World Heritage Hike in the Wachau in Winter 14: Mautern–Krems
Hiking tour Starting from Mautern
Roman ruins, the splendor of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Gothic monasteries and churches, world-class cuisine, and picturesque old towns await hikers on the trail from Mautern to Krems. Passing through imposing city gates and across picturesque squares, the hike leads to Gozzoburg Castle and the Hoher Markt, the historic heart of Krems.
Roman ruins, the splendor of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Gothic monasteries and churches, world-class cuisine, and picturesque old towns await hikers on the trail from Mautern to Krems. Passing through imposing city gates and across picturesque squares, the hike leads to Gozzoburg Castle and the Hoher Markt, the historic heart of Krems.
The section from Mautern to Krems is a short hike rich in cultural and historical significance, connecting two historic towns on the Danube—ideal for short winter days. The trail leads through the medieval town of Stein to the picturesque old town of Krems. Along this approximately four-kilometer stretch of the Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail, you’ll be accompanied by art, churches, and historic buildings.
Passing through impressive city gates and across historic squares, the route leads to the Gothic Gozzoburg on the Hohen Markt in Krems, the most significant Gothic city castle north of the Alps. Along the Kunstmeile Krems, a wide variety of cultural attractions await, including the Kunsthalle Krems, the Krems Cartoon Museum, and the Landesgalerie Niederösterreich.
As you hike along the Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail, you’ll discover, step by step, why the Wachau has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage region. As you pass through carefully curated World Heritage sites, the defining highlights of the World Heritage region come into view—the interplay of the historic cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, extraordinary natural areas, and the Danube as a defining element.
Thanks to good rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is easily achievable. Even in winter, a dense network of public transportation in the region ensures that all stages can be comfortably reached by bus. This makes it very easy to combine different stages.
The Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail has also been awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality. This certification stands for high-quality standards in route guidance, signage, safety, and infrastructure, and confirms the Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail as a reliable and high-quality hiking experience in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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
At the town hall in Mautern, pass under the white archway and walk along the wall of the Roman fort Favianis toward the Danube. Passing the Römerhalle on the right, the trail leads past Mautern Castle, turns left at the roundabout, and crosses the imposing Danube Bridge. On the north bank of the river, the trail turns right through the Linzer Tor into the medieval town of Stein. Follow Steiner Landstraße; turn left at the first intersection and then immediately left again onto Hintere Fahrstraße (stamp station: Lesehof Stagård, Hintere Fahrstraße 3). The road leads up to the Frauenberg, where you turn right toward the Frauenberg Church. From here, the view sweeps across picturesque Stein all the way to Mautern and Göttweig Abbey.
Passing the church and descending the Frauenbergstiege, you return to Steiner Landstraße. Continuing to the left, the trail leads past the Minoritenkloster, where the Art Mile begins. You leave Stein through the Kremser Gate and enter the world of the arts. The Kunsthalle, the Cartoon Museum, and the Lower Austrian Literature House lie along the way until you reach the Stein Correctional Facility. Follow Schillerstraße past the monastery and on to the Krems City Park. Here, turn left and go through the Steiner Gate into the Old Town. At the other end of the pedestrian zone, you’ll reach the daily market; there, turn left and head up to the parish church on Pfarrplatz. Turn right and walk uphill along Margarethenstraße; shortly thereafter, you’ll reach the stage destination at the Hoher Markt.
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.
Bus line 720 connects Krems and Mautern and links to the train in Krems and Melk. www.vor.at
Leider können wir Ihnen zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt keine Wetterdaten für den Ort anzeigen.
