The starting point of the Melk-Persenbeug section is the famous Melk Benedictine Abbey. Past the abbey's restaurant, we proceed via the stairs to the abbey parking lot. We follow the B1 exit road. After crossing the B1 and the access road to the Danube bridge, we walk along the towpath toward the Danube bridge. At the monument on the southern bridge shore, we meet the section of the Pilgrim Way coming from Göttweig. We cross the Danube bridge to Emmersdorf.
Here, for about 5 km, we have to share the path with cyclists. Passing Emmersdorf, Luberegg, and Weitenegg, we come to Urfahr. We cross federal road B3, keep right, then take the steep stairs on the left to the railway crossing. Uphill, we follow the red-white marking and reach a small road leading us to Leiben. The Leiben European Castle is visible from afar. We follow the marking through the town and head west at the town’s end. On circular hiking trail 22 to Losau, then on field and forest paths toward Hasling. After a small forest at the end of the clearing, we follow the left path that branches off the farm road. Down to a small stream, then up the opposite hill, we reach the road to Hasling. We pass through the town and leave it, following circular trail 22 towards Artstetten.
Uphill, we reach the town center at the foot of Artstetten Castle. First, take the street downhill to the left, then keep right at the municipal office. Passing the music hall, we reach Unterthalheim along a forest and meadow path following the marking. In the village, we turn right and follow circular trail 22 to Maria Taferl.
Past the beautiful golf course, left along the street, we reach the town center with the Basilica of the Sorrowful Mother of God. From the spacious square in front of the church, a staircase at the southwest end of the square, past the state memorial, leads steeply down to the street. We cross the street and follow the "Penitence Path" to Marbach. We cross federal road B3 at the ship landing stage, keep right and follow the Danube cycle path westward. In Gottsdorf, we turn right before the church, pass the old school, turn left at the intersection, and immediately right again past the cemetery. We cross the industrial road and proceed via a field path to Persenbeug. At the kindergarten, first left, then immediately right again, we follow Schubertstraße to the parish church visible from afar. Along Schlossstraße, we cross the Danube bridge to the Ybbs-Persenbeug visitor power plant.
