Weinberg-Rundweg

Wachau Mountain Rescue Emergency Number: 140

Hiking boots, rain gear, and drinking water. The Wachau hiking map is available from Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus, www.wachau.at

We start at the sign that reads “Maria Laach Marktplatz 591 m” (across from the “Zur Weißen Rose” restaurant) and walk straight ahead, past the “Schlecker” store. Then we turn left twice in a row (both times toward Nonnersdorf). At the next intersection, we follow the small paved road (Weinberg, Sackstraße) straight ahead uphill. Between the houses (“Friedersdorf”), we follow the right-hand curve of the small paved road, which leads through a small wooded area. We hike along the Weinsberg on level ground, passing through flower-filled meadows teeming with diverse plant life and fields. Here, we’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views all the way to the Alpine foothills. We reach the hamlet of Weinberg and head downhill at the intersection between the houses. After about 20 m, we cross a road and walk downhill past the house “Weinberg 1” between meadows and fruit trees. To the left, we can see the Jauerling transmitter. Soon we follow a small paved path to the left. At the lowest point, in the Klaffergraben, we come to a small stream. This is where the small paved path ends; we hike slightly uphill along a right-hand curve and then immediately turn right again, walking slightly downhill along a forest road until we reach the information sign “Kreuzung Zeißing 607 m” and Zeißing Water Castle. At the intersection, we turn right until we reach the signpost “Zeißing 586 m.” Here, a cozy rest area awaits us. A small footbridge leads to the ruins of Zeißing Castle, a former summer residence of the Kuefsteiner family. At the main road, we turn right again and then continue straight ahead, passing the Kremser carpentry and furniture workshop, until we reach the market square in Maria Laach.

Maria Laach, Market Square

Take the A1 to Melk, then the B3 to Schallemmersdorf; turn left here and follow the road to Maria Laach.

Maria Laach is difficult to reach by public transportation during the week—there is only a school bus service. On weekends, the Jauerling on-demand bus operates. This service connects the Jauerling Nature Park communities (Aggsbach, Emmersdorf, Maria Laach, Jauerling, Mühldorf, Raxendorf, Spitz, and Weiten). The on-demand bus must be requested by phone at +43(0)810/810278.

Route planner: www.vor.at. A detailed timetable,“Mobil in der Wachau,” is available from Donau Lower Austria Tourism.

Every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Maria Laach farmers' market opens its doors at the Kerblerhaus in the town center.