the Donaublickweg, you can choose between the starting points listed above, while the Dr. Kirchschläger Trail offers a biographical perspective. Consider whether the route, a particular theme or your preferred starting point matters most for your stay.

For the overarching travel overview: Kirchberg Ob Der Donau.