Straß can be described through two specific aspects: its early local history and the changing landscapes along its cycling routes. The routes pass through riverside forests, floodplain meadows and the wide-open Machland plain; the Aist-Mühlbach also features short stretches of natural-flowing water. Together, these landscapes range from narrow woodland along the stream to open plains.

Local history and the name

The name Straß refers to a place on the old road. The place was first mentioned between 1075 and 1209 in a letter of the monastery of St. Nikolaus near Passau. Thus, two historical references come together: the place name points to the old road, and the letter records an early written mention.

Landscape along the stream and between floodplain and farmland

The Aist-Mühlbach near Straß has short stretches of natural-flowing water with narrow bankside woodland of alder, ash and willow. This small-scale riverside landscape differs from the vast Machland plain, which the R1.13 crosses on rural side roads.

The meadow embankment between Straß and Naarn lies in the transition zone between floodplain and agricultural landscapes. The terrace embankment draws the eye and offers glimpses of how natural and cultivated landscapes interact.

A terrace embankment 3 to 5 m high lies between the commercial area north of Straß and the Bach farmstead near Naarn in Machland. This landscape description dates from 2002; vegetation and access may have changed since then. If you plan to visit the embankment specifically, check current conditions in advance.

Cycling routes between the Danube and Machland

At the level of the farming hamlet of Straß, the R1.13 Alpenblick Loop leaves the Danube through its riverside forests and then crosses the wide Machland plain on rural side roads. Thus, the route moves from riverside forests across the open plain.

At the level of the farming hamlet of Straß, the R1.12 Weltstein Loop reaches the Danube again through floodplain meadows. The route follows the legendary Treppelweg along the river embankment. The sections near Straß offer different landscape experiences for comparison: the R1.13 moves from riverside forests to the wide plain; the R1.12 passes through floodplain meadows to the Danube and follows the Treppelweg along the embankment.

The Danube Cycle Path R1 runs along the north bank through the municipality of Au an der Donau–Naarn on a section from the Hayraulik Wurm area to just before the access to the Straßer Danube embankment.

Visiting the floodplain with a dog

In the floodplain southwest of the Aist-Mühlbach, dogs must be kept on a leash outside the built-up area, from the village of Straß to Tabor. The municipality’s notice is dated October 11, 2023. If you are travelling to this area with a dog, check the local rule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Langenstein, Sankt Nikola on the Danube, Saxen, Rechberg, Grein on the Danube, Waldhausen in the Strudengau, Ried in der Riedmark, Klam

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