Discover Neustift im Mühlkreis

You can explore Neustift im Mühlkreis for trip planning through a range of themes: Rannatal as a protected area, the Rannastausee as an excursion destination for hikers and anglers, the Ranna-Badesee with its swimming facilities, and Penzenstein with its viewpoint and chapel. Also of interest is the Smuggler’s Trail, which connects Neustift with places beyond the national border. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether nature, water, a cross-border route, or culture should shape your stay.

The Rannatal Natural Area

The Rannatal European Protected Area covers 226 ha and is located in the Rohrbach district, in the municipalities of Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis, Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis, and Neustift im Mühlkreis. In the Rannatal nature reserve, block streams consist of layers of gneiss boulders. Mosses and lichens colonise them as pioneer vegetation. Rannatal is also a refuge for rare and endangered species, including the green lizard. In Rannatal, gneiss block streams meet a habitat for rare and endangered species such as the green lizard.

Distinguishing between the Rannastausee and Ranna-Badesee

The Rannastausee is a popular excursion destination, especially for hikers and anglers. Its 45-metre-high dam was built in 1950 to generate electricity. The Ranna-Badesee offers different attractions: pedal boat hire and a 60-metre-long water slide. The two lakes therefore serve different purposes when planning a trip. If pedal boat hire or the slide is important for your visit, check their current availability in advance.

Penzenstein: Viewpoint and pilgrimage

Donaublick Penzenstein is a rocky viewpoint above the Danube. From there, you can see across the Danube Valley and towards Jochenstein Danube Power Plant. Beside the rock stands the 18th-century Penzenstein Chapel. A pilgrimage to the chapel takes place every year during the summer months, on the thirteenth day of each month. The view and the religious tradition are two different reasons to include Penzenstein in your trip plans.

The Smuggler’s Trail across the national border

The Smuggler’s Trail starts at the village square in Neustift im Mühlkreis and crosses the national border to Gottsdorf and the ruins of Neujochenstein. From there, it continues along the Donauleite to Jochenstein Danube Power Plant and the “Aktiv-Museum” Haus am Strom, then on to Donaublick Penzenstein and the panoramic viewpoint in Großmollsberg, and back to Neustift via Forstedt. The route thus connects Neustift as its starting and finishing point with places beyond the border. Its cross-border route sets it apart from a visit to a single viewpoint or chapel.

Culture and visitor information

Rannariedl Castle is privately owned, is not open for tours, and can only be viewed from the outside. Tastings are offered on site at the chocolate shop in Pühret near Neustift. During group visits, participants then create their own chocolate bar. If you are planning a tasting or a group visit, check the current visitor and group arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Afiesl, Ulrichsberg, Lichtenau Im Mühlkreis, Ahorn Im Mühlkreis, Eilmannsberg, Sankt Peter Am Wimberg, Untermühl, Oberkappel.

Go to the overarching travel guide: Rohrbach.