Pilgrim Way: Melk-Persenbeug

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 28,02 km
Duration: 7:30 h
Ascent: 388 m elevation gain
Descent: 380 m elevation gain

The section of the Austrian Pilgrim Way between Melk and Persenbeug is not only a popular pilgrimage route but also a hidden gem for pleasure hikers.

Starting point of the tour: Melk Abbey
Tour destination: Persenbeug

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 28,02 km
Duration: 7:30 h
Ascent: 388 m elevation gain
Descent: 380 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point207 m
Highest point441 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

Downloads

Description

This section between Melk and Persenbeug offers, besides the scenic beauty, a variety of magnificent buildings: Melk Abbey, Leiben European Castle, Artstetten Castle, and the Basilica Maria Taferl. Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere directly on the Danube and splendid views of the Danube valley.

The 31-kilometer-long route is without major climbs and can be managed in one to two days depending on your pace and ambition.

Starting in Melk, this section runs over the Emmersdorf Danube Bridge, follows the towpath to Urfahr and then branches up to Leiben. As an alternative and a small shortcut, one crosses the bridge at the Danube power plant in Melk. From there, you return to the original path to Urfahr and Leiben and along the classic pilgrimage path to Artstetten and Maria Taferl. Then continuing to Marbach and along the cycle path via Gottsdorf to Persenbeug.

Route description The starting point of the Melk-Persenbeug section is the famous Melk Benedictine Abbey. Past the abbey's restaurant, we proceed via the stairs to the abbey parking lot. We follow the B1 exit road. After crossing the B1 and the access road to the Danube bridge, we walk along the towpath toward the Danube bridge. At the monument on the southern bridge shore, we meet the section of the Pilgrim Way coming from Göttweig. We cross the Danube bridge to Emmersdorf.Here, for about 5 km, we have to share the path with cyclists. Passing Emmersdorf, Luberegg, and Weitenegg, we come to Urfahr. We cross federal road B3, keep right, then take the steep stairs on the left to the railway crossing. Uphill, we follow the red-white marking and reach a small road leading us to Leiben. The Leiben European Castle is visible from afar. We follow the marking through the town and head west at the town’s end. On circular hiking trail 22 to Losau, then on field and forest paths toward Hasling. After a small forest at the end of the clearing, we follow the left path that branches off the farm road. Down to a small stream, then up the opposite hill, we reach the road to Hasling. We pass through the town and leave it, following circular trail 22 towards Artstetten.Uphill, we reach the town center at the foot of Artstetten Castle. First, take the street downhill to the left, then keep right at the municipal office. Passing the music hall, we reach Unterthalheim along a forest and meadow path following the marking. In the village, we turn right and follow circular trail 22 to Maria Taferl.Past the beautiful golf course, left along the street, we reach the town center with the Basilica of the Sorrowful Mother of God. From the spacious square in front of the church, a staircase at the southwest end of the square, past the state memorial, leads steeply down to the street. We cross the street and follow the "Penitence Path" to Marbach. We cross federal road B3 at the ship landing stage, keep right and follow the Danube cycle path westward. In Gottsdorf, we turn right before the church, pass the old school, turn left at the intersection, and immediately right again past the cemetery. We cross the industrial road and proceed via a field path to Persenbeug. At the kindergarten, first left, then immediately right again, we follow Schubertstraße to the parish church visible from afar. Along Schlossstraße, we cross the Danube bridge to the Ybbs-Persenbeug visitor power plant.
Parking Parking in Melk is available at the Danube waterfront.
Getting there Via the A1 West Motorway, Melk exit or via the B1 coming from St. Pölten.
Public transport Travel with ÖBB to the Melk train station - timetable query. From Persenbeug, you can take the postbus/public transport to the Ybbs/Kemmelbach railway station. Further information about bus schedules can be found here.

Recommended period

Current weather in Melk

7°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain

Wind speed2,5 km/h

3° to 9°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed1,6 km/h

A stamp station is set up in the basilica and at the Golden Lion in Maria Taferl; the guesthouse is a member of the St. James Brotherhood Austria.

Events and happenings in the Nibelungengau region and surroundings can be found here.

All accommodations in the region for your individual search can be found here .