L2 Windhager Trail

This very special circuit course with 8.7 km and 433 m of elevation gain is a real insider tip and perfect for trail runners as an entry point, because the climbs can be mastered in stages to calm the heart rate a bit. It is a real circular route, where only a few hundred meters have to be run on asphalt. Usually, the terrain on this route is very varied and runs over beautifully laid out and signed forest paths and some forest roads to the passionately maintained Großternberg Alm (not operated), where pigs and horses enjoy the open nature. In good weather, you will be rewarded with an excellent distant view over the Mühlviertel. After that, the technically slightly demanding short downhill begins.

The route starts directly in Ternberg at the train station. From there, it first goes through the town, past the church and the cemetery, over the federal road. Then you have to briefly follow the pedestrian and bike path parallel to the federal road towards the Enns valley. From the old football field, you reach a settlement.

After about 1.5 km through the Ternberg town area, the actual trail starts, which begins with a field path. Shortly thereafter, you already reach the ridge of the hill chain, where a round stone table can be seen, and the first forest path section begins. After about 2 km, you have already mastered the first climbs. After a short gravel path, at the signpost go right on a narrow forest path back onto the ridge of the hill chain. Then you reach a forest road again and the second climb is mastered. In between, there are two short and signed forest path sections running along the ridge and a rock. If you choose the parallel forest road instead, you will find benches where you have a nice view of the Schieferstein. After a short, descending section on the gravel road, turn left following the signpost, through a charming forest area with mossy ground winding up to the asphalt road. After about one hundred meters, you reach kilometer 4.7 at Raschlhöhe (570 m), which is a popular starting point around Windhagberg.

From Raschlhöhe, it leads past the timber storage area, then left on a broad forest road with a pleasant incline, up to the passionately maintained Großternberg Alm. At the beginning of the path (left), a wooden bench offering a clear view can be used for a break. Upon arrival at the Alm, you reach the highest point of the route at kilometer 5.5 and an altitude of 670 m. Passing left by the free-roaming, grunting but fenced pigs, you are rewarded with a spectacular view from the Enns valley to Steyr, Linz, and in good weather even as far as the Mühlviertel. From now on, the downhill begins. First to the first curve on asphalt, then turn right onto a gravel road until the road is blocked by a metal fence. From here, you can turn left into the forest and run down the winding trails around the trees until the somewhat usually slippery forest path begins. Then it goes down again along the ridge via a somewhat rocky and often leaf-covered trail until you reach the viewpoint “Fahne,” where you can enjoy the view over Ternberg or towards Schoberstein from a bench. Finally, follow the forest path down, turn right once at the signpost, until you finally reach the federal road again. From here, proceed past the church back to the Ternberg train station.

• The route sections at the beginning are partly not marked on any map known to me and are therefore a real insider tip! However, signposts are still present.


• The evening atmosphere at the Großternberg Alm is breathtakingly beautiful due to the western orientation!


• To train endurance strength, the trail can also be run backwards, as the climb to the Fahne is somewhat steeper.


• The route can also be extended to the Koglerhof guesthouse, which would lead around the Windhagberg.


• There are several STRAVA segments uphill to the Österreich-Fahne.


• The loop can, of course, also be run twice ;)

From the Großternberg Alm down to the Österreich-Fahne, it can become slippery in places. In addition, there are currently construction works just before the federal road (kebab stand), which could possibly slightly change the routing. The Großternberg Alm is no longer operated!

The required equipment always depends on the respective route and the weather conditions. Regarding provisions: this is very individual and it is recommended to have too much rather than too little in terms of equipment and provisions. A 5 km round in the valley needs less than a demanding tour in the mountains. The weather can change quickly and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, for example, warming clothing is very important.

Here is a general checklist for you:

• Weather-appropriate running clothing for the season - weather forecast - region - altitude. These include, among others:
  * a waterproof rain jacket
  * waterproof rain pants suitable for running
  * gloves and warm headgear (hat/headband/buff)
  * sunglasses + sunscreen + headgear for very warm days


• Trail running shoes


• Water bottles, soft flasks or a hydration bladder with enough fluid for the respective tour (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)


• Snacks for an energy boost in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,


• Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a waist belt for small tours.


• Dry pack: to keep your valuables or change of clothes dry (optional a small trash bag)


• Emergency blanket


• Small first aid kit. An Israeli bandage is, in my opinion, highly recommended: it is a one-handed operated wound and pressure dressing. Details can be found here.


• Emergency whistle (often integrated into the trail backpack)


• Mobile phone


• Maps (online and/or offline)


• E-Card or insurance card


• Some cash


• Microspikes/spikes: these can be very advantageous in winter and icy conditions.


• Folding poles for trail running


• Headlamp

The route was run for us by Daniel Aspalter