L2 Windhager Trail
4400 Steyr
“Good training route that takes you along the ridge of the hill chain on forest paths, below the Windhagberg to the Großternberg Alm, where a magnificent view over the Mühlviertel will surprise you.”
Recommended season:
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Loop
This very special circuit course with 8.7 km and 433 m of elevation gain is a real insider tip and perfect for trail runners as an entry point, because the climbs can be mastered in stages to calm the heart rate a bit. It is a real circular route, where only a few hundred meters have to be run on asphalt. Usually, the terrain on this route is very varied and runs over beautifully laid out and signed forest paths and some forest roads to the passionately maintained Großternberg Alm (not operated), where pigs and horses enjoy the open nature. In good weather, you will be rewarded with an excellent distant view over the Mühlviertel. After that, the technically slightly demanding short downhill begins.
Directions:The route starts directly in Ternberg at the train station. From there, it first goes through the town, past the church and the cemetery, over the federal road. Then you have to briefly follow the pedestrian and bike path parallel to the federal road towards the Enns valley. From the old football field, you reach a settlement.
After about 1.5 km through the Ternberg town area, the actual trail starts, which begins with a field path. Shortly thereafter, you already reach the ridge of the hill chain, where a round stone table can be seen, and the first forest path section begins. After about 2 km, you have already mastered the first climbs. After a short gravel path, at the signpost go right on a narrow forest path back onto the ridge of the hill chain. Then you reach a forest road again and the second climb is mastered. In between, there are two short and signed forest path sections running along the ridge and a rock. If you choose the parallel forest road instead, you will find benches where you have a nice view of the Schieferstein. After a short, descending section on the gravel road, turn left following the signpost, through a charming forest area with mossy ground winding up to the asphalt road. After about one hundred meters, you reach kilometer 4.7 at Raschlhöhe (570 m), which is a popular starting point around Windhagberg.
From Raschlhöhe, it leads past the timber storage area, then left on a broad forest road with a pleasant incline, up to the passionately maintained Großternberg Alm. At the beginning of the path (left), a wooden bench offering a clear view can be used for a break. Upon arrival at the Alm, you reach the highest point of the route at kilometer 5.5 and an altitude of 670 m. Passing left by the free-roaming, grunting but fenced pigs, you are rewarded with a spectacular view from the Enns valley to Steyr, Linz, and in good weather even as far as the Mühlviertel. From now on, the downhill begins. First to the first curve on asphalt, then turn right onto a gravel road until the road is blocked by a metal fence. From here, you can turn left into the forest and run down the winding trails around the trees until the somewhat usually slippery forest path begins. Then it goes down again along the ridge via a somewhat rocky and often leaf-covered trail until you reach the viewpoint “Fahne,” where you can enjoy the view over Ternberg or towards Schoberstein from a bench. Finally, follow the forest path down, turn right once at the signpost, until you finally reach the federal road again. From here, proceed past the church back to the Ternberg train station.
Tip:- The route sections at the beginning are partly not marked on any map known to me and are therefore a real insider tip! However, signposts are still present.
- The evening atmosphere at the Großternberg Alm is breathtakingly beautiful due to the western orientation!
- To train endurance strength, the trail can also be run backwards, as the climb to the Fahne is somewhat steeper.
- The route can also be extended to the Koglerhof guesthouse, which would lead around the Windhagberg.
- There are several STRAVA segments uphill to the Österreich-Fahne.
- The loop can, of course, also be run twice ;)
From the Großternberg Alm down to the Österreich-Fahne, it can become slippery in places. In addition, there are currently construction works just before the federal road (kebab stand), which could possibly slightly change the routing. The Großternberg Alm is no longer operated!
Equipment:The required equipment always depends on the respective route and the weather conditions. Regarding provisions: this is very individual and it is recommended to have too much rather than too little in terms of equipment and provisions. A 5 km round in the valley needs less than a demanding tour in the mountains. The weather can change quickly and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, for example, warming clothing is very important.
