Neustift Im Mühlkreis: Nature and the Smugglers’ Trail

The Smugglers’ Trail starts in the village square in Neustift im Mühlkreis and crosses the state border before returning to Neustift. This gives you a clear starting point for planning your stay. The landscape, pilgrimage, water-based activities and regional crafts offer other focal points. When looking for accommodation, you can consider which of these themes matters most to your travel plans.

The Rannatal and its landscape

The Rannatal European protected area covers 226 ha and lies in the Rohrbach district and the municipalities of Hofkirchen im Mühlkreis, Pfarrkirchen im Mühlkreis and Neustift im Mühlkreis. The protected area therefore extends across three municipalities. In the nature reserve, streams of boulders consist of layers of gneiss blocks. Mosses and lichens colonize these blocks as pioneer vegetation. At the same time, the Rannatal is a refuge for rare and endangered species, including the green lizard. Geology and biodiversity give the landscape two distinct, tangible nature-related themes.

The Smugglers’ Trail across the border

The Smugglers’ Trail leads from the village square across the state border to Gottsdorf and the ruins of Neujochenstein. From there, it runs along the Donauleite to the Jochenstein Danube power station and the “Aktiv-Museum” Haus am Strom. It then continues to the Penzenstein Danube viewpoint and the panoramic viewpoint in Großmollsberg; via Forstedt, the trail returns to Neustift. The route connects stops on both sides of the border and ends back where it began. Its sequence makes the trail easy to understand as a continuous route: the points mentioned include a ruin, a power station, a museum and viewpoints. This is a different focus from a single lookout rock or a visit to the water.

Chapel, pilgrimage and Danube viewpoint

A chapel dating from the 18th century stands beside the Penzenstein rock. A pilgrimage to the Penzenstein Chapel takes place every year during the summer months, on the 13th day of each month. This recurring date may influence your travel plans; check the specific event date in advance. The Penzenstein Danube viewpoint is a rocky lookout above the Danube. From there, you can see across the Danube Valley and towards the Jochenstein Danube power station. The focus here is on the landscape and a specific viewpoint by the power station, while the chapel is associated with a regularly recurring pilgrimage.

Ranna Reservoir and Ranna swimming lake

The Ranna Reservoir has a 45-metre-high dam, built in 1950 to generate electricity. The lake is a popular destination, especially for hikers and anglers. The Ranna swimming lake is a separate attraction: it has pedal boat rental and a 60-metre-long water slide. If one of these activities is important to your stay, check current availability in advance, as rental services and facilities may change.

Chocolate, crafts and a castle visit

The chocolate shop in Pühret near Neustift offers tastings on site. During a group visit, participants then create their own chocolate bar. If you are planning a tasting or group activity, check current visiting options in advance. The Scharrer art workshop strives to bring personal motifs or ideas to life. Unlike the tasting, the focus here is on individual design. Rannariedl Castle is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside. Plan to see it from outside.

Discover more destinations: Berg Bei Rohrbach, Godersdorf, Kollerschlag, Afiesl, Sankt Stefan Am Walde, Haslach An Der Mühl, Guglwald, Altenfelden.

Go to the broader travel overview: Rohrbach.