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“The Johannesweg” was a life-changing experience for both of us, as neither of us had any experience of long day hikes.

After just the first day’s stage, we thought we wouldn’t be able to manage it. We were exhausted, with aching legs and hips.

The next morning, after a wonderful breakfast but with our legs still feeling wobbly, the host drove us to the start of the next stage. With every kilometre we walked, it became easier to carry on.

On the third day, full of euphoria and joy at our achievements, we nearly suffered heat exhaustion just before Mötlas, in blazing sunshine and 32°C. On the fourth day, we only had about 11 km left to walk and so managed to avoid the worst of the heat.

Several stops along the way invite you to linger and offer insights into local wisdom and customs along this circular walking route. Places of power, mighty stone monuments, summit crosses and numerous vantage points provide renewed energy.

Under the motto:

Live your life in every possible way – good, bad, bitter, sweet, dark, light, summer and winter. Embrace all dualities, but above all – don’t be afraid to have new experiences; the more experiences you have, the more mature you will become.

We are both proud and happy with our achievement and thank the Lord for his protection and blessings.

Hans & Rosemarie from Styria

Dear team at Mühlviertel Tourism,
The three of us “girls” have been walking the Johannesweg for the past four days.

Pierbach-Taverne Prandegg
Prandegg-Weitersfelden
Weitersfelden-Königswiesen
Königswiesen-Pierbach

Right on the first stage, it was more by chance that we ended up at the Schmalzer inn in Schönau, and starting there with a good coffee and the landlady’s kind words was perfect.
At the Prandegg ruins, we were completely taken by surprise by the tenant Franz and found ourselves transported to another world; due to the poor weather forecast, we were there on our own and simply soaked up the whole atmosphere (including an evening tour of the ruins)! After a good meal, we headed off to our cosy sleeping quarters.
Day 2 began with a magnificent breakfast and homemade bacon rolls as a snack from Franz, followed by a lovely stretch of the route to Weitersfelden. We’d already decided in advance to stay at the Gasthof zur Post for simple accommodation. And once again we were in for a surprise. First, a lovely coffee in St. Leonhard next to the Nah und Frisch, then a warming dinner at the inn, where the highlight was once again the hospitality and the stories about the region and the creation of the trail; the landlady took plenty of time for us after dinner and prepared us for the next day. How much time we’ll need and where we should take our time. Brilliant!
The start on day 3 was once again a feast for the eyes; across meadows, through woods and fields, up and down, we immersed ourselves in another magnificent stretch. Not a single kilometre of the 28 km that day was ever boring. Arriving at the idyllic Königswiesen at the Karlingerhaus was another surprise. A lovely freshly cooked meal in the evening, an indoor pool for our tired bones, a replica alpine hut to sit in at night with a radiant heater, and a packed lunch from the breakfast buffet. Once again, nothing was missing there.
It was unbelievable that we already had three days under our belts. Setting off on day 4 was a pleasure once again, and we knew we had the whole day to cover the remaining kilometres. The lovely village of Mötlas, the Ruttenstein ruins and the path by the water – a dream! We found it hard to tear ourselves away from the bathing spot at the Wasserfelsen power spot! Then just another 2 km to the finish – we’d done it.

It’s wonderful how all the local communities and businesses look after you along the way, how warmly you’re welcomed, and how wonderfully everyone caters to the visitors. We wanted for nothing. From the supermarket and places to stay to good food, friendly encounters and stories.

Thank you for this wonderful time.

Best wishes, Carina & fellow hikers from Tulln in Lower Austria

Dear Mühlviertel Alm Team,

How enriching and fulfilling the Johannesweg hike was from 23 to 26 May 2024. Being out on my own yet not feeling lonely. Enjoying the silence, reflecting on what really matters. Opening myself up, letting go and discovering new things. Perceiving and trusting the true source and strength. Being at one with what is. I was able to consciously recognise so many insights along the way and at places of power. Leaving some thoughts in the Mühlviertel in summit logs and hut books there, and also taking them with me in my own hiking diary for later. Profound yet vibrant.
From St. Leonhard to Weitersfelden, our daughter Julia accompanied me with a love of hiking. Simply on a whim and out of her enthusiasm for nature. Enjoying a precious time together. Yes, how beautiful and different this stretch of the trail was, being on the move with a very special person and exchanging thoughts. Marvelling like a child and finding peace.   
And I was able to experience so many little joys, to take them in mindfully and carry them away as lovely memories. These are precisely the moments of happiness that enrich our hearts and remind us just how much contentment can be found in the simple things. Taking time for the present, savouring the here and now. It doesn’t take much to feel grateful and content. So, I’d like to share a few impressions from the Johannesweg. ‘Dear Mühlviertler Alm with all your hard-working people, how harmonious and beautiful you are. Yes, I’ll be back. You’ve touched me, delighted me. My soul is in high spirits, floating in the sky and simply feeling at ease.’ A huge shout-out to the person who came up with the ‘Johannesweg idea’, because without him or her, these words of praise would never have been written. Please do forward this to Johannes and his team. Please. Please. Please. Thank you very much.
Impressed by your tranquillity, combined with a light-hearted joy in everyday life and vitality,
I wave to you, so grateful. I wish you much joy in life, energy and God’s blessing.

Renate from the wonderfully walkable Mostviertel
 

Dear Sirs and Madams,

I would like to congratulate you on the Johannesweg. A friend and I recently completed this very special hike. I had wanted to take on this challenge for a long time. Now the time had finally come. We were overwhelmed by the scenery, the cleanliness of the trails, the friendliness of the people, and the signage and route planning. It far exceeded my expectations in the best possible way!

We stayed at the Gästehaus Weitblick in St. Leonhard with the bus transfer package. That was a stroke of luck for us. The hosts’ kindness was overwhelming!

Saying goodbye on the fourth day was even a little painful for us.

We will definitely come back and spread the word about the Johannesweg.

Thanks again to the organizer and to all of you!

Best regards,
Andreas Schuster from Oepping