Feel good hiking trail at the Jauerling route 1

Emergency call Mountain Rescue Wachau: 140

Hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and drinking water. The Wachau hiking map is available from Donau Niederösterreich Tourism, www.wachau.at.

The route begins at the parking lot near the summit station of the ski lift at Jauerling. The trail first leads to the observation deck. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from April through around All Saints’ Day; in winter, it is open only on weekends and holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as by appointment. After the observation deck, we cross the Turnerwiese and then turn right onto the forest path, which leads us along the “Maple Alley” (without any maple trees!) to the parking lot of the Nature Park Center. After this hike through the forest, we’ll first turn right across a clearing and then continue through the woods on a tranquil hiking trail until, after about 10 minutes, we reach the Naturparkhaus Gasthaus am Jauerling. The restaurant’s hours of operation can be found on the website www.naturpark-gasthaus.at.

We enjoy the beautiful view from the Wachau terrace of the nature park visitor center. We then continue on the trail that leads back to the parking lot, and then along Ahornallee back to the observation deck and the summit station parking lot. There are plenty of places to rest along the way.

Parking (free) is available at the Naturparkhaus and at the mountain station.

By car from the West Autobahn in Melk on the B3a towards Emmersdorf, then take the third exit in the roundabout (direction Dürnstein, Krems) on the B3 to Schallemmersdorf, turn left to Maria Laach on the L7145, from Maria Laach to Oberndorf on the L7133, then towards the viewing tower to the mountain station. Destination is Oberndorf am Jauerling (mountain hut).

For a climate-friendly trip to the Nature Park Inn, take the bus or train: www.vor.at

We recommend the Jauerling farmers' market, organized by the Maria Laach farmers at the Kerblerhaus in the center of Maria Laach (every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

At the Hoher Jauerling, the nature park offers a themed trail. The trail, titled “Above Us, the Wide, Wide Sky,” is perfect for a stroll and provides information about the Jauerling, the nature park’s municipalities, and the region’s flora and fauna. Even younger hikers will find it motivating to stroll through the forest along the 10 stations, which can be explored using an app. More information (including a map and audio sample) is available at http://www.naturpark-jauerling.at/gipfel-jauerling/.

Just below the Jauerling summit, at 915 meters above sea level, lies the Nature Park House—Gasthaus am Jauerling. From the Wachau Terrace, you can enjoy the highest and most beautiful view of the Danube.

The Naturparkhaus is car-free and has restricted traffic. The final ten minutes (the inn’s parking lot is about 500 m away) to the Naturparkhaus must be covered on foot. The proprietors, Nicole Pirker and Ludwig Biebl, serve hot meals throughout the day. We ask groups and/or bus tours to register in advance. The cuisine and the work of the owners are characterized by regional quality and products, as well as close collaboration with producers from the nature park. www.naturpark-gasthaus.at