Panoramaweg Spitzer Graben

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 19,71 km
Duration: 5:30 h
Ascent: 657 m elevation gain
Descent: 657 m elevation gain

The high-altitude circular hike from Spitz to Mühldorf takes us through the impressive Wachau side valley of Spitzer Graben. Steep stone terraces, old oak and beech forests, wine-growing villages, the romantic Oberranna Castle and sweeping views of the Spitzer Graben, the Danube and the Jauerling Nature Park await us.

Starting point of the tour: Spitz, Kirchenplatz/Castle
Tour destination: Spitz

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 19,71 km
Duration: 5:30 h
Ascent: 657 m elevation gain
Descent: 657 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point202 m
Highest point445 m

Round tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops

Downloads

Description

The 6 km long Spitzer Graben in the Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park is the most impressive side valley of the UNESCO World Hertige site Wachau and the connection to the Waldviertel. Oberranna Castle near Mühldorf and the Hinterhaus ruins above Spitz on the Danube are the striking guardians and mark the entrances to the Spitzer Graben. The stone terraces and apricot orchards line the entire valley - the highest vineyards in the Wachau wine-growing region (Ried Trenning 450 m above Mühldorf) are located in the Spitzer Graben. The Marivino Association has created a unique hiking trail through the Spitzer Graben, the Panorama Trail, which leads through vineyards, apricot orchards and natural mixed beech forests and offers unforgettable viewpoints. The panorama trail connects Spitz Castle near the church square with Oberranna Castle (privately owned) and the Hinterhaus ruins. Four rest huts (not serviced) on the eastern side of the trail provide information on winegrowing, the stone terraces, nature conservation and apricots. In the main towns of Spitz and Mühldorf, as well as in the small villages of Gut am Steg, Vießling and Elsarn am Jauerling, Wachau wine taverns and cozy inns await you. It is also possible to buy from the vintners, schnapps distillers and apricot growers (harvest in July) in the Spitzer Graben at any time.

safety instructions The rest huts along the path are not serviced and there is no drinking water refill. The Zornberghütte is managed on some Sundays in good weather from May 1st to October 31st by winemakers from the Marivino association (wines, juices, and water) www.marivino.at.
Equipment Hiking boots, rainproof clothing, drinking water, as well as the Wachau hiking map and a wine tavern calendar available from Donau Niederösterreich Tourism, www.wachau.at
Route description We start our hike at the Kirchenplatz in Spitz and follow Friedhofgasse heading west. In front of the castle, we have two options: we can continue straight on and follow the Wachau World Heritage Trail over the Tausendeimerberg, or we turn left in Friedhofgasse onto a narrow path that also leads to the Tausendeimerberg. From the summit, we have a great view of the picturesque town and the Danube. To the right, a farm road takes us down through the vineyards to the Quitten district. Here, the path merges with the route without the Tausendeimerberg option. We keep left here, then turn right in Radlbach and reach the wonderful vineyards on the Setzberg. Our path leads left in a large arc along the Setzberg natural monument to the first rest hut of the Marivino association. Behind the hut, we go left down the Laabener Graben. In the valley, we first keep left and immediately thereafter turn right towards Zornberg. We now hike uphill on a farm road through the vineyards and into the forest in several switchbacks. Shortly after, we arrive at the Zornberghütte - this is open from May to October on some Sundays in good weather from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (winemakers from the Marivino association). Afterwards, we continue along the path through the natural oak forest and pass the third hut and the weather cross. From the Bruckhütte, we go uphill for a while, then turn right onto a field road to the "Eichberg junction." Here, two route options are available again: we can go left downhill to Elsarn, where the return path to Spitz begins, or continue along the old road to Mühldorf. Alternatively, we can stay on the high path and follow the Wachau World Heritage Trail to Niederranna (with a loop over Oberranna Castle continuing to Mühldorf). We keep right at Eichberg and follow the Wachau World Heritage Trail further to Muthstall. In the town, we cross the Bengelbach on a small bridge and walk straight on to Niederranna. We pass the picturesque Baroque Prandhof Castle and the parish church, cross the town, and continue along the street to Oberranna Castle. Behind the castle, we turn left and walk gently downhill along the Rannabach and Ötzbach to Unterranna. We continue following the stream to Mühldorf. In Mühldorf, following the federal road outward towards Spitz, then turning right into the Ledertal on an asphalted path beside the creek, which separates us from the federal road, we soon reach the towns Elsarn am Jauerling and Vießling. We pass through the towns, by apricot orchards and vineyards, and increasingly enjoy splendid views into the Spitzer Graben. Following the road, we reach the village of Gut am Steg and are thus almost back in Spitz, where we leisurely walk back to our starting point, the Kirchenplatz.
Parking In Spitz, shipping museum, chapel Gut am Steg, Laaben, Elsarn, playground Vießling, market square Mühldorf.
Getting there West Autobahn A1 to Melk exit, then via B3 to Spitz, or via B3 and B217 to Mühldorf
Public transport The towns are accessible by public transport seven days a week (Wachau buses). Returning to the starting point of the hike is possible. Spitz is connected to Melk and Krems every hour, seven days a week, by bus line 715 (Krems station-Dürnstein-Weissenkirchen-Spitz-Aggsbach Markt-Emmersdorf-Melk station). Line 722 (on-call bus) takes you from Spitz or Emmersdorf to Jauerling and the Weitental on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.Between April and October, the Wachau railway runs between Krems and Emmersdorf, www.wachaubahn.atNextbike rental stations (EUR 1/hour) are located in Spitz, Mühldorf, and Elsarn, www.leihradl.at.
Editor’s tip Zornberghütte: On some Sundays in good weather from May 1st to October 31st, this scenic rest spot is managed by winemakers from the Marivino association (wines, juices, and water). Information about the Spitzer Graben and the panoramic hiking trail can be found at www.marivino.at.

Recommended period

As a dining and accommodation option, we recommend the businesses of the Best of Wachau cooperation, www.bestof-wachau.at. Best of Wachau businesses are located in Spitz and Mühldorf. In Mühldorf, we recommend the Gasthaus Siebenhandl, www.7handl.at; 02713/8257. The Gasthaus Busch is located at Niederranna 15, reachable by phone at 02713/8201, and offers a small menu on weekends. Please note the opening hours of the Spitz gastronomy establishments at www.spitz-wachau.at.

Several wine taverns can be found in Spitz. Please consult the current wine tavern calendar at www.wachau.at

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026