L2 Auen-Trail

Description:
 

This easy-to-run circuit of around 12 km takes us to the Steyrer Auen landscape and nature reserve.

Directions:
 

The tour starts at the Steyr train station, past the evangelical church and after a few meters we come to the banks of the Enns river and have a wonderful view of the Ennskai of Steyr with its historic houses. We walk right through the Kollertor, further over the intermediate bridge that leads us over the river. This is where the rivers Enns and Steyr meet. We keep to the left and walk along a footbridge to the Museum Arbeitswelt, which we walk around on the left.

We continue past the university of applied sciences until we cross the Steyr river again on the left at a crossroads over a bridge. We keep to the right and walk 500 meters until we come to Teufelsbach. This is where the actual Auen Trail begins. First, a path leads along the river for about 1.5 km until we come to a road, which we now follow to the right for about 500 meters until we turn left into the Himmlitzer-Au just before the bridge. Beautiful nature trails through the Au now accompany us for the next 3.5 km. Past the gravel banks, the local recreation area for the people of Steyr. On hot summer days, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the Steyr River.

Further through the Au we come to the tracks of the museum railway. We cross the tracks and walk up the conglomerate wall on the right. At the top, the path splits, we take the right and follow it for the next 1.5 km until the path leads back down to the tracks, which we will now follow for the next few kilometers. Passing the Christkindl pilgrimage church, we head back into town. We walk past the train station of the museum railway and head towards the center. The tower of the parish church shows us the way. Arrived at the historic town square of Steyr, we walk next to the town hall into a passage on the other side of the houses and cross the Enns river via a pedestrian crossing, which leads us back to the starting point of our tour.

Equipment:
The required equipment always depends on the particular tour and the weather conditions. Regarding the food: This is very individual and it is recommended to have rather too much than too little with equipment and food. For a 5km round in the valley you need less than for a demanding tour in the mountains. The weather can change quickly and if you are not constantly on the move or need to take a break, for example, warming clothing is of great importance.

 

We have a general checklist for you here:

 

• Weather-appropriate running gear for the season - weather forecast - region - elevation. This includes:

    * a waterproof rain jacket

    * a waterproof rain trousers suitable for running

    * Gloves and warm headgear (hood/headband/towel).

    * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days

• Trail running shoes


• Drinking bottles, softflasks or a hydration bladder with enough liquid for the respective tour (if necessary also salt tablets/magnesium)


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


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a belly belt for small tours.


• Drypack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optionally a small garbage bag).


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. An Israeli bandage is highly recommended: this is a one-handed wound and pressure bandage. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated in trail backpacks)


• Cell phone


• Maps (online and/or offline)


• E-card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Grödeln/Spikes: these can be a great advantage in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

Additional information:
This trail was run for us by André Prinz