Magical Spots in the Naturpark Mühlviertel

Last updated on April 8th, 2020 at 06:49 am

The Mühlviertel Naturpark is one of only three nature parks in Upper Austria.

It stretches over 1,046 hectares in the east of the granite highlands, captivating visitors with its extraordinary natural features and rock formations.

The landscape of small hills with impressive granite remains is the trademark of the nature park, which extends over the four communities of Allerheiligen, Bad Zell, Rechberg and St. Thomas am Blasenstein.

A total of 13 of these natural monuments, including rocks that were used to extract pitch and rocking stones, have been marked as natural monuments in the region.

Unusual places in the Mühlviertel Nature Park

The Schwammerling in Rechberg

The Schwammerling is not only the landmark of the municipality of Rechberg, but is also immortalised in the logo of the Mühlviertel Nature Park. This unusual rock formation, known as a rocking stone, was formed by the spherical weathering of different densities of stone over the centuries. The oval granite block rests securely on a 3 m high rock and resembles an oversized mushroom. The nature park trail in Rechberg one of the most beautiful hikes in the Mühlviertel, leads to this unusual location.

The Bucklwehluck’n in St. Thomas am Blasenstein

No other stone structure in the region arouses the imagination of its visitors more than the Bucklwehlucknstein in St. Thomas am Blasenstein. A granite block of comparatively modest dimensions displays a split as if two boulders were leaning against each other.

According to ancient tradition, sliding through the gap from east to west helps against back pain and rheumatic complaints and a visitor is reborn as a healthy person. It is also supposed to be able to wipe away sins. In fact, Bucklwehluck’n is a ‘crawling stone’ whose tradition reaches back to prehistory. The pre-Christian cult stone was “Christianised” by the erection of a wayside shrine.

This natural jewel in the idyllic pilgrimage site of St. Thomas am Blasenstein makes an excellent starting point for hikes with breathtaking panoramic views into the Mühlviertel.

Pitch-oil rocks

Recognised by UNESCO as part of the cultural heritage of the region, the burning of pitch oil in the eastern Mühlviertel has an important history – the numerous pitch oil stones in the nature park bear witness to this. A small group keeps this tradition alive to this day and burns the healing pitch oil on the slightly inclined granite blocks, into which a leaf-like groove system is carved.

Visitors to the nature park will come across these natural formations of cultural-historical value in all four nature park communities and can experience the old craftsmanship up close at selected events.

Schalensteine and ancient springs

Schalensteine were rocks used in prehistoric times for religious or cultural purposes – they have either natural or carved depressions in them which are believed to have been used for fire or sacrificial purposes during ceremonies. There are a number of Schalensteine in the Mühlviertel area, such as the Einsiedlerstein in St. Thomas or the Tauf- und Opferstein in Bad Zell.

The Cella Hedwigsbründl in Bad Zell is an ancient spring where those seeking healing arrive on pilgrimage to take the waters.

Discovering the Naturpark Mühlviertel

There are numerous activity programmes and nature tours on offer in the Naturpark Mühlviertel Nature. The popular nature tours offer a chance to observe rare animals and their behaviour with experienced guides, experience flowers and herbs with all one’s senses and learn more about their effects.

There are 255 km of attractive hiking trails, 56 km of nature park cycle routes ideal for e-bikes and a 45 km mountain bike trail to allow active visitors to explore the nature park.

Cycling in the Naturpark

The new 56 km long nature park bike path leads cyclists to some of the most beautiful places and special features of the Naturpark Mühlviertel. The first stage leads through the communities of Rechberg and St. Thomas and the 2nd stage from Bad Zell through the Naarntal valley to Allerheiligen.

More information: www.naturpark-muehlviertel.at