Those choosing Neustift im Mühlkreis as a place to stay will find a range of highlights: the Rannatal protected area, the cross-border Smuggler’s Trail, which starts and ends in the town, and views and pilgrimage at Penzenstein. A tasting at the chocolate shop is another possible experience. You can plan your outings around nature, water, culture and routes.
Rannatal: Protected Area and Gneiss Blocks
The Rannatal European protected area covers 226 hectares and is located in the Rohrbach district. In addition to Neustift im Mühlkreis, the area also lies within Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis and Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis, making three municipalities in total. In the Rannatal nature reserve, the landscape is shaped by block streams of layered gneiss boulders. Mosses and lichens colonize the boulders as pioneer vegetation—rock formations and early plant colonization can be seen side by side here.
The Rannatal is also a refuge for rare and endangered species, including the European green lizard. In addition to geological formations, visitors interested in nature and biodiversity can also get a closer look at the area’s wildlife.
By the Water: Dam and Activities
The Ranna reservoir is a popular destination, especially for hikers and anglers. Its dam is 45 metres high and was built in 1950 to generate electricity. In addition to making it a destination for outings, the dam’s height and construction date give the reservoir a clear technical aspect.
Ranna bathing lake offers pedal boat rentals and a 60-metre-long water slide. If you are planning a visit, check the current availability of the rentals and slide in advance, as services and facilities may change.
Penzenstein: Views and Pilgrimage
Donaublick Penzenstein is a rocky viewpoint above the Danube. From there, you can see across the Danube Valley to Jochenstein Danube Power Plant. A chapel dating from the 18th century stands beside the Penzenstein rock. Every year during the summer months, a pilgrimage to the chapel is held on the 13th day of each month. If pilgrimage is the focus of your trip, the day of the month is therefore an important factor to consider in addition to the season.
The Smuggler’s Trail Across the Border
The Smuggler’s Trail starts at the town square in Neustift im Mühlkreis and crosses the national border to Gottsdorf and the ruins of Neujochenstein. From there, it runs along the Danube slope to Jochenstein Danube Power Plant and the “Aktiv-Museum” Haus am Strom. It continues to Donaublick Penzenstein and the panoramic viewpoint in Großmollsberg, before returning to Neustift via Forstedt. The start and finish are therefore in the same town; along the way, the route takes in a border crossing, ruins, Danube attractions and viewpoints. The trail is thus a route in its own right, not just a single viewpoint.
Culture and Treats
Rannariedl Castle is privately owned, is not open to visitors and can only be viewed from the outside. Tastings are offered on site at the chocolate shop in Pühret near Neustift. During group visits, participants then create their own chocolate bar. If you are planning a tasting or group visit, check the current arrangements in advance, as services and group packages may change.
Discover more destinations: Klaffer am Hochficht, Sankt Oswald bei Haslach, Helfenberg, Haslach an der Mühl, Sankt Johann am Wimberg, Sankt Leonhard, Sarleinsbach, Ahorn im Mühlkreis.
For the broader travel overview: Rohrbach.
