Wachau World Heritage Trail in Winter 11: Hofarnsdorf - Rossatz

There are no rest stops along this stage, and no opportunity to refill drinking water. The approach to the Hirschwand is secured with ropes and climbing aids and includes a short climbing section. The trail in the Steinige Ries Nature Reserve between the Seekopf and St. Lorenz requires sure-footedness and extra caution.

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

Don’t leave your trash behind on the trail

Respect the sensitive habitats of plants and wildlife

This stage begins in front of the castle and the parish church in Hofarnsdorf. The trail runs parallel to the Danube downstream and offers magnificent views of the Hinterhaus castle ruins in Spitz, the Ried Atzberg, and the fortified church of St. Michael. At Bacharnsdorf, turn right. Passing the Roman watchtower—Burgus—you’ll reach the B33 main road: Turn left here to the stamp station at the Pammer family’s wine tavern (approx. 150 m). The main trail turns right at the main road and then left again just a few meters later. Following the former Roman road (where the wheel ruts are still partially visible), the trail now leads along the Dürrenbach stream into the Kupfertal valley. You’ll pass the beautifully situated rest area with various stone sculptures (“romantic rock group”). In the middle of the valley, the Türkentor can be seen on the right (the view is partially obscured by vegetation). This remnant of the Arnsdorf “village walls” dates back to the time of the Turkish Wars. At the 597-meter-high Kreuzberg (with a wayside shrine), you reach the end of the Kupfertal; there, turn left onto the Way of St. James. A forest road leads to Lake Rührsdorf with a rest area; depending on its size, you can go around it on the left or right. After another 15 minutes or so, you’ll reach the 671-meter-high Seekopf, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the modern observation deck. A short time later, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy another beautiful view from the Hirschwand, which borders the Welterbesteig trail. However, this can only be reached via a climbing section with ladders (optional, approx. 10-minute approach). Afterward, the descent to Rossatz begins. In the Steinige Ries Nature Reserve, the hike leads steadily downhill through what is partly pure oak forest with bizarre rock formations. Time and again, beautiful views of the Wachau open up. At the end of the Steinige Ries, the hike follows the longest dry-stone wall trail in the Wachau (several hundred meters long). Above St. Lorenz Church, the trail meets the Rossatz Panorama Trail and leads to the turnoff for the St. Lorenz-Weißenkirchen car ferry (approx. 15-minute descent), which is not in continuous operation during the winter. The high-altitude trail winds through the vineyards to the end of the stage at the church square in Rossatz. To wrap up the stage, be sure to enjoy a special view from the “Smaragdeidechse” lookout point, located directly above the church square, before the stage comes to a close.

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 southern bank of the Wachau, bus line 720 runs between Krems, Rossatz, Arnsdorf, and Melk, connecting to the train in Krems and Melk. www.vor.at