Best attractions and places to see around Sauwald, an elevated plateau in Upper Austria, offers panoramic vistas and a rich cultural landscape. Forming part of the Bohemian Massif south of the Danube, its terrain stretches from Passau and Schärding to Eferding. The region features a cultural landscape with fields, meadows, expansive forests, and traditional farmsteads. Haugstein, at 895 meters, is the highest point in the Sauwald.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Summit
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Highlight • Castle
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Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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“The Stations of the Cross lead right through the streets of our everyday lives. We, Lord, usually walk in the opposite direction to yours. It is precisely in this way that we might see your face, that we might meet your gaze. We walk our usual paths and you come towards us. Your eyes look into our hearts. Then we hesitate to continue on our way, as if nothing had happened. We can turn around, look at you, follow you. We can put ourselves in your shoes and sense that it is better to change direction. (…) The Via Crucis is the prayer of those who are in motion. It interrupts our usual paths so that we may move from weariness to joy. It is true that the path of Jesus costs us something: In this world, where everything is calculated, generosity comes at a high price. But in surrender, everything blossoms anew: A city divided into factions and torn apart by conflict approaches reconciliation; a withered religiosity rediscovers the fruitfulness of God's promises; even a A heart of stone can be transformed into a heart of flesh. We need only listen to the invitation, “Come and follow me!” (cf. Mark 10:21), and trust in that loving gaze. (Prayer for the Stations of the Cross with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, Good Friday 2024)
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Beautiful memorial in the middle of the forest
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The Haugstein is the highest elevation in the Innviertel
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Beautiful wooden church, always a nice photo motif
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The romantic Vichtenstein Castle is located in the center of Vichtenstein, just a few meters from the Donausteig. Today the castle is owned by the Schulz-Wulkow family, who also live there. The castle cannot be visited!
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The Haugstein is 895 m above sea level. A. the highest mountain in the Sauwaldes in the Upper Austrian district of Schärding (Innviertel).
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Vichtenstein Castle rises clearly above the Danube valley in the Sauwald in Upper Austria in the municipality of Vichtenstein, opposite the Obernzell market in Lower Bavaria.
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The Sauwald is an elevated plateau offering panoramic vistas, especially of the Danube River and its valley. Key natural features include the Haugstein Summit (895 m), which is the highest point, and the expansive Sauwald-Hochplateau itself, characterized by a mosaic of fields, meadows, and forests.
Yes, the region boasts several historical and cultural sites. You can visit Vichtenstein Castle, a historical site built around 1100 that rises above the Danube valley. Another unique spot is the Jagabild Chapel (Hunter Memorial), a religious building nestled in the forest with a fascinating legend. The region also features traditional farmsteads and villages, reflecting centuries of rural life.
The Sauwald is renowned for its breathtaking views. The Haugstein Summit (895 m) offers views over the Danube valley to Bavaria. Additionally, the 50-kilometer-long Sauwald Panoramastrasse features approximately 15 magnificent vantage points between Passau and the Schlögener Schlinge, providing stunning perspectives of the Upper Danube Valley.
Yes, Sauwald offers family-friendly options. The Jagabild Chapel (Hunter Memorial) is listed as family-friendly. For cycling, the EuroVelo 7 Danube Cycle Path is also suitable for families. You can also find easy hiking routes like the 'Fairy Tale Trail Vichtenstein' or 'View of Jochenstein' which are often suitable for families. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Sauwald guide.
Sauwald offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate. You can find routes leading to summits like Haugstein Summit (895 m), forest paths, and religious routes like the Way of the Cross from Stadl to Haugstein. There are also guides for specific types of hikes, such as Easy hikes around Sauwald and Waterfall hikes around Sauwald.
Absolutely. The EuroVelo 7 Danube Cycle Path runs through the area, offering a very nice and varied section along the Danube. For road cycling enthusiasts, there are several routes, including those with views of Engelhartszell or leading to Vichtenstein Pass. You can find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Sauwald guide.
The highest point in Sauwald is the Haugstein Summit (895 m). From its wooded ridge, you can enjoy views over the Danube valley towards Bavaria. It's a popular spot for a breather, with individual granite blocks providing natural seating.
Yes, the Sauwald Panoramastrasse, a 50-kilometer-long scenic route, is a major highlight. It winds high above the Upper Danube Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Danube river. Along this route, you'll find approximately 15 vantage points, some enhanced with wooden sculptures by Michael Lauss, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy distant views.
Sauwald is beautiful year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring, summer, and autumn are ideal. The region's forests and panoramic views are particularly stunning during these seasons. Autumn, in particular, offers a magical atmosphere around places like the Jagabild Chapel.
Vichtenstein Castle is a romantic castle located in the center of Vichtenstein, rising clearly above the Danube valley. It was built around 1100. While it's a significant historical landmark and beautiful to view from the outside, it is privately owned by the Schulz-Wulkow family who reside there, and therefore, the castle cannot be visited internally.
The Jagabild Chapel (Hunter Memorial) is a small wooden forest chapel near the Haugstein. Inside, you'll find the trunk of a beech tree around which a gruesome legend is entwined. According to the legend, about 300 years ago, the princely Passaurian chief hunter Greiner was tied upside down by poachers over an anthill to this very beech tree, only to be freed by the Blessed Mother.
Yes, Sauwald offers several easy hiking options suitable for various fitness levels. Examples include the 'Fairy Tale Trail Vichtenstein – View of the Danube and Bavaria loop' and the 'View of Jochenstein – Nixe Isa Statue at Jochenstein loop'. For a comprehensive list of accessible routes, refer to the Easy hikes around Sauwald guide.
The elevated position of the Sauwald naturally provides stunning views of the Danube River. The most direct way to experience these is by driving along the Sauwald Panoramastrasse, which offers numerous vantage points. Additionally, hiking to the Haugstein Summit (895 m) also provides excellent perspectives of the valley.


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