Here is a general checklist for you:
- Weather-appropriate running clothing for the season - weather forecast - region - altitude. These include, among others:
* a waterproof rain jacket
* waterproof rain pants suitable for running
* gloves and warm headgear (hat/headband/buff)
* sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days - Trail running shoes
- Water bottles, soft flasks or a hydration bladder with enough fluid for the respective tour (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)
- Snacks for an energy boost in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,
- Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a waist belt for small tours.
- Dry pack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optional a small trash bag)
- Emergency blanket
- Small first aid kit. An Israeli bandage is, in my opinion, highly recommended: it is a one-handed operated wound and pressure dressing. Details can be found here.
- Emergency whistle (often integrated into the trail backpack)
- Mobile phone
- Maps (online and/or offline)
- E-Card or insurance card
- Some cash
- Microspikes/spikes: these can be very advantageous in winter and icy conditions.
- Folding poles for trail running
- Headlamp
The route was run for us by Daniel Aspalter
Paths covering:
further information:
- Circular route
Mitten im Ortszentrum gelegen, erwartet Sie unser traditionelles Haus mit gutbürgerlicher Küche und einer gemütlichen Gaststube. Ob im eleganten Speisezimmer oder im großen Veranstaltungssaal – wir bieten den passenden Rahmen für jeden Anlass und sind auch für Reisegruppen bestens geeignet.
Entspannen Sie in unserem schattigen Gastgarten, auf der Terrasse im 1. Stock oder auf der ruhigen Liegewiese. Wir legen Wert auf Qualität: Freuen Sie sich auf Produkte aus eigener Landwirtschaft.
Für Radfahrer bieten wir spezielle Radlerkost, eine Rad-Service Möglichkeit und einen sicheren Rad-Abstellraum. Ein großer Parkplatz ist ebenfalls vorhanden. Ihre vierbeinigen Lieblinge sind bei uns herzlich willkommen – Hund und Katze dürfen gerne mitreisen!
Parking
Ternberg Train Station
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Early winter
- Deep winter
Please get in touch for more information.
Stadtplatz 27
4400 Steyr
Phone +43 7252 53229 - 0
E-Mail info@360alpenland.com
Web www.steyr-nationalpark.at/
Vis-à-vis users
1. The tours presented for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc. are to be considered non-paid tour recommendations and only serve as non-binding information. We have no intention of concluding a contract with the users of this website. The utilisation of the data does not lead to the establishment of a contract with us.
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The tour recommendations posted were created with utmost care; nevertheless, we assume no liability for the correctness and completeness of the information.
We point out that neither the tour recommendations included on this website nor the associated data and information were posted by us, but rather by third parties (Art. 16 Austrian E-Commerce Act). We have no influence on whether the details provided (e.g. distance, level of difficulty, change in altitude, description etc.) are authentic, correct and complete. We do not review these third-party contents. For this reason, we assume no liability for the authenticity, correctness and completeness of the information.
Construction-related measures or other influences (e.g. landslides and similar occurrences) can lead to temporary or permanent changes in a route (e.g. loss of a bridge and similar occurrences). Such occurrences can lead to part of the route or the entire route becoming impassable.
The use of the data as well as undertaking (riding, walking, taking etc.) the recommended tours or using the network of paths occurs at users’ own risk and on their authority. In particular, users themselves are responsible for the choice of route, outdoor orientation, adherence to traffic rules, supplies and equipment for tours listed in Point 1 (e.g. bicycle etc.), wearing a helmet, estimating their own fitness, recognising dangers and maintaining an appropriate velocity. We exclude ourselves from any liability whatsoever for damages, in particular accidents, that occur whilst taking part in the recommended tours.
2.Some of the tours lead over roads with normal traffic conditions. Please observe that there is an increased risk which can be avoided by means of appropriate attention and proper estimation and implementation of one’s own abilities. For this reason, please travel a route that is unfamiliar to you slowly and with special care. Pay constant attention to potential dangers and always observe traffic. Do not leave the routes featured in descriptions.
The potential use of private roads, in particular forestry roads and agricultural transport roads, can be subject to legal restrictions, which must be observed and adhered to.
