Discover Sankt Nikola on the Danube

Sankt Nikola on the Danube offers a range of ways to combine hiking with local history on a trip. Hiking options include a circular trail with a stated length, a Donausteig stage, and the landscape of the Stillensteinklamm gorge. The history of Burg Werfenstein and two churches, each with its own historical connections, add to the picture. When choosing a destination, you can first consider whether you are more interested in trails and landscapes or in architectural and river history.

Hiking trails: a circular route or a Donausteig stage

The Burg Werfenstein hiking trail is a 5.7-kilometer circular route that starts and ends at the Gießenbachmühle in Sankt Nikola on the Danube. The Gießenbachmühle is now used as an event hall. The route therefore has a clearly named starting and ending point, and its length is also specified. By contrast, Donausteig stage 4_G06 runs from Grein via Sankt Nikola on the Danube to Sarmingstein. The two types of hike are therefore clearly different: on the circular route, the start and finish are in the same place, while the stage runs between the places named. You can use this distinction to decide whether you would prefer to include a circular route or a route passing through several named places in your travel plans.

Stillensteinklamm gorge: granite, water, and cascades

The Stillensteinklamm gorge is another highlight. Its entrance is characterized by granite boulders, small waterfalls, and cascades. Below the Steinerne Stube, the stream disappears underground for around 300 meters. The landscape description thus combines visible features at the entrance with the stream’s unusual course. The gorge has been awarded the Upper Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. If you are planning your trip around hiking, the gorge adds a focus on the landscape to the choice between a circular route and a Donausteig stage.

Castle and churches: historical landmarks

Burg Werfenstein was first mentioned in a document in 1242. In the past, chains were stretched from the castle across the Danube to Wörth Island to stop ships. This history connects the castle with the Danube and the former control of river traffic. It adds a historical perspective on the river and shipping to the hiking themes.

The parish church of St. Nicholas was founded in 1141 by Beatrix von Clam, together with a hospital for pilgrims and travelers. Its founding is therefore also linked to an institution for people on the move. Architecturally, the church is a Baroque-style Romanesque square-choir church. The term “square-choir church” identifies the building type; the terms “Romanesque” and “Baroque-style” describe its architectural classification.

Another landmark is the former Church of St. Mary, a filial church. Its nave and choir were built around 1400. The two churches thus represent different historical periods: the founding of the parish church in 1141 and the construction of two parts of the former filial church around 1400. For travelers interested in architectural history, both the different historical dates and the distinct church building styles are relevant topics.

Which themes suit your trip?

To help you decide, consider which interests matter most to you: the circular route and the Donausteig stage differ in their trail format, while the Stillensteinklamm gorge offers a distinct landscape theme, with its granite, waterfalls, cascades, and the stream’s underground course. The castle and churches offer different points of interest, from the history of shipping on the Danube to architectural and foundation history. This lets you choose a destination based on the topics that interest you most during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Georgen an der Gusen, Arbing, Ried in der Riedmark, Waldhausen im Strudengau, Allerheiligen im Mühlkreis, Wansch, Katsdorf, Baumgartenberg.

Go to the overarching travel overview: Perg.