Vorderweißenbach: Heights, Hiking Trails and Nature

Vorderweißenbach appeals to travelers who want to include hiking, nature and culture in their travel plans. The 1,125-meter-high Sternstein is located within the municipality. Other points of interest include trails past chapels, the granite formations of Hirschenstein and the underground river course as a natural phenomenon. The local “Vorderweißenbacher Kulturszene” also adds a cultural touch to your travel plans.

Sternstein and Hirschenstein

Sternstein is the highest elevation in the central Mühlviertel. The Sternsteinwarte, built in 1899, offers panoramic views stretching from Bohemia to the Alpine world. Hirschenstein is 1,026 meters high and the second-highest elevation on the northern ridge. Its granite formations and unspoiled nature give it a distinctive landscape character. It can be reached via hiking trail No. 43a, “Windpark Runde.”

The two heights can be compared directly: there is a 99-meter difference between them. However, their rankings refer to different areas—Sternstein to the central Mühlviertel, and Hirschenstein to the northern ridge. Their landscape features also differ: Sternsteinwarte offers sweeping panoramic views, while Hirschenstein is characterized by its granite formations and nature.

Hiking Trails and Chapels

The hiking trails differ in their points of reference. No. 24, “Sternsteinweg,” starts and ends in Vorderweißenbach and passes directly by Pfann Chapel, built in 1887; No. 24a, “Oköwanderweg,” and No. 44, “Windparkrunde,” also pass directly by it. The routes that pass directly by Wald Chapel are V8, “Schönegger Runde,” V9, “Kleine Waldkapellenrunde,” and V10, “Große Waldkapellenrunde.”

A pious local legend connects Wald Chapel with a stone bearing three bowl-shaped indentations. According to local legend, the Holy Family rested at this stone while fleeing to Egypt. Thus, in addition to its connections to the routes, the chapel is associated with a local religious tradition and its distinctive stone motif.

Underground River Course and Route

The underground river course is a natural spectacle consisting of a river of stones. Unlike the chapels, which are located directly on hiking trails, getting here involves several sections: follow V10, “Große Waldkapellenrunde,” to the Hofau access road, then take a short stretch of the “Sterngartl Rundweg,” and continue along the underpass at the federal highway. Trail conditions can change locally, so check the route before setting out.

The routes offer different ways to navigate: the Sternsteinweg starts and ends in Vorderweißenbach, the chapels are located directly on named routes, and the approach to the underground river course involves several sections. This means that a connection to the town, two chapel stops and a multi-stage approach are all available.

Cultural Program and Getting There

The cultural committee of the market municipality, the association community and local clubs organize a program each year for the “Vorderweißenbacher Kulturszene.” It complements the hiking and nature themes with a cultural reason to visit. If you plan your trip around it, check the event dates in advance.

Travel options include connections from Linz Central Station or Haslach station. Check the relevant connection before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Feldkirchen an der Donau, Goldwörth, Herzogsdorf, Oberneukirchen, Eidenberg, Schild, Ottensheim, Dürnberg.

View the broader travel overview: Urfahr-Umgebung.