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The Johannes Trail
The Johannes Trail
How to Find Inner Peace and Contentment
The body’s natural ability to regenerate is best nurtured in the healing embrace of nature. On the Johannesweg in the Mühlviertel region, hikers find the confidence and courage to look forward with optimism, thereby recharging their batteries for the challenges of everyday life.
Twelve stations along the trail offer insights and wisdom designed to strengthen both physical and mental well-being.
The Johannesweg, a spiritual circular hiking trail, winds through the rolling hills of the Mühlviertler Alm Freistadt region. It can be hiked in three, four, or five-day stages.
The Johannesweg’s founder, Linz-based dermatologist OMR Dr. Johannes Neuhofer, aims to encourage hikers to look forward with optimism and reconnect with themselves.
Along the 84-kilometer loop trail, hikers can look forward to a tour offering spectacular views. Fresh forest air, peaceful spots for relaxation, awe-inspiring stone monuments, numerous vantage points, and five summit crosses with magnificent panoramic views. The trail also passes by many small and large spiritual sites, such as churches, chapels, and wayside shrines. Those who take on the challenge will be impressed by the scenic beauty, the many cultural highlights—such as the Ruttenstein and Prandegg castle ruins, with their impressive observation towers—and, of course, the hospitality of the Mühlviertel region.
You’ll encounter old traditions, touching stories, and places of power. The stress of everyday life fades away as you hike, allowing a new sense of awareness to grow.
You can order the hiking map right here or purchase it at a guesthouse along the trail.
The Johannesweg is signposted in one direction only. We want to offer our guests the opportunity to unwind and slow down. The trail follows a clockwise route to give you the feeling of “being on your own.”
Dr. Johannes Neuhofer, founder of the Johannesweg
“I’m happy for everyone who sets out on this journey, and I hope that everyone reaches their destination—the end of their Johannesweg.”
1. St. John's Fountain and the Chapel of the Angels in Pierbach
2. Herrgottsitz in Schönau i. M.
3. Herzogreitherfelsen in St. Leonhard near Fr.
4. Bründl Chapel and Augenbründl in St. Leonhard near Fr.
5. Galgenbühel in Weitersfelden
6. Zwischenstrom Meadow in Weitersfelden
7. Kammerer Cross in Weitersfelden
8. Ursprungs Chapel and Augenbründl in Kaltenberg
9. Schlüsselkapelle in Kaltenberg
10. Wegererstein in Unterweißenbach
11. Harlingsedt Summit Cross in Königswiesen
12. Langtaler Chapel in Pierbach
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The Twelve Stations of the Johannesweg
Hikers have warmly embraced the core philosophy of Johannesweg founder Dr. Johannes Neuhofer—escape the rat race and immerse yourself in nature—simply to unwind.
He aims to encourage hikers to reflect and motivate them to look forward with a positive outlook. Across 12 stations, insights and words of wisdom are shared to strengthen both physical and mental well-being.
Patience, humor, generosity, and helpfulness—these are just a few of the positive qualities highlighted along the Johannesweg.
That's how the Johannesweg came to be on the Mühlviertler Alm
The basic idea and vision behind the Johannesweg had long been on Dr. Johannes Neuhofer’s mind. In collaboration with Upper Austrian Tourism, the dermatologist set out to find a region where the guiding principles of the Johannesweg could come to life. Named after John the Baptist, the route of the Johannesweg was intended to resemble a lily, the symbol of light. The Mühlviertler Alm region was ultimately selected for its ideal topography and authentic overall atmosphere. The Johannesweg and the unspoiled nature of the Mühlviertler Alm, with its many places of power and energy, complement each other perfectly. This harmony has made the trail a success story since its opening on June 24, 2012 (the name day of John the Baptist). The Johannesweg has established itself as a hiking trail known far beyond the region’s borders.
The focus is on spiritual hiking and health awareness. Walking in nature, combined with Dr. Johannes Neuhofer’s twelve principles of wisdom, is designed to help achieve this.
The unique natural landscape of the Mühlviertel region, with its many sweeping views along the trail, clears people’s minds and allows them to recharge their batteries. The numerous vantage points offer a positive outlook on the future.
The Johannesweg is UNIQUE. Few other tourism products have managed to become as well-known and sought-after in such a short time as the Johannesweg. Dr. Johannes Neuhofer’s idea struck exactly the right chord with the spirit of the times. More and more people are looking for a brief break from everyday life.