The Challenging - Strudengauer 9er (Stage 3)

Summit winners are rewarded with a magnificent view of Grein from the striking rock ledge at Gipfelstein. Part of the path leads over the Matrassteig (alpine section) up to the Rock Gate. The trail was built in 1926 by members of the Austrian Tourist Club and is named after the former ÖTK President Franz Matras. The path is secured with hand ropes and steps. There is an opportunity to stop at the Viktoria-Adelheid Shelter on the Brandstetterkogel. Crossing the Danube by the Danube ferry guarantees a spectacular end to the route.

Starting from the hiking trail starting point in Grein at the Danube riverside, go upstream along the promenade to the Arch Bridge. Past the Grein harbor and the Roman resting place, the Planet Trail leads out of the town of Grein. Directly next to the Danube, follow the towpath towards the shore and over the Danube Bridge Grein. After crossing the bridge, you reach the hiking info point in Tiefenbach. Here is also the inn Zur Donaubrücke for a short rest. In Tiefenbach near the parking lot, you enter the Matrassteig 463 or Gipfelstein/Brandstetterkogel trail 463a. Following the switchbacks, a left turn soon opens to the Matrassteig towards the Rock Gate. Up to the Rock Gate awaits a challenging path with hand ropes, offering unique views of the Danube valley and Grein. Attention: the Matrassteig through passage does not lead to Gipfelstein, so return back on the Matrassteig and at the fork this time turn right. This route leads past the Peace Cross uphill to the Gipfelstein. Shortly after Gipfelstein, it goes steeply downhill to then master the last steep ascent to the shelter at Brandstetterkogel. Finally descent to Wiesen and crossing the Danube with the Danube ferry (9 AM–6 PM!). After the ferry ride, return to the starting point at the Danube riverside or continue on the Strudengauer 9er hiking marathon – the Grein town walk.

Variant 2 - Matrassteig through passage:

Go through Matrassteig 463 at the Rock Gate and thus reach the shelter at Brandstetterkogel or return via Wiesen to Grein with the Danube ferry. Traversing Gipfelstein is thus not necessary.

Alternative route without ferry:

Outside the ferry operating hours, the route can also be done, although the distance (+1 hour) and length (+5 km) change. Alternative route: After the descent to Wiesen, follow the road to the Danube ferry dock. At the dock, turn left and follow the paved road or the Danube cycle path back towards the Danube Bridge Grein. After about 2 kilometers, cross the Danube Bridge and turn right towards Grein. Follow the Danube cycle path on the other side of the Danube back to Grein harbor. Then over the Arch Bridge and the Planet Trail back to the starting point or continue on the Grein town walk.

• View at the Rock Gate


• Gipfelstein


• Brandstetterkogel


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  Shelter at the Brandstetterkogel

  
  

The trail is not passable in ice or snow.

Bike and passenger ferry Grein - Wiesen:

Operating hours:

May and September: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

June to August: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Further information about the Danube ferry at: www.umiuma.at