L3 Grillenparz Trail

Description:
Circular tour with approx. 11 kilometers and about 550 meters of altitude with ever-changing trail sections starting from the Kirchdorf train station with rewarding views and inviting resting bench at the summit of the Grillenparz.

Directions:
After the start at the Kirchdorf train station, you first go straight ahead to the Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen hospital, behind which lies the eponymous destination of this tour, the Grillenparz or locally also called Grillparz. Before the hospital, turn right and the warm-up continues through narrow side streets of Kirchdorf before turning left into the town park after the indoor swimming pool and the elementary school. After the park, already climbing a bit steeper, you turn right into Groileitenweg before a prominent left turn at the municipal border of Kirchdorf and Micheldorf (sign "Oberschlierbach 6km").

After a few houses you leave the asphalt and reach a wide forest road. At the fork shortly after, follow the left, narrower path further through the forest, which leads into a meadow section and the view opens up towards Altpernstein Castle. The trail now continues flat again on a side road before you reach a narrow meadow path next to a small stream behind a house. After a short flat section on the road, the path branches off to the left, well signposted in the direction of Grillenparz and Schlierbach. Here begins one of the most beautiful sections of this tour with a great view of the Kremstal, the Kremsmauer on the opposite side and the Tote Gebirge behind it. On a rooty forest trail you reach the highest point of the tour and can look forward to the subsequent short downhill through the forest.

It is essential to take time for a short detour to the Traunsteinblickbankerl. At the end of the trail you reach a small settlement. After crossing the road that leads from Kirchdorf to Oberschlierbach, a somewhat longer asphalt section follows, first ascending again, later flat. At a transmission tower, the "Grillparz parking lot" is signposted, from where you can already see the striking summit tree. As soon as you reach the forest, you follow some steep steps on the left and a path through the forest towards the summit. The last meters of altitude are across a meadow, then you stand at the 842 meter high Grill(en)parz with an inviting bench and larch tree, on the back of which a box with a summit book is attached. Towards the north, the view extends far across the central region to the Mühlviertel, and the industrial chimneys of Linz can often be seen.

Back to the starting point, you take the ascent trail again very briefly, but turn right at the edge of the forest in the direction of Kirchdorf. The trail runs nicely through the forest, first moderately, then a bit quite steeply and finally joins the Scherleitenstraße. Past the Haubenrestaurant Scherleiten (unfortunately only cooks for closed parties of 10 people or more), a short stretch is run on asphalt and is followed by another section through the forest. After this forest you already have a good view of the ever approaching town of Kirchdorf, it goes on some hairpin bends past a farm through a settlement and you reach a little later the hospital, from where you come straight back to the station.

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:
Werner Ramsebner ran this trail for us