Reichenthal: Hiking Trails and Mill Village

Reichenthal offers several specific points of interest for a trip focused on hiking and Mühlviertel culture. The trails mentioned differ in length, surroundings and landmarks: from the approximately four-kilometre Waldenfels Circular Trail to the 14-kilometre 10 Mills Hiking Trail. They are joined by the Hayrl Open-Air Museum, the Parish Church of St Bartholomew, as well as archery and fishing.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The 10 Mills Hiking Trail is 14 kilometres long, takes about four hours, and starts and ends at Reichenthal Market Square. The Waldenfels Circular Trail is approximately four kilometres long, also starts and ends at the Market Square, and passes the castle pond and Kettenbach stream before going through the Mill Village. It is suitable for families and can be done with a pushchair. Both trails therefore share the same starting and finishing point, but differ considerably in length.

The child-friendly Miller's Circular Trail is around six kilometres long and follows idyllic streams through woodland and meadows. The eight-kilometre Herrensteig-Höll Trail follows natural trails that were once important trade routes and is well marked. The two also differ in character: idyllic streams, woodland and meadows on the one hand, and natural trails with a historic role as trade routes on the other.

Landscape and mills

The landscape around Reichenthal is characterised by rolling hills, green forests and beautiful views. Idyllic streams and rivers pass ten centuries-old mills. Alongside the named trails, water, woodland and mills are therefore part of the broader landscape.

Culture in the Mill Village

The renovated Herrenmühle in the Hayrl Open-Air Museum in Reichenthal's Mill Village houses a glass collection focusing on the Mühlviertel, Upper Austria and South Bohemia. A functioning sawmill is located in a water-powered Venetian-style sawmill dating from the 19th century. The Brotbackhäusl (bread-baking house) still offers the opportunity to bake bread according to an old tradition.

The Parish Church of St Bartholomew in Reichenthal dates from the 19th century. It is considered the largest parish church in the Mühlviertel and is also known as the “Mühlviertel Cathedral.” This adds a distinct religious landmark to the Mill Village, its collection and its milling technology.

Archery and fishing

Bogensport Waldenfels operates two separate courses: the sports course has 32 targets and the small course has 28. Registration is at the archery hut; the practice range is 150 metres above Waldenfels Castle. The two courses differ in the number of targets on each.

The castle pond is a place connected with two of the activities mentioned: the Waldenfels Circular Trail passes it, and fishing there is also suitable for beginners. Fishing permits are available directly at the pond during the season, from 1 June to 31 October. If fishing is important to your stay, it is best to confirm the seasonal dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Engerwitzdorf, Sonnberg Im Mühlkreis, Goldwörth, Mursberg, Ottensheim, Walding, Zwettl An Der Rodl, Lichtenberg

See the regional travel overview: Urfahr-Umgebung.