Winter hiking on the Water Spirit Trail in Spitz

Please note the following tips and information so you can enjoy your hike:

• stay on the marked paths
• wear hiking/mountaineering shoes
• use hiking poles
• rainwear is always advisable
• carry enough drinking water
• please do not leave your trash on the trail
• respect the sensitive habitats of plants and animals
• take a break
• the indicated walking times are approximate

We head north from the church square. Shortly after the first stamp box at Druschplatz, we turn right toward the Hiatahütte. From there, we ascend through the “Bärenschlucht” to the Rotes Tor. After passing through the gate, we hike down to the right into the mystical Miesling Valley, which reveals its very special charm even in winter. There, we follow the stream toward the Danube. At the intersection with Kremser Straße, we keep to the left and walk across the Klosterhof parking lot and through a underpass beneath the B3 directly to the Donaulände.

Now we head right and follow the Danube upstream for about 1 km. Even in the cold season, there’s plenty to discover along the riverbank for young and old alike! Before the roundabout, we cross the B3 at the crosswalk and walk through the Hinterhaus neighborhood up to the ruins. Especially in winter, the Hinterhaus ruins offer a particularly atmospheric view: the Danube flows calmly through the wintry landscape, while the surrounding vineyards and hills exude a quiet atmosphere all their own.

The descent takes us to the Erlahof district. There, the Maritime Museum, the playground, and the picnic raft invite you to take a break. Next to the Spitzer Bach, we cross the weir back into town or return to the Danube.

There are plenty of parking spaces available at the Danube promenade in Spitz.

Directly to Spitz on the B3.

From Melk or Krems, take bus line 715 (Krems-Weißenkirchen-Spitz-Melk) to Spitz and get off at the "Donau Fähre (Bundesstraße)" stop; then walk 7 minutes to the parish church. www.vor.at

TIP: If you want to spend more time on the Danube, do not cross the B3 at the pedestrian crossing, but walk a bit further to the Danube beach of Spitz - pure holiday feeling!