NEUSTIFT/Pfarrkirchen/Oberkappel. Since the 1950s, the Rannatalsperre has been damming the river to form a lake, which quickly became a popular destination for those seeking relaxation. Hikers in particular have been using the paths around the lake since the time when people still went to the Mühlviertel for summer vacations. Now there is a new motor skills and movement path around the Rannastausee.
“Fit and Fun at the Rannastausee” is the name of the offer that the municipalities of Neustift, Pfarrkirchen and Oberkappel have set up with 60 percent support from the EU Leader funding program. There was a fitness path and a Kneipp path around the lake before. However, some of the stations were dilapidated and the bark beetle also badly damaged the appearance of the path. “Of course we could have repaired the old stations. However, the wishes of the guests have changed. The old way was geared towards the fitness boom and it was all about mobility, stretching and strength. Now more skill is required and there are also cozy stations in between”, says Franz Rauscher, chairman of the Neustift guest association, presenting the new offer.
Twelve stations erected
Hikers are instructed on how to move at twelve stations. New information boards explain how to do it. In between there are comfortable seats and hammocks to relax.
The “Fit and Fun am Rannastausee” exercise trail runs through the three neighboring communities of the Rannastausee Neustift, Pfarrkirchen and Oberkappel. There is also an entry point in each of the three parishes. This is precisely why the project is a prime example of cooperation. That’s why there was also the Leader project funding of 60 percent of the costs, which incidentally amounted to almost 100,000 euros. The landowner, Energie AG, also agreed to be a sponsor.
Entry in three places
In Neustift and Pfarrkirchen, entry is on the respective side of the Rannatalsperre. In Oberkappel you reach the path via the street at the fire station. By the way: anyone who knew and liked the previous Kneipp path can rest easy. This has not completely disappeared, but is consistent with the new offer. “The stations are a refreshing addition to the movement stations,” recommends Rauscher. Incidentally, the entire route is accessible with prams and can also be shortened via the Konzinger Steg. In this case, however, the hiker misses stations one to four in the direction of Oberkappel and there is a circular route starting from the Rannatalsperre.
Tourist offer
“The Danube region in Upper Austria stands for active exercise in nature that is fun. The new motor skills park ‘Fit & Fun am Rannastausee’ reflects exactly that and is a welcome addition to the offer for our guests who appreciate our region for the excellent infrastructure and variety of offers for active holidaymakers,” says Bettina Berndorfer, Regional Manager of the Donau Oberösterreich Tourist Association new offer.
Hiking enthusiasts can also reach numerous day-long circular tours from the Fit & Fun Park. The circular routes can be found in the new hiking map set of the Danube Upper Austria, which can be ordered free of charge at www.donauregion.at. One of the 15 new e-bike pleasure tours in the Danube region, the R1.06 Penzenstein circuit, also leads through the three “Fit & Fun” communities.
Source: Nachrichten
