Mauthausen between Danube history and cycling experiences

Mauthausen combines Danube history, distinctive buildings and active excursions in an unusually vivid way. Even historically, two trade routes met here: The Danube shipping route ran from west to east along the former Roman imperial border. The Salt and Iron Route, by contrast, led from the south across the Danube ford northwards towards Bohemia and Moravia. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Mauthausen will therefore find a place whose character is shaped not only by its landscape but also by its historic transport routes.

Pragstein Castle and the history of the Danube

A distinctive starting point for exploring is Pragstein Castle. Lassla von Prag, once the pledge lord of Mauthausen, had the complex built in 1492 on a rocky island in the Danube just offshore. The pentagonal ground plan is particularly striking: The fifth corner is oriented like the bow of a ship towards the west, against the current. At Heindlkai, you can combine a view of Pragstein Castle with a short cycling or photo stop on the banks of the Danube.

The parish church of St. Nicholas also tells of the town's eventful history. Its first Romanesque building was constructed around 1200 and destroyed in 1424 during the Hussite Wars. In the mid-15th century, the church was rebuilt in the late Gothic style. For visitors interested in architectural history and sacred art, it adds another historical chapter to the view of Pragstein Castle.

Mauthausen's history is also closely linked to granite. Over time, the granite quarries replaced the salt trade. Many stone pavements, bridges and foundations in Linz, Vienna and Budapest still recall the importance of these quarries today. This connection between local extraction and visible traces in larger cities makes the town's past particularly tangible.

Memorial site and practical information

The Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial can be visited free of charge and without registration. A free audio guide app for Android and iOS is available in 12 languages to help visitors find their way around. Groups of at least 10 people can arrange guided tours of the Mauthausen castle museums throughout the year, including outside opening hours, by prior arrangement. For planning your day, the following is also useful: Mauthausen/Oberösterreich railway station is approximately 4 kilometres from the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial.

The memorial site and the historic locations appeal to different interests. Therefore, plan in advance whether the focus of your trip should be on remembrance culture, local history, activities by the river or a combination of these themes. This also allows you to tailor your search for suitable accommodation in Mauthausen sensibly to your planned daily itinerary, without reducing the town to just one aspect.

Cycle paths, the Danube Valley and viewpoints

For active days, Mauthausen is located directly on the Danube Cycle Path. The Mauthausen cycling circuit 972 is approximately 17 kilometres long. The “Pragstein Castle–Mauthausen” cycling circuit measures 17.5 kilometres, starts at Pragstein Castle in the centre of the Danube market town of Mauthausen and passes the memorial site.

Those who prefer longer stages can take Stage 3 of the Danube Trail from Steyregg to Mauthausen and Stage 4 from Mauthausen to Perg. Kalvarienberg offers a panorama over the Danube Valley. The viewpoint complements the riverside perspective at Heindlkai with a view from above. Families and other groups can therefore choose between a short photo stop, a circular ride and a longer stage.

Further destinations for your search

For your further search within the same navigation area, you can also select Wansch, Allerheiligen Im Mühlkreis, Münzbach, Langenstein, Windhaag Bei Perg, Schwertberg, Pabneukirchen or Ried In Der Riedmark .

Choose your holiday apartment in Mauthausen based on your planned daily itinerary.

To the higher-level travel overview: Perg.