10 Years of Johannesweg

What began as an idea by its founder, Dr. Johannes Neuhofer, has grown into a popular pilgrimage route and a flagship tourist attraction in the Mühlviertler Alm Freistadt region.
For a decade now, the Johannesweg has been attracting people who want to gain a new perspective on their lives.

To have time for oneself again, to unwind and find peace, to discover one’s inner center. Especially in a time marked by uncertainty, when many are searching for answers, it is important for us as human beings to find reflection in nature and to know who we truly are.

Dr. Johannes Neuhofer, Founder

May the Johannesweg continue to serve as a guiding light for seekers across generations, leading them to health, happiness, and contentment.

Initiator Dr. Johannes Neuhofer steht mit einem karrierten Hemd und einer schwarzen Hose vor dem Johannesbrunnen.

Ein Mann lehnt an einer Granitsäule mit verschränkten Armen.

Mag. Andreas Winkelhofer, Managing Director of Upper Austria Tourism

Long before terms like “resonance tourism” or “sustainable tourism” were coined, the focus here was on tourism in harmony with nature and people. And in doing so, it meets the needs that are increasingly coming to the fore: people want to discover the region and life in it, and experience it authentically. This has been successful above all because everyone here is pulling together. Or rather: because everyone here is walking a path that leads into the future.

Jasmin Pfeiffer, Project Manager, Johannesweg

This collaboration is a key reason why I take such great pleasure in driving the further development of the Johannesweg project.
As a tourism association, we can develop products, but they only truly come to life when the region stands behind them—and as a visitor, you can see and feel that when you’re walking along the Johannesweg.

Eine junge blonde Frau sitzt auf einem Franitfelsen und lächelt in die Kamera.

Zwei Frauen rasten euf einer Bank neben der Steinbloß Kapelle in Ruttenstein

Accommodations

Zwei Frauen genießen eine Jause und stoßen mit zwei Gläsern Wein an

Dining

Articles on the Johannesweg

Stefan Wunderle, MAS, Tourism Association

In the rolling hills of the Mühlviertel region, the Johannesweg is highly sought-after and a true flagship product in our community.
Early on, the trail’s pioneers recognized just how much energy nature and the unique local landscape provide for our guests.
The Johannesweg is a prime example of how a coordinated product system can function holistically.

Updates to Johannesweg

„Finis terrae“ – der neue Abschlusspunkt am Johannesweg

Neue Schwungliegen entlang des Johannesweges

Final stop in Pierbach

"Finnis terrae"

New rest area in Weitersfelden

Intermediate Meadow

Reclining chairs on Johannesweg

Kammerer Mountain

Johannesweg Anniversary Celebration in Königswiesen

On June 24, 2022, the initiative’s founder, Dr. Johannes Neuhofer, hiked a section of the spiritual loop trail with friends and fellow hikers. The hike began in the afternoon under beautiful weather conditions at the Harlingsedt summit cross (Königswiesen). The official celebration began at 7:30 p.m. with a mass in the local dialect at the Königswiesen parish church. Afterward, the celebration continued in the local inns with many guests of honor. Also in attendance were LAbg. Mayor Josef Naderer, Johannesweg Ambassador Dr. Josef Kinast, former sports director and head of alpine skiing Hans Pum, former Governor Dr. Josef Pühringer, former Deputy Governor Franz Hiesl, Comm. Gabriele Lackner-Strauss, numerous mayors from the Mühlviertel Alm municipalities, as well as representatives from the tourism association and regional development, did not want to miss this celebration.

Gruppenfoto vor der Mittelschule Königswiesen

Gruppenfoto beim Gipfelkreuz Königswiesen

Johannes Neuhofer und Jasmin Pfeiffer beim Gipfelkreuz Königswiesen

Gruppenfoto vorm Gemeindeamt Königswiesen

Johannes Neuhofer in der Pfarrkirche Königswiesen

Musikverein Königswiesen und Stelzhammerbund Freistadt in der Pfarrkirche Freistadt

Johannes Neuhofer mit Freundin Bettina Waser und Hans Pum

Gruppenfoto Bürgermeister Kirche, Johannesweg Jubiläumsfest

Gruppenfoto Bürgermeister in der Kirche

Gruppenfoto Kirche, Johannesweg Jubiläumsfest

Zwei Frauen blicken von der Burgruine Ruttenstein in die Mühlviertler Hügelwelt

Statement from a hiker on the Johannesweg

The landscape, the open spaces, the large rocks, the beautiful forests, and the well-tended gardens and chapels are truly captivating.
You can tell that the people here care deeply about their land and their surroundings!
If I lived there, I would walk a bit of the Johannesweg every day.
The Johannesweg is like life—it’s always going up and down!