The normal traffic rules apply. Each user (e.g. biker, motorbiker) is responsible for adhering to these rules and maintaining his/her bike/vehicle and its equipment (lights, brakes etc.) in good working order. Each user is also responsible for ensuring that he/she rides at a velocity that is appropriate for the conditions and his/her skill level and for maintaining sufficient distance to the rider in front. We explicitly recommend adjusting velocity to correspond to the respective field of vision, wearing a helmet, using reflective clothing (or similar) and employing bicycle lights in line with regulations.
3.Each tour requires good physical fitness as well as detailed planning. We explicitly recommend only taking the tours in the case of optimal healthiness.
We recommend that you conclude an accident and liability insurance policy. Use an onboard computer that displays the respective kilometres travelled per day and is calibrated for the front wheel.
4.Special for mountain bikers – Fair-play rules:
Mountain biking is one of the most wonderful outdoor leisure-time activities. Whilst biking or on a mountain biking tour, mountains and lakes, meadows and cabins are re-discovered in new ways. A couple of rules for fair play in the forest help to avoid conflicts whilst mountain biking.
a.Pedestrians have the right of way: We are accommodating and friendly to pedestrians and hikers. Upon encountering these fellow travellers, we alert them by using the bicycle bell and slowly overtake them. We avoid paths with heavy pedestrian traffic altogether. Take nature into account: We do not leave refuse behind.
b.The braking distance should be half of the total distance visible: We ride at a controlled pace, are ready to brake and maintain a braking distance half as long as the total distance visible, especially in curves, because we always have to count on obstacles on the path. Damage to the path, stones, branches, wood piles, grazing livestock, cattle grids, barriers, tractor-type forestry machines and authorised vehicles pose dangers that we need to be ready for.
c.Don’t drink and drive!: Do not drink alcohol when mountain biking. Take care at stop-off points (dealing with bike racks, dirty shoes or clothing).
It is obligatory to provide first aid!
d.Marked routes, closed paths and blockades: Keep to the marked routes, observe the blockades and accept that these roads are primarily for agricultural and forestry use!
Blockades can often not be avoided and are in your own interest. Biking beyond the intended path and outside of opening times is punishable and turns us into illegal bikers.
e.We are guests in the forest and behave accordingly, including vis-à-vis forestry and hunting staff. Whilst mountain biking, mobile telephones and music players are forbidden! Biking requires your full attention.
f.Avoid unnecessary noise. Out of consideration to the animals living in the wild, we only bike during full daylight. As a principle, we always wear our helmet (even when riding uphill)! Don’t forget emergency supplies: We always have a repair set and bandages along.
g.Don’t overestimate your skills: We should not overdo it when it comes to biking technique and physical fitness. Take the level of difficulty posed by the route into consideration and make a precise estimate of your experience and skills as a biker (braking, bell, lights)!
h.Close gates: We approach grazing livestock at a walking pace and close every gate behind us. We should avoid causing escape and panic reactions in the animals. Nothing stands in the way of the fun and athletic challenge in the mountains and forests!
i.Traffic rules: The general traffic rules (StVO) apply for all the mountain biking routes and we adhere to them. Our bike therefore needs to be in perfect technical condition and equipped in line with the traffic rules, including brakes, a bell and lights. We inspect and service our mountain bikes regularly anyway.
5.We assume no liability for the contents of external websites; in particular, we assume no liability for their statements and contents. Moreover, we have no influence on the design or contents of the websites to which hyperlinks on www.bergethermestadt.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to www.bergethermestadt.at. There is no on-going review of websites to which hyperlinks on www.bergethermestadt.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to www.bergethermestadt.at. We do not appropriate the contents of websites to which hyperlinks on www.bergethermestadt.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to www.bergethermestadt.at.
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1. Each of your tour recommendations for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc., along with other details and information, is free of charge. In particular regarding the correctness of the information, we assume no liability, nor do we assume any liability whatsoever for the consequences of the use of your tour recommendation by a third party (in particular by a user of this website). We do not review the tour recommendations you post, including other details and information, at any time.
We have no intention of concluding a contract with persons who post tour recommendations and/or other details and information on this website. Posting data (information) does not imply that a contract has been concluded.
By recommending a tour, we assume special responsibility vis-à-vis other athletes. Please take this responsibility seriously and describe your tour recommendation with utmost care and to the best of your knowledge and belief.
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