Strength from tranquillity. The Mühlviertel: an inspiring place for reflection and renewal of body and mind.

There are places that quietly and unobtrusively tell their stories; places that make no noise, yet still touch you deeply. The Upper Mühlviertel, nestled amongst rolling hills, dense forests and clear rivers, is one such place. Here, far 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 sunshine bathe the dewy grass in a golden light, you feel something change within you. The air is fresh and clear, the sky vast. It is moments like these that remind you why you set out in the first place. It’s not just about climbing yet another peak or racking up the kilometres. It’s about the feeling of being part of this landscape, at one with unspoilt nature.

The forests of the Bohemian Forest resemble a green sea, where you can sense the depth. 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 that is precisely what makes the Mühlviertel so special: it forces you to slow down and be more mindful.

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 loses its meaning. You are simply there, in the moment, with nothing but the sounds of nature all around you.

The Große Mühl, which winds its way through the countryside, is more than just a river. It is a constant companion, a reminder that we, too, are moving forward in the flow of life, adapting and sometimes having to take detours. Gliding across its waters in a canoe or on a stand-up paddleboard, you can feel the gentle power of this stream as it finds its way without haste.

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

After a day out, full of new impressions and experiences, you pop into one of the region’s traditional inns. Here, the food tastes different – more authentic, more earthy. A fresh dumpling, served with hearty meat, restores the energy you’ve expended on the trails through the woods and mountains. Add a cold beer, brewed from the region’s pure water, and you’ll feel it: everything here is in balance.

The region not only nourishes your body, it nourishes your soul too. The simplicity of the dishes is in harmony with the simplicity of the landscape. Both are genuine, unadulterated and, for that very reason, 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’re walking through the dense forests, breathing in the crisp air deeply, or standing on a hilltop enjoying the sweeping views – you’ll find that this place stirs something within you. Perhaps it’s the reminder that life is also made up of simple, quiet moments.

Here, in the heart of Upper Austria, you’ll discover the beauty of taking things slowly. The Mühlviertel is a region that gives you the space to delve deeper – 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 tranquillity and vastness, where the wind sweeps through the ancient forests and the view stretches across endless horizons. In spring, nature awakens in all its splendour – the ideal time for hikes along the winding paths that meander through the woods. Mountain bikers traverse the varied terrain, whilst the summer months attract those keen to explore the wild flora and fauna of the Mühlviertel.

In autumn, a play of colours begins. The forests glow with shades of gold and copper, and walks through this landscape become a quiet celebration. Slowly, the cold sets in, and winter drapes the region in its silent, white mantle. The Mühlviertel then transforms into a paradise for cross-country skiers and snowshoe walkers, who come to enjoy the tranquillity and unspoilt beauty of winter.

The cuisine of the Mühlviertel is an ode to tradition and down-to-earth simplicity, combined with influences from Bavaria and Bohemia, which give its dishes a robust and hearty flavour. The region’s menu reflects its agricultural diversity – featuring ingredients sourced directly from the fields and forests. Particularly famous are the many variations of dumplings, which are regarded as the culinary identity of the Mühlviertel. Whether meat dumplings, bacon dumplings or the legendary crackling dumplings – they all tell stories of the 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 Mühlviertel roast, often smoked and served with sauerkraut and dumplings, epitomises the down-to-earth, hearty fare served in the region’s inns and traditional dining rooms. Geselchtes, a special type of smoked bacon, is just as much a speciality as Maurerforelle, a sweet-and-sour dish made from leftover meat.

Yet the subtle nuances of Upper Austrian cuisine also have their place: Eferding asparagus and dishes featuring freshwater fish and crayfish from the Salzkammergut represent the region’s more refined, lighter fare. These are perfectly complemented by the homemade vinegars and oils, which are prized for their intense flavour. To round off a meal, a Bohemian pastry dessert such as Linzer Torte or apple strudel is, of course, a must.

In this way, the cuisine of the Mühlviertel combines the authenticity of local agriculture with the flavours and influences of neighbouring regions, which is what makes this cuisine so special.