Note: Complete closure of World Heritage Trail Stage 3 between St. Michael and Spitz Due to extensive forest maintenance and path renovation work in the Atzberg area, Stage 3 of the World Heritage Trail between St. Michael and Spitz is completely closed until further notice. The turnoff to Buschandlwand is also affected – these areas are expected to be inaccessible until March 2026.
The approach to St. Michael is possible from Weißenkirchen, but it is steep and often slippery in winter.
Recommended diversion from/to Ried Hochrain via Wösendorf and St. Michael, continuing on to Spitz.
The diversion route is signposted on site and leads along publicly accessible paths.
Important information
Please do not enter forestry or construction sites – there is a risk of danger from machinery and woodworking.
Follow the diversion signs and instructions on site.
Map services and GPX tracks are being updated; please check your navigation before setting off.
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hiking-trail/donau-niederoesterreich/world-heritage-trail-wachau-detour-03-weissenkirchen-spitz/809346565/
Hiking from Weißenkirchen to Spitz, we pass through the impressive heart of the Wachau stone terrace wine region. The winegrower villages of Weißenkirchen and Spitz invite you to enjoy wine and stop for refreshments. Nature lovers will flourish at the Michaelerberg natural monument.
Wachau World Heritage Trail: From Weißenkirchen to Spitz
The stage from Weißenkirchen to Spitz runs through one of the Wachau’s most impressive wine landscapes, high above the Danube across the region’s largest continuous vineyard area. Renowned vineyard sites such as Kollmitz, Kollmütz and Hochrain shape this section, repeatedly opening wide views across the Danube Valley and the terraced slopes. Above St Michael, the trail crosses the Michaelerberg, a varied mosaic of dry grassland, woodland and distinctive rock formations, with remarkable viewpoints along the way.
Via the historic Rote Tor, the route reaches the traditional wine town of Spitz. In both Weißenkirchen and Spitz, numerous Heurigen and restaurants invite enjoyable breaks. Along the stage itself, however, there are no refreshment stops, so adequate provisions are recommended. In Spitz, local eateries provide a relaxed place to pause and linger.
Walking the Wachau World Heritage Trail reveals, step by step, why the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage region. Finely curated World Heritage Spots make the defining World Heritage Highlights visible—the interplay of cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural habitats and the Danube as a shaping force.
For a carefree, all-round offer—including luggage transfer, tastings and transfers—one of the varied walking packages is recommended.
Thanks to excellent rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is straightforward. Within the region, a dense public transport network makes all stages easy to reach by bus, train, ferry and boat, allowing stages to be combined with great flexibility.
The Wachau World Heritage Trail also holds the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification represents high standards in route design, waymarking, safety and infrastructure, confirming the trail as a reliable, high-quality walking experience at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its worth visiting the „nature park BIOthek-Wachau“ in Spitz run by the owners of the biological businesses in the Wachau area. Its located in a winery of the 16th century near church square. Opening times: end of April until end of October every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, www.naturpark-jauerling.at.
