Jauerling circuit 07: Mühldorf-Spitz

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14,26 km
Duration: 5:00 h
Ascent: 768 m elevation gain
Descent: 899 m elevation gain

This route is a crossing of the Jauerling, the highest mountain on the Danube, leading us into the heart of the nature park. At the summit, we are greeted by the nature park house with its Wachau terrace.

Starting point of the tour: Mühldorf, marketplace
Tour destination: Spitz