Power from silence. The Mühlviertel as an inspiring place of reflection and renewal for body and soul.

There are places that tell their stories quietly and unobtrusively, that make no noise but still have a deep impact. The Upper Mühlviertel, nestled between rolling hills, dense forests and clear rivers, is such a place. Here, far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, nature invites you to lose yourself - or perhaps rather, to find yourself again.

When you get up in the morning and the first rays of sunlight bathe the damp grasses in a golden light, you feel something change inside you. The air is fresh and clear, the sky is wide. It is these moments that remind you why you set off in the first place. It's not just about climbing another peak or clocking up the kilometres. It's about the feeling of being part of this landscape, at one with unspoilt nature.

The forests of Šumava are like a sea of green in which you can feel the depths. Every step on the soft forest floor takes you further away from everyday life. The tall spruce trees rustle softly in the wind and sometimes all you can hear is your own breathing. Perhaps this is exactly what makes the Mühlviertel so special: it forces you to slow down, to be more attentive.

A quiet path along the Große Mühl leads you to hidden clearings that suddenly open up before you. Here, where the light plays with the shadows, time becomes meaningless. You are simply there, in the moment, with nothing but the sounds of nature around you.

The Große Mühl, which winds its way through the landscape, is more than just a river. It is a constant companion, a reminder that we, too, have to go with the flow of life, adapt and sometimes take detours. Gliding over its waters on a canoe or stand-up paddle board, you can feel the gentle power of this stream that finds its way without haste.

The backdrop of the rolling hills that frame the river seems almost surreal - so perfect and yet wild. Perhaps that is the true beauty of the Mühlviertel: it is unagitated, and that is precisely what makes it so impressive.

After a day out, full of new impressions and experiences, you stop off at one of the region's traditional inns. The food tastes different here - more authentic, more earthy. A fresh dumpling, accompanied by savoury meat, gives you back the energy you lost on the trails through the forests and mountains. Add a cool beer brewed from the region's pure water and you realise that everything is in balance here.

The region not only nourishes your body, it also nourishes your soul. The simplicity of the dishes is in harmony with the simplicity of the landscape. Both are genuine, unadulterated and therefore so fulfilling.

The Upper Mühlviertel is not the place for loud adventures or fast-paced experiences. It is a place that invites you to pause, reflect and feel. Whether you hike through the dense forests, breathe in the clear air or stand on a hill and enjoy the sweeping views - you will realise that this place awakens something in you. Perhaps it's a reminder that life is also made up of simple, quiet moments.

Here, in the heart of Upper Austria, you will get to know the beauty of slowness. The Mühlviertel is a region that gives you the space to go deep - into yourself and into nature.

The Plöckenstein, the highest peak in the Upper Mühlviertel, rises majestically to 1,379 metres and forms the heart of the Bohemian Forest. Up here, time seems to stand still. The landscape is a symphony of silence and vastness, where the wind caresses the ancient forests and the view sweeps across endless horizons. In spring, nature awakens to its full splendour - the ideal time for hikes along the winding paths that wind through the forests. Mountain bikers traverse the varied terrain, while the summer months attract those who want to explore the wild flora and fauna of the Mühlviertel.

In autumn, a play of colours begins. The forests glow in gold and copper, and hikes through this landscape become a quiet celebration. The cold slowly sets in and winter covers the region in a silent, white cloak. Then the Mühlviertel is transformed into a paradise for cross-country skiers and snowshoe hikers, who enjoy the silence and unspoilt nature of winter.

The cuisine of the Mühlviertel is an ode to tradition and down-to-earthness, paired with influences from Bavaria and Bohemia, which make its dishes strong and hearty. The menu of this region reflects the agricultural diversity - with ingredients that come directly from the fields and forests. Particularly famous are the many variations of dumplings, which are considered the culinary identity of the Mühlviertel. Whether meat dumplings, bacon dumplings or the legendary grammel dumplings - they all tell stories of generations that have shaped this down-to-earth cuisine. An old saying goes: "If you don't eat a dumpling, you'll be hungry all day."

The Mühlviertler Bratl, often smoked and accompanied by sauerkraut and dumplings, epitomises the down-to-earth, hearty food served in the inns and parlours of the region. Geselchtes, a special type of smoked bacon, is just as much a speciality as Maurerforelle, a sweet and sour dish made from leftover meat.

But the subtle nuances of Upper Austrian cuisine also have their place: Eferding asparagus and dishes with freshwater fish and crayfish from the Salzkammergut region epitomise the refined, lighter dishes of the region. The homemade vinegar and oil varieties, which are appreciated for their intense flavour, are the perfect accompaniment. At the end of a meal, a Bohemian pastry dessert such as Linzer Torte or apple strudel is of course a must.

The cuisine of the Mühlviertel thus combines the originality of local agriculture with the flavours and influences of neighbouring regions, which is what makes this cuisine so special.