The best traffic-free bike rides around Ybbs an der Donau

Today, Pöchlarn is an exciting mix of a highly modern logistics center on the Danube and a town that traces its roots back to Roman times. Long before the Nibelungs passed through the town, Pöchlarn was an important Roman base called Arelape. It was a fort directly on the Danube Limes. A part of the Roman Danube fleet was stationed here. During excavations in the town area (especially in the area of the church), ancient finds have been made again and again, proving how strategically important this place was even 2,000 years ago.

Pöchlarn is a town with an extremely deep history that goes far beyond the townscape of today. It is located in the Melk district on the southern bank of the Danube and is often referred to as the "Nibelungen City". Pöchlarn is inextricably linked to the Nibelungenlied, the famous medieval epic. In the city center you will find the modern Nibelungen monument with the coats of arms of the cities that appear in the epic. It is a must for a photo when you are in town.

Maria Taferl, after Mariazell, is the most important pilgrimage site in Lower Austria and a baroque work of art. The church is a "Who-is-Who" of Austrian Baroque architecture. Standing in front of it, you are looking at the work of the absolute elite of this time. Construction began in 1660 under Daniel Gran, but it was completed by none other than Jakob Prandtauer (the creator of Stift Melk) and Joseph Munggenast. The striking twin towers and the bright facade are placed in such a way that they look like a crown over the Danube valley.

From the Danube Cycle Path, there is an impressive view of Maria Taferl, picturesquely perched on a hill overlooking the Danube. The pilgrimage basilica, visible from afar, dominates the landscape and serves as a prominent landmark for cyclists. The view is particularly beautiful when approaching the area around Marbach or Pöchlarn: the church rises above the river valley, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, offering a harmonious interplay of nature, culture, and spirituality along the Danube Cycle Path.

A detour to the town center of Pöchlarn is highly recommended for cyclists on the Danube Cycle Path. The center is easily accessible from the riverbank, usually in just a few minutes via short cycle paths or quiet streets. There, you can explore the charming old town, take a break at one of the cafes or restaurants, or visit a small shop. After your visit, the route leads easily back to the Danube Cycle Path, making this detour a perfect addition to a day trip.

It is the most important pilgrimage site in Lower Austria and the second largest in Austria after Mariazell. The basilica is an impressive early Baroque building with a striking twin-tower facade.

Unfortunately, the fountain was dismantled in 2024 due to the construction of the new main square. Although a new fountain was erected, it cannot compare to the Kilian Fountain, which had long been a prominent feature of the cityscape.

From the opposite bank of the Danube, there is an impressive view of Maria Taferl, perched on a hill above the Danube. The pilgrimage church, with its striking baroque tower, is visible from afar and dominates the skyline of the Wachau region. The view is particularly charming from the Danube Cycle Path or from vantage points on the northern bank: you can see the church towering above the wooded slopes and terraced vineyards, while the wide river meanders peacefully below. The combination of historic architecture, picturesque landscape, and the Danube panorama makes this view a popular destination for cyclists and photographers.