Selected alternatives for you
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.
easy
Distance 10.5 km
Duration3:16 h
Ascent353 m
Descent338 m
Highest point432 m
Lowest point209 m
Welt Heritage Trail Wachau: From Weißenkirchen to Spitz
This stage takes us through a unique wine landscape. High above the Danube, we find the largest contiguous vineyard area in the Wachau with renowned vineyards (Kollmitz, Kollmütz, Hochrain) and magnificent panoramic views. Above St. Michael, our path leads through romantic dry grasslands, forest, and marvelous rock formations with unique views. Through the Red Gate, we enter the wine village of Spitz. In the historic wine villages of Spitz and Weißenkirchen, dozens of Heurigen and gastronomy businesses invite you to rest.
Refreshment tip: We recommend well stocking your hiking backpack with regional products at the Spar market in Weißenkirchen (Mon-Fri 7:15 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.) since there are no refreshment options along the trail. Upon arrival in Spitz, the local gastronomy businesses invite you to refresh yourself, and if you're lucky, your favorite Heuriger might be open. Find out who is open in the online Heurigen calendar. There are resting spots and inviting seating areas along the Danube riverbank. The Wachau bus line 715 (Melk-Spitz-Weißenkirchen-Krems) runs hourly and brings you back to Weißenkirchen.
Author’s recommendation
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.
Author
Wachau Nibelungengau-Kremstal
Responsible for this content
Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH
Verified partner
Overall difficulty
easy
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Aug
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Dec
Track types
Show elevation profile
Safety information
There are no opportunities to stop for refreshments or sources along the trail.
Emergency call Mountain Rescue Wachau: 140
Tips and suggestions
Best of Wachau: The most renowned and recommendable gastronomy and accommodation businesses in the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau can be found at Best of Wachau.
Further information about refreshment and accommodation options is available at www.wachau.at. Please note the shortened opening times of gastronomy businesses in Spitz and Weißenkirchen during winter. More information is available directly at: www.spitz-wachau.at and www.weissenkirchen-wachau.at.
Wine taverns are located in Weißenkirchen and Spitz. Several Heurigen businesses are open during the winter. Please pay attention to the current Heurigen calendar.
For easy and convenient tour planning, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app is recommended. Simply download for Android or iPhone.
