In Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding, pilgrimage routes, hiking trails and views of the Inn are at the heart of exploration. The Via Nova puts local walks into a wider context: its section 2 runs from Passau to Lengau and continues as far as St. Wolfgang. At the same time, one section within the municipality can be treated as a walk in its own right.
Hiking on the Via Nova
The Via Nova section within the municipality, around 9 km long, runs from Niederham via Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding, Oberraderberg, Großwiesenhart and Dietrichshofen to Bodenhofen. The approximate length refers to this local section, not the entire pilgrimage route. The places and waypoints mentioned give a concrete idea of how the route runs through the municipality.
The starting point for the hiking trails is the old municipal office. An overview board there provides information about the routes. If you want to find your way among the local routes, you can first check the trail overview here and then choose a suitable tour. For the Via Nova, two distances are relevant: the longer route between Passau and St. Wolfgang and the local section, around 9 km long.
Trails with views of the Inn
Several circular trails offer different highlights. The circular trail to Singerer Höhe leads to a viewpoint. The destination of the circular trail to the view of the Inn is a bench on the edge of the forest with lovely views of the river. You can choose whether a designated viewpoint or a stop with a view of the river better suits your day of hiking.
The village’s location is also shaped by waterways and forest: Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding lies between the Antiesen, the Inn and Lindetwald. The perimeter trail runs right along the Inn. Another route, the circular trail to the 1,000-year-old lime tree, passes under the motorway to a shared walking and cycling path by the Inn, then follows the river downstream. This section explicitly combines walking and cycling on a shared path; the other destinations described offer different highlights.
The trail descriptions therefore differ in more than just their names. The route to Singerer Höhe leads to a viewpoint, the route to the view of the Inn leads to a bench on the edge of the forest, and the route to the 1,000-year-old lime tree reaches a walking and cycling path by the Inn. When choosing a route, you can use these specific destinations and the course along the river as a guide.
Outdoor pool and horse riding
As an alternative to the trails, there is the St. Marienkirchen outdoor pool. Its facilities include a slide, a pool with a variable layout and a sunbathing lawn of around 6,000 m². The pool is heated by a solar system. The outdoor pool’s availability depends on the season and may change; check the current opening hours before your visit.
Horse lovers can visit a riding stable with a riding school and indoor arena. You should enquire separately about whether a visit or participation is possible on your preferred date. Hiking, swimming and horse riding are different ways to enjoy a stay; specific plans depend on the conditions for each activity.
A biographical connection to the village
Richard Billinger was born on 20 July 1890 in Sankt Marienkirchen bei Schärding. His birthplace is another specific point of interest if, alongside the trails and leisure activities, you are also interested in the stories of people connected with the village.
Discover more destinations: Wesenufer, Diersbach, Zell An Der Pram, Suben, Rainbach Im Innkreis, Waldkirchen Am Wesen, Sankt Aegidi, Enzenkirchen.
See the overview of the wider region: Schärding.
