R1.15 Three Saddle Round

The Strudengauer-Kuppenland - a lonely forest hill sea on the high plateau north of the legendary Strudengau Danube gorge. The rhythm of the high hills and deep ditches radiates harmony, the endless mixed forests solitude. The starting point is the Aumühle in the lonely forest valley of the Gießenbach. In its valley bottom you warm up briefly cycling downhill. Then begins the first - the shortest - ascent. Through shady mountain forest, you pedal up a farm road to the rural Moarhofer Plain, the summit (470 m) of the first saddle. Congratulations!

The swift descent into the neighboring valley awakens with magnificent mixed forest and rock ambience an unexpectedly alpine pass feeling. Upon reaching the hidden Dimbach valley, the second - the longest - climb begins. Through a concealed forest ditch, you ascend via a farm road until the landscape opens. Now, the lush meadows of the high-lying farm community Sattl dominate the landscape. The highest point (520 m) is a chapel shrine with an impressive deep view into the Strudengau gorge. Congratulations, the second saddle is done! The deep view to the Danube lets you feel proud height. And a bit of humility. After all, the Strudengau was once feared by boatmen because of its dangerous whirlpools. The descent surprises with airy high road flair, then you enter the rustic forest ditch of the Sarmingbach. In the valley floor, the ascent to the cultural highlight of the round - Waldhausen - begins!

First somewhat steeper along the lightly trafficked main road, then over forest farm roads, natural forest/field paths, and finally pleasurable country roads through rustic Mühlviertel farmland. Suddenly, at the Hofbauer farmstead, the Waldhausen basin lies before your eyes in its full splendor. Surrounded by forest hills, the impressive abbey church in the center, the village ... a symbol of the clearing of this remote region. The historic market gem Waldhausen invites you to a pleasurable regeneration: the beautiful market square, artistic granite works, the parish church with granite art in its highest perfection, the refreshing waters of the bathing lake, the unusual abbey complex ...! After returning from the abbey loop, a rural side road leads over a low hill ridge back to the forested Dimbach valley. There begins the third ascent - to the highest point of the round!

A farm road leads quickly higher towards Dörfl. Rustic forest sections direct the gaze inward, in rural cultural landscape magnificent views provide an altitude experience. The highest point (540 m) is the house chapel a few meters before the Brandstätter farmstead. Congratulations, you stand at the 3rd saddle and highest point of the route! As a reward follows a pleasurable 2 km long panoramic descent - with small counter climbs - down to the Moarhofer Plain. You already know the short way back to the Aumühle. Have fun to the rhythm of the Strudengauer-Kuppenland!