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AMBER TRAIL East route | enjoyable hiking between the Alps and Puszta

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  • BERNSTEIN TRAIL Ostroute | Genusswandern zwischen Alpen und Puszta
    BERNSTEIN TRAIL Ostroute | Genusswandern zwischen Alpen und Puszta
    Photo: BURGENLAND

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     With the first high cultures of humanity, the development of trade also began, thereby establishing the oldest form of travel. Around the time of Christ's birth, the Romans already sought the safest possible route to bring one of the greatest treasures of that time, the legendary amber, from the Baltic region to the port of Aquileia on the Adriatic coast. For this, a corridor was suitable that avoided both the unprotected expanses of the Puszta of Pannonia and the impassable Alps. Following this border between the two world landscapes from north to south, a path emerged precisely where Burgenland extends today. The Roman Amber Road.

    easy
    Distance 314.9 km
    79:30 h
    2,941 m
    2,870 m
    882 m
    116 m

    Isn't it a fascinating idea to lace up your hiking boots and follow in the footsteps of the Romans along the myth-enveloped Roman Amber Road? From the legion camp Carnuntum in the north to the Roman hill graves near St. Martin an der Raab in the south. And especially to discover step by step the treasures of Burgenland in between: The Neusiedler See - Seewinkel National Park, countless cultural monuments, relaxing thermal baths, and the cozy Buschenschänken and cellar lanes in the idyllic vineyards. Authentic, hiking-friendly accommodations await you. The two detours into neighboring Hungary make this discovery journey an ultimate endless hiking pleasure. The Burgenland travel office will gladly assist you with planning – myburgenland.travel

    This is enjoyable hiking between the Alps and Puszta. The Amber Trail is aimed at connoisseurs among long-distance hikers who counter the everyday hustle with a conscious courage to slow down. Not records or best performances, but the deliberate discovery of Burgenland is the focus: Insights into its enchanting diversity of nature and culture. Lingering at charming places, the wine, the typical Burgenland cuisine, and inspiring encounters with warm-hearted people. All this makes the Amber Trail an equally fascinating and sustainable hiking journey off the beaten path. Ideally already in spring or late autumn, when the mild, Pannonian-influenced climate of Burgenland already or still provides the best hiking conditions.

    Author’s recommendation

    The best season for a trail trip on the Amber Trail ranges from early March to late November and depends on the general weather conditions.

    • Starting the season in March, the Amber Trail is probably the earliest long-distance hiking trail accessible in Austria during the year.
    • In spring, during the blossoming of fruit trees, and in autumn, at the grape harvest, the Amber Trail is particularly appealing.
    • In theory, one can hike the Amber Trail in winter due to the lack of a prolonged continuous snow cover, but the enjoyment is significantly higher in other seasons.
    • Pay attention to the ferry schedule between Illmitz and Rust.
    • In mid-summer, it can get very hot, as you mostly hike at altitudes below 500 meters above sea level on the Amber Trail.
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    Author
    BURGENLAND
    LogoDonau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH
    Responsible for this content
    Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH  Verified partner 
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Highest point
    882 m
    Lowest point
    116 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Technically, the Amber Trail presents few difficulties.

    • Some surefootedness on rooty forest trails is a prerequisite.
    • Some hiking experience including orientation skills is recommended, especially because of the length of the stages.

    Tips and suggestions

    Further information about the Amber Trail can be found at www.bernsteintrail.at

    Public transport

    By train: The following train stations are available to you: Vienna Main Station, Parndorf, Neusiedl am See, Deutschkreuz, Jennersdorf, and Köszeg. Thus, the Amber Trail is very suitable for arrival by train.

    By plane: The following international airports are recommended for arrival by plane – Vienna, Bratislava, and Graz.

    Coordinates

    DD
    48.112347, 16.858455
    DMS
    48°06'44.4"N 16°51'30.4"E
    UTM
    33U 638328 5330457
    w3w 
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    For the Amber Trail, "normal" equipment for hiking on unpaved paths in mid-mountain regions is completely sufficient.

    • Important: Comfortable yet sufficiently sturdy footwear with good tread sole for unpaved paths due to long stages.
    • Since some stages offer little shade, good sun protection and sufficient water are very important in summer.
    Difficulty
    easy
    Overall difficulty
    easy

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    314.9 km
    Duration
    79:30 h
    Ascent
    2,941 m
    Descent
    2,870 m
    Highest point
    882 m
    Lowest point
    116 m
    Linear route

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