Here's what you can expect on the Johannesweg

Start and Access:
In principle, you can join the Johannesweg in any of the communities along the loop trail. In the community of Pierbach, there is an information board providing an overview of the entire trail. Coming from Linz, the starting point is located on the left side after the Gasthof Populorum. Parking is free.
The route description will guide you on your hike along the Johannesweg.

Length: 84 km
Elevation gain: 2,800 m
Hiking time: three, four, or five-day stages
Guided Johannesweg tours with pilgrim guide Hans Hinterreiter: Bad Zell Office, +43 (0) 50 7263

Municipalities:
Pierbach, Schönau im Mühlkreis, St. Leonhard bei Freistadt, Weitersfelden, Kaltenberg, Unterweißenbach, Königswiesen

Terrain:
The landscape of the Mühlviertler Alm is very hilly. When planning your hike, be aware of the constant ups and downs, which can be quite exhausting. It’s best to plan shorter stages and several days for your tour. Hiking experts recommend covering about 4 kilometers per hour. 

Numerous cultural and natural treasures await you along the way:

• Prandegg Castle Ruins
• 5 peaks with magnificent panoramic views (Herrgottsitz, Herzogreitherfelsen, Haiderberg, Kammerer-Berg, Harlingsedt Summit Cross)
• There are also many smaller and larger spiritual sites such as churches, chapels, and wayside shrines along the trail
• Power spots, mighty stone monuments, numerous lookout points, refreshing river valleys, and the natural landscape of the Mühlviertel hills accompany you on your hike
• Ruttenstein Castle Ruins
• You will encounter ancient traditions, touching stories, and places of power

Please note: Unfortunately, sections of the trail must occasionally be rerouted—this leads to minor deviations from the trail markings on the map. Please always follow the trail signs.

The Johannesweg is a hiking trail and is not intended for cycling or mountain biking. If you want to explore our beautiful region by bike, we recommend the “Mountain Biking in the Mühlviertel Alps” map, which features mountain bike trails and the Tour de Alm, as well as the “Cycling in the Hills” cycling map.