Package deal Benedict pilgrimage route Kremstal

Bookable: Mon - So Travel period: All year round
Procedure 1st day:
Arrival at the accommodation in the morning, luggage drop-off
Start of the 1st stage
Cab transfer in the evening from the 1st stage destination back to the accommodation
Procedure 2nd day:
Cab transfer to the 2nd stage start (= stage finish from the previous day)
Start of the 2nd stage
Cab transfer in the evening from the 2nd stage finish to the accommodation
Procedure 3rd day:
Cab transfer to the 3rd stage start (= stage finish from the previous day)
Start of the 3rd stage
End of stage at accommodation or train station and departure




The Kremstal Benedict Pilgrimage Trail is a circular route that branches off from the main Benedict Trail in Schlierbach and leads through the beautiful Upper Austrian Kremstal valley over a distance of 50 km and three daily stages.
 
The villages of Schlierbach, Nußbach, Wartberg, Inzersdorf, Micheldorf and the district capital of Kirchdorf are nestled in the beautiful valley landscape. The route through these villages is for the most part very moderate and flat, with only the ascent to Grillparz - a magnificent vantage point over the entire valley - and the path up to Magdalenaberg church involving metres of elevation gain.
 
Each place has its own story to tell, so pilgrims are advised to take in the many views and insights and let them sink in.
Route description
The trail leads from Schlierbach Cistercian Abbey past Dorff Castle through the villages of Hofern and Ellersbach directly onto the new dam path from the retention basin in the Kremsauen. There are wonderful resting places along the Krems river to pause, enjoy and recharge your batteries. The repeated change of perspective is also fascinating, with the Cistercian monastery of Schlierbach, the Magdalenaberg church, the Georgenberg and Altpernstein Castle showing their best sides, but the fascination always remains the same.
 
In Wartberg, you have the opportunity to stop off at a traditional inn or a traditional bakery-cafe, and we also recommend a detour to the beautiful late Gothic parish church with its Baroque spire. Well-fed and full of energy, the route continues south-west via the Hubertus Chapel, following the Ramwoldn farm road up to the villages of Strienzing and Maisdorf and on to the Mayr barbecue school. The first day's stage ends here.
 
On the second day, the route leads from the Mayr barbecue school along the barbecue hiking trail towards the small village of Magdalenaberg, which belongs to the municipality of Pettenbach. On the ascent to the Magdalenaberg, the view of the 15th century pilgrimage church is a constant source of inspiration. Once at the top, the view over the Kremstal valley to the Tote Gebirge mountains is rewarding. A visit to the pilgrimage church invites you to pause for a moment and invigorates the pilgrims before the last section of the second stage of the day is hiked via Inzersdorf to Micheldorf.
 
If you are feeling peckish, a stop at the Inzersdorfer Dorfstube is recommended, as is a visit to St. Mary's Church from the 1970s on the village square. Well fortified, you now continue along the Kremsuferweg to the destination of the second stage of the day, Micheldorf (town). Here too, traditional inns and cafés invite you to take a break.
The third stage of the day now starts in Micheldorf, where you don't have to start hungry either, as there are recommended options in the café or inn. The route now leads via the Way of the Cross to the Georgenberg and the baroque Georgiberg church of the same name - a popular christening and wedding church in Micheldorf, where the traditional Georgi-Ritt takes place every two years. On the way to Kirchdorf, we are accompanied by the view up to Altpernstein Castle, which is enthroned high up on the rock above the Krems Valley. The medieval castle is not open all the time, but on certain Sundays you can get refreshments.
 
Once in Kirchdorf, pilgrims have access to the town center with numerous restaurants and stores, a regional farm store and a tourist information office. Those wishing to continue directly to Schlierbach can follow the signposted route to Grillparz - one of the most beautiful and peaceful viewing points in the Krems Valley - before following the last signposts back to Schlierbach.
 
In Schlierbach, various restaurants invite you to enjoy regional delicacies. For your loved ones at home, there is the famous B'schoad Binkerl to take home, a nice souvenir with all kinds of specialties from the region. We also recommend a personal devotion in the collegiate church, a visit to the panorama monastery, a reflection on what you have experienced, the encounters along the way and a hopeful "set out on the path".