Danube cycle path stage 4 north bank: Grein - Emmersdorf

<p><strong>Where detours promise views</strong></p><p><strong>Alternate route to the Danube cycle path (south bank):</strong> Before you set off, a short walk, perhaps with a guided tour, through the charming town of Grein is recommended – across the pretty old market square to the historic town theater, the Upper Austria shipping museum, or Greinburg Castle. A visit to the nearby Stillensteinklamm with its impressive rock formations is also suggested.</p><p>Soon you will roll along the densely forested slopes of the Strudengau, whose name derives from the shallows ("Struden") in the river that once caused difficulties for boatmen.</p><p>At Struden/St. Nikola, the Werfenstein ruins rise above the Danube, from where chains were once stretched across to Wörth island in the middle of the river to stop ships. Along the romantic Danube slopes, you will pass the towns of Sarmingstein and Hirschenau, reaching Persenbeug – where one of Austria's best-known Danube hydropower plants can be toured (advance booking required!).</p><p>Two further detours lead away from the Danube: at Marbach, if you and your bike can handle some climbing, you can cycle up to the far-visible pilgrimage church Maria Taferl. From the magnificent baroque basilica, enjoy a grand view over the Danube valley. At Klein-Pöchlarn, a trip to nearby Artstetten is worth considering, where the life of Archduke Franz Ferdinand is documented in the castle. The archduke and his wife, assassinated in Sarajevo in 1914, are buried in the crypt there. At the stage destination Emmersdorf, the Danube bridge allows a visit to the sights of Melk on the opposite bank (see E4-S).</p><p><strong>We recommend:</strong> Take the ferry in Grein (or just before Grein the bridge) to the south bank and continue on the Danube cycle path there. At the Ybbs-Persenbeug hydropower plant, return to the north bank. The Danube shore railway offers a convenient trip from Grein to Sarmingstein.</p>