Note: Complete closure of World Heritage Trail Stage 3 between St. Michael and Spitz Due to extensive forest maintenance and path renovation work in the Atzberg area, Stage 3 of the World Heritage Trail between St. Michael and Spitz is completely closed until further notice. The turnoff to Buschandlwand is also affected – these areas are expected to be inaccessible until March 2026.
The approach to St. Michael is possible from Weißenkirchen, but it is steep and often slippery in winter.
Recommended diversion from/to Ried Hochrain via Wösendorf and St. Michael, continuing on to Spitz.
The diversion route is signposted on site and leads along publicly accessible paths.
Important information
Please do not enter forestry or construction sites – there is a risk of danger from machinery and woodworking.
Follow the diversion signs and instructions on site.
Map services and GPX tracks are being updated; please check your navigation before setting off.
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hiking-trail/donau-niederoesterreich/world-heritage-trail-wachau-detour-03-weissenkirchen-spitz/809346565/
Hiking from Weißenkirchen to Spitz, we pass through the impressive heart of the Wachau stone terrace wine region. The winegrower villages of Weißenkirchen and Spitz invite you to enjoy wine and stop for refreshments. Nature lovers will flourish at the Michaelerberg natural monument.
Welt Heritage Trail Wachau: From Weißenkirchen to Spitz This stage takes us through a unique wine landscape. High above the Danube, we find the largest contiguous vineyard area in the Wachau with renowned vineyards (Kollmitz, Kollmütz, Hochrain) and magnificent panoramic views. Above St. Michael, our path leads through romantic dry grasslands, forest, and marvelous rock formations with unique views. Through the Red Gate, we enter the wine village of Spitz. In the historic wine villages of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, dozens of Heurigen and gastronomy businesses invite you to rest.
Refreshment tip: We recommend well stocking your hiking backpack with regional products at the Spar market in Weißenkirchen (Mon-Fri 7:15 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.) since there are no refreshment options along the trail. Upon arrival in Spitz, the local gastronomy businesses invite you to refresh yourself, and if you're lucky, your favorite Heuriger might be open. Find out who is open in the online Heurigen calendar. There are resting spots and inviting seating areas along the Danube riverbank. The Wachau bus line 715 (Melk-Spitz-Weißenkirchen-Krems) runs hourly and brings you back to Weißenkirchen.
Its worth visiting the „nature park BIOthek-Wachau“ in Spitz run by the owners of the biological businesses in the Wachau area. Its located in a winery of the 16th century near church square. Opening times: end of April until end of October every Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
www.naturpark-jauerling.at.
