Jakobsweg Donau: Stage 5 Maria Langegg - Melk

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 26,74 km
Duration: 7:30 h
Ascent: 665 m elevation gain
Descent: 943 m elevation gain

The section from Maria Langegg to the Baroque Benedictine Abbey Melk is considered one of the great highlights of the pilgrim path.

Starting point of the tour: Maria Langegg
Tour destination: Melk Abbey

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 26,74 km
Duration: 7:30 h
Ascent: 665 m elevation gain
Descent: 943 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
4/6

Lowest point208 m
Highest point591 m

Stage tour

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Description

From Maria Langegg via Wolfstein Castle to Melk Abbey, the route through the Dunkelstein Forest is around 20 km long. A meditative nature experience to recharge your batteries.

Equipment Basic equipment for pilgrim paths:Sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoesClothing in multiple layers with moisture transportHiking socksBackpack (with rain cover)Sun, rain, and wind protection (hat, sunscreen, waterproof and windproof jacket and pants)SunglassesTelescopic polesSufficient provisions and drinking waterFirst aid kit with blister plastersBlister plastersBivy sack/survival bagEmergency blanketHeadlampPocket knifeSignal whistleMobile phoneCashNavigation device/map and compassEmergency contact dataID cardDevotional items and necessary materialsOvernight stay in hostel:Hygiene articles and medicationsTravel towelEarplugsSleeping bag linerSleepwearPilgrim ID cardThe lists for "basic equipment" and "technical equipment" are created based on the chosen activity. They do not claim to be complete and serve only as suggestions for what you should pack.For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions for the proper use and maintenance of your device.
Route description From Maria Langegg it goes via the popular hiking trail No. 653 to the ruins of Aggstein Castle.After a short break, during which you are spoiled with beautiful views, we march down into the Danube Valley. Before reaching the town of Aggstein, we turn left and reach Aggsbach Village via the "Hartl." From here, the path No. 653 leads us past the hammer mill and the Charterhouse Aggsbach. Through the Wolfstein Gorge, it continues to Wolfstein, which owes its name to an old legend. At the end of the village, we turn right and reach Gerolding through the Raintal (path No. 653). Now the path leads us on the road over Hohenwarth further to Schönbühel (path No. 653, 05). From afar we can see Schönbühel Castle and the Danube. About 1 km off the pilgrim path is the Servite Monastery, built in the 17th century.The pilgrim path leads us left through the village in front of Schönbühel Castle. After Schönbühel, the path 05 goes steeply uphill again to "Hub," where the view of Melk Abbey compensates us for the efforts of the route. Over the Pielach estuary and the "Steinwandleiten" it is only a short climb to Melk Abbey. From here you can look back on a beautiful but certainly also strenuous pilgrim path, between the pilgrimage church Maria Langegg and the magnificent Melk Abbey and in the midst of the quiet, beautiful, and mystical Dunkelsteinerwald.
Parking Parking is available near the pilgrimage church.
Getting there Coming from Krems via the Danube bridge to Mautern, Bergern, Schenkenbrunn, to Maria Langegg.From St. Pölten via Karlstetten to Maria Langegg.From Melk, Aggsbach Village, following the turnoff on L109 to Maria Langegg.
Public transport Take the Franz-Josefs-Bahn train to Krems, then continue with bus line 489 to Maria Langegg. Please check exact timetables at www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Definitely plan a visit:Melk AbbeyCharterhouse AggsbachRuins of Aggstein Castle

Recommended period

Current weather in Maria Langegg

8°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed5,0 km/h

5° to 9°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed2,1 km/h

The section of the Jakobsweg Weinviertel ends in Mautern into the Wachau section, from Melk to Ybbs into the Nibelungengau section.

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