Discover Erlau: Jägersteig Trail and local history

Erlau combines a moderately difficult point-to-point hiking trail with distinctive landmarks of local history. After about five kilometres, the Jägersteig Trail from Obernzell passes the main road above Erlau. The village is home to Krempelstein Castle, a bust of Adalbert Stifter and memorial sites at Edlhoffeld, among other places to explore.

Hiking the Jägersteig Trail

The Jägersteig Trail is 6.5 kilometres long and takes about two hours. This moderately difficult point-to-point hiking trail starts in Obernzell and, after about five kilometres, passes the main road above Erlau. This lets you plan your hike and Erlau’s local history as separate focuses for your trip. Erlau has inns and a stop on the Bahnbus line. If you are considering taking the bus back to Obernzell, it is best to check the timetable in advance.

Local history between the castle and Edlhoffeld

Krempelstein Castle towers above Erlau. Its prominent position makes it a landmark of the village. In the centre of the village, a bust of Adalbert Stifter stands by the Erlaubrücke bridge. It was moved there from the overgrown memorial site in the Erlauer Leithe. Together, this striking building and memorial, in different locations, represent Erlau’s history.

Edlhoffeld, in the district of Erlau, also brings together several historical points of interest. A battle took place there in 1367 between rebellious citizens of Passau and the army of the Prince-Bishop of Passau. Near the lime trees, there is a restored wayside cross and a bench where you can sit and relax. The old lime tree at Edlhoffeld near Erlau is a natural monument. If you plan to use the bench, check its condition on site.

Erlau has had a Catholic church since 1957; ecclesiastically, the village belongs to Obernzell. Beside the branch church stands a monument consisting of a granite column topped by a wayside shrine and a bronze cross. Together with the bust, the castle and the landmarks at Edlhoffeld, these places offer different points of connection for exploring local history.

Also in Obernzell: Museum and Danube Promenade

Obernzell Castle gives Obernzell its own historical character. In the 16th century, it was expanded from a simple castle into a grand Renaissance palace. In the 17th century, it temporarily served as the seat of government for the Prince-Bishops of Passau after their residence burned down. The Bavarian Danube Region Museum in Obernzell Castle displays around 500 objects on the cultural history of the Danube region across approximately 800 square metres. It opened on 17 July 2025.

The Danube Promenade offers a different view of Obernzell: the wide, well-maintained, level, paved path runs alongside the river and provides views of the Danube and its distinctive valley. It is accessible by pushchair and wheelchair.

For the overview of the wider trip: Obernzell.