Hiking tour Starting from Leiben, Urfahr district, rest area
The blue Danube Lakes loop starts on asphalt along the Danube cycle path. Pass the Weitenegg ruins and the leisure center. Continue to the footbridge over the oxbow lake and the fish migration aid. After crossing, immediately turn right and continue on gravel. Along the way you have a wonderful view of the Weitenegg ruins and the leisure center. Here the trail leads back to the starting point, or you can join the beaver circuit.
The blue Danube Lakes loop starts on asphalt along the Danube cycle path. Pass the Weitenegg ruins and the leisure center. Continue to the footbridge over the oxbow lake and the fish migration aid. After crossing, immediately turn right and continue on gravel. Along the way you have a wonderful view of the Weitenegg ruins and the leisure center. Here the trail leads back to the starting point, or you can join the beaver circuit.
Please note the following tips and guidelines:
· Stay on the marked trails.
· Wear hiking boots.
· Use hiking poles.
· Rain gear is always advisable.
· Bring a hiking map with you.
· Carry enough drinking water with you.
· Please do not leave your trash behind on the trail.
· Respect the sensitive habitats of plants and wildlife.
You undertake the suggested hikes at your own risk and on your own responsibility.
We recommend hiking boots, a backpack, a hiking map and/or a mobile route planner, weatherproof clothing (e.g., rain gear), a hat, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, possibly a flashlight, and enough food and drink to keep your energy up (water, snacks).
The Blue Danube Lakes Loop starts off on asphalt along the Danube cycle path. It passes the Weitenegg ruins and the recreation center. Continue to the footbridge over the oxbow lake and the fish ladder. After crossing, turn right immediately and continue on gravel. Along the route, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Weitenegg ruins and the recreation center. From here, the trail leads back to the starting point, or you can continue directly onto the Beaver Loop.
Parking is available right in Urfahr.
Leiben is accessible via the A1 Westautobahn; take the Pöchlarn exit. At the exit, take the first exit at the roundabout, then turn left after about 1 km toward the Danube Bridge. Cross the bridge, then keep right on Wachauerstraße (B3) until you reach Ebersdorf. In the town, turn left toward Leiben.
Coming from Krems or Grein, take Wachauerstraße (B3) to Ebersdorf, and once in town, turn toward Leiben.
Take the ÖBB train to the Melk station. www.oebb.at From the station, take the Postbus to Leiben. www.vor.at
Attractions in the Nibelungengau region:
Ybbs-Persenbeug Visitor Power Plant, Erlauf Peace Museum, Oskar Kokoschka Center in Pöchlarn, Leiben European Castle, Artstetten Castle, Maria Taferl Basilica
Events in the Nibelungengau region and surrounding areas can be found here.
Event highlight in the Nibelungengau: Combine your hiking vacation with the summer solstice celebration “Fire Magic in the Nibelungengau” in June. One experience—two options: Celebrate on the banks of the Danube in one of the Nibelungengau communities or aboard a boat. For more information, visit www.sonnenwende.at.
You can find route descriptions, including GPS tracks available for download, at www.nibelungengau.at.
Person responsible for the content of this tour
Wachau-Nibelungengau-Krems Valley ("Krems Valley" in German)
The market town of Leiben is located right near Melk, at the entrance to the fascinating southern Waldviertel region. The vibrant Weitenegg recreation center offers a true vacation atmosphere, as does the gentle, wild and romantic landscape with scenic hiking trails (Materlweg, Jakobsweg). The town’s landmark stands atop an impressive rock—the Europaschloss Leiben. Dating back to the 11th century, the castle serves as the center of cultural life. The picturesque backdrop and historic ambiance provide the ideal setting for a wide variety of events. The castle’s rooms are also available for rent.
For more information about the community, visit http://www.leiben.at.
Letzte Änderung: 7 Aug 2026
