Wachau World Heritage Trail in Winter 02: Dürnstein - Weißenkirchen

Wachau Mountain Rescue Emergency Number: 140

Wear the right footwear (waterproof, good support, sturdy tread)

Layered clothing is recommended

Stay warm from the inside (consider bringing tea in a thermos)

Bring a hiking map and a cell phone

Bring enough drinking water with you

Don’t forget sunscreen, even in winter

Please do not leave your trash along the trail

Respect the sensitive habitats of plants and wildlife

The hike begins in the picturesque old town of Dürnstein. Just past the Kremser Gate, the trail leads onto the old Eselsteig. There you’ll find a demonstration garden featuring Wachau saffron. Following the old supply route with its stone steps within the city walls, the trail leads to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, which served as a prison for King Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. You exit the ruins through the northern castle gate, and the trail plunges into a bizarre landscape of rocks and woods. The trail winds through partly untouched oak and pine forests and passes the so-called “Schlösschen,” the castle’s dilapidated outer bailey. After a steep climb, you’ll reach the summit of the Schlossberg with the Starhembergwarte. Five minutes later, you’ll come to the Fesslhütte (stamp station), where you can take a relaxing break. This is where the high-altitude trail to Weißenkirchen begins, offering stunning views of the surrounding area time and again. After 5–10 minutes, you’ll cross the Vogelbergsteig trail. Here, it’s worth taking a detour to the left toward the Dürnsteiner Kanzel, one of the Wachau’s most spectacular viewpoints, offering views of the Danube Valley and ancient natural oak forests (about a 10-minute walk). Back at the intersection, continue to the right, take the first left at the next intersection, and follow the path downhill in a loop. After passing a gate, turn left and walk downhill along a narrow trail. You’ll reach a wider forest road; turn left there, then right three times in a row. This high-altitude trail now leads along an easily walkable forest road to the secluded hamlet of Schildhütten, home to the Pomaßl winery and wine tavern (stamp station). At the last house, turn right into the vineyards. Passing old, abandoned vineyards and crumbling stone terraces, you’ll eventually reach the Klaus and Achleiten vineyards. Head up to the right to the Achleiten vineyard, which features a collection of old and rare grape varieties (old-vine culture). Via the so-called Achleiten Panorama Trail, the hike leads through the vineyards to the Weißenkirchen district of Weitenberg. There, turn left onto a narrow footpath and continue into Weißenkirchen’s old town. Via the historic Kirchensteig, the trail leads to the fortified church and, via the wooden staircase, to Weißenkirchen’s market square with the magnificent Renaissance building Teisenhoferhof, where this stage ends.

Easily accessible by train and bus

These locations can be reached seven days a week by bus No. 715. It is possible to return to the starting point of the hike.

On the north bank of the Wachau, bus line 715 runs between Krems, Spitz, and Melk (or Melk, Spitz, and Krems) and connects to the train in Krems and Melk. www.vor.at