Top 13 Natural Monuments around Enns
Natural monuments around Enns offer diverse natural attractions, from riverine landscapes to elevated viewpoints. Enns, Austria's oldest city, is situated near the confluence of the Enns and Danube rivers, which significantly shapes its natural environment. The region features protected areas and ongoing ecological restoration efforts, particularly along the Enns River. Visitors can explore various green spaces and trails that highlight the area's geological and ecological significance.
Best natural monuments around Enns
- The most popular natural monuments is Weltstein, a natural monument that is one of the highest elevations in Schwertberg. This location offers a wonderful circular hike in the hilly Mühlviertel landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Pfenningberg Summit Cross, a summit and natural monument. The Pfenningberg is a 616-meter high mountain that provides beautiful views over Linz on clear days.
- Visitors also love Mouth of the Traun-Danube, a river estuary. This site is notable for its contrasts, where the Traun-Donau-Auen nature reserve meets industrial backdrops.
- Enns is known for its river landscapes, elevated viewpoints, and protected natural areas. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, including significant ecological restoration sites.
- The natural monuments around Enns are appreciated by the komoot community, with 198 photos shared and 458 upvotes across the highlights.
Last updated: August 3, 2026
Pfenningberg Summit Cross
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Weltstein
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Sluice with fish ladder
Highlight • Structure
Looking through the Viscope, you know exactly where you're looking. Every point of interest is labeled, such as which mountain or town is visible.
Leaving the observation tower and walking a short distance downstream along the Danube, you'll come to Doni, the walk-in fish. This galvanized sheet metal structure has an open mouth, offering a view of the wooden tower below.
Between the observation tower and Doni the fish is a fish ladder, allowing fish to migrate upstream. A visit to the nature trail also provides insights into the flora and fauna between the Danube and Naarn rivers, which are described on information panels.
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Mouth of the Traun-Danube
Highlight • River
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Todesstiege and Quarry at Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial
Highlight • Historical Site
Fortunately, you can easily bypass the gate and climb the stairs in peace and with thoughts of the many murdered here.
I consider this place particularly suitable for thoughtful remembrance.
On April 7, 2022, a group of people climbed the Stairs of Death to the concentration camp. They were on the Jerusalem Way (jerusalemway.org) as peace pilgrims from Linz to Vienna, traveling in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
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Tips from the Community
Here you can see how the Traun connects to the Danube.
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Today, I saw the new fence for the first time, along with the automatic gate that closes when the number of people on the stairs exceeds 300. It's encouraging that there's now an official way to climb these stairs to the memorial again. This massive and certainly very expensive security system with its many video cameras does seem a bit absurd!
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The "Stairs of Death" at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial, closed since 2018, is once again freely accessible. According to ORF, the staircase connecting the former Mauthausen concentration camp with the adjacent "Wiener Graben" quarry has been open to visitors – at their own risk – since April 1, 2025. https://ooe.orf.at/stories/3299601/ https://www.mauthausen-memorial.org/de
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Wonderful circular hike away from the hustle and bustle in the hilly Mühlviertel landscape. The legend of the devil (information board at the summit cross) is really brilliant, a clever farmer😜
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Such rock formations are more commonly found further north in the Mühlviertel region. A great destination for a day trip that is easy to reach or can be explored via a beautiful circular hiking trail: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2058392409
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I don't know - a cyclist in front of the Stairs of Death (photo by Martin T.) - ridden or pushed - it doesn't matter - a bicycle has no place in a place like this!!! Here, where so many people have lost their lives... - I would never push a bicycle across a cemetery either. The quarry is a place of remembrance and devotion that deserves to be treated with respect.
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The hiking trail is also wonderful when coming up from Windegg. The last stretch to the rock formation is then a matter of personal judgement.
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nice, a very large pike and you can go in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit around Enns?
Visitors frequently enjoy the Weltstein, which is one of the highest elevations in Schwertberg and offers a wonderful circular hike in the hilly Mühlviertel landscape. Another highly rated spot is the Pfenningberg Summit Cross, a 616-meter high mountain providing beautiful views over Linz on clear days.
Are there any family-friendly natural monuments near Enns?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Weltstein is considered family-friendly, offering a pleasant hike. The Mouth of the Traun-Danube is also a great spot for families, where you can observe the river estuary. Additionally, the Sluice with fish ladder is particularly popular with children, featuring an observation tower and a walk-in fish structure.
What natural features can I expect to see around Enns?
The region around Enns is characterized by its significant river landscapes, particularly the Enns River itself, which is Austria's longest river solely within the country. You'll find diverse riparian landscapes, floodplains, and areas undergoing ecological restoration. There are also elevated viewpoints offering scenic panoramas, and protected natural areas with extensive riparian forests, such as those found in the European Protected Area Lower Steyr and Enns Valley.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Enns offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, including loops through the Erholungswald Eichberg or along the Enns River. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes that take you along the Danube and through scenic landscapes. Mountain biking trails are also available, with routes like the 'View of the Enns River – Seebuffet Rubring loop'. For more details on these activities, you can explore the Running Trails around Enns, Gravel biking around Enns, and MTB Trails around Enns guides.
Are there hiking trails near the natural monuments around Enns?
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. The Weltstein offers a wonderful circular hike. You can also find trails that lead to viewpoints like the Pfenningberg Summit Cross, providing rewarding views. The European Protected Area Lower Steyr and Enns Valley also offers opportunities for hiking through unspoiled riverine ecosystems and riparian forests.
What is the significance of the Enns River as a natural monument?
The Enns River is considered a de facto natural monument due to its ecological importance and ongoing restoration efforts. It is Austria's longest river solely within the country, and projects like 'LIFE WeNatureEnns' are actively working to restore its natural floodplains and enhance habitats for endangered species. Walking along its banks allows visitors to appreciate its role in shaping the regional landscape and its ecological recovery.
Can I observe wildlife at the natural monuments?
Yes, the natural areas around Enns, particularly along the Enns River and within protected zones like the European Protected Area Lower Steyr and Enns Valley, are vital habitats. You might spot various birdlife, and if you're lucky, species like otters and kingfishers. The ongoing restoration projects aim to create and maintain diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of flora and fauna.
Are there any historical sites combined with natural monuments?
Yes, the Wiener Graben Quarry, Mauthausen Memorial is a significant site that combines historical importance with natural elements. While primarily a place of remembrance, the quarry itself is a natural feature that played a role in the site's history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Enns?
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic views from elevated points like the Pfenningberg Summit Cross and the peaceful atmosphere of places like the Weltstein. The contrasts offered by the Mouth of the Traun-Danube, where nature reserve meets industrial backdrops, also captivate many. The family-friendly aspects and opportunities for leisurely walks along the river are also highly valued.
Is there a protected natural area near Enns worth visiting?
Absolutely. The European Protected Area Lower Steyr and Enns Valley, which extends around the city of Steyr and incorporates parts of the Enns Valley, is a significant natural area. It's known for its extensive riparian forests and more unspoiled riverine ecosystems, offering a chance to experience rich biodiversity. You can find more information about this area at steyr-nationalpark.at.
Are there any natural monuments that offer good viewpoints?
Many natural monuments around Enns provide excellent viewpoints. The Pfenningberg Summit Cross offers beautiful views over Linz. The Weltstein is also a great spot for a rest with scenic surroundings. Additionally, the observation tower at the Sluice with fish ladder provides magnificent views of the Lower Austrian Alps, the Mühlviertel region, and the Danube on a clear day.
Most popular attractions around Enns
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