L3 Damberg-Trail

This circular route with 15.2 km and 524 m ascent takes us to the local mountain of Steyr. The terrain on this route is very varied. From asphalt and forest roads, over meadows, to flowing and demanding single trails, everything is included.

Alternatively, you can start the route from the train station in Steyr, which extends the distance by about 5 km.

The route starts directly in Garsten at the train station. From there, it first goes through the town, past the outdoor swimming pool and over the power plant. A beautiful gravel path leads upstream along the dammed Enns until at km 3.5, after a short steep climb, the main road must be crossed (gas station). From the foot of the Damberg, wonderful trails lead over the Windloch (partly quite steep) to the Damberg lookout. The 150 steps up to the lookout are definitely worth taking, as a brilliant panoramic view awaits us at the top. Down again, we immediately take the path that goes down to the left past the Laurenz Chapel to the Schoiber inn with a large parking lot. We then run another half kilometer until a path leads over a meadow to the left of a house into a short forest section. Afterwards, the route continues on asphalt and gravel paths until we reach a junction at km 12. Here, we take the middle road, which leads us to a farmhouse. To the right, past a chapel, down a pull path into a short forest section until we reach the federal road B115, which we cross. Then it's about 1 km to a railway bridge over which we run. From here, it's only a few hundred meters until we reach our starting point again. 

From the Damberg lookout, you have a wonderful 360-degree view. In clear weather, the Mühlviertel, Traunstein, Ötscher, and the Tote Gebirge are clearly visible. 

The required equipment always depends on the respective route and weather conditions. Regarding food: this is very individual, and it is advisable to have more rather than less with you in terms of equipment and food. For a 5 km round trip in the valley, you need less than for a demanding route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, warming clothing is of great importance, for example.

We have a general checklist here for you:

• Weather-appropriate running clothes for the respective season – weather forecast – region – altitude. These include, among others:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headgear (cap/headband/neck gaiter)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Drinking bottles, soft flasks, or a hydration bladder with enough fluid for the respective route (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)


• Snacks for an energy boost in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a waist belt for small routes.


• Dry pack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optionally a small trash bag)


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. In my opinion, an Israeli bandage is very recommendable: it is a one-handed wound and pressure bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated into the trail running backpack)


• Mobile phone


• Map material (online and/or offline)


• E-Card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Crampons/spikes: these can be very advantageous in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

Run for us by Andre Prinz on March 3, 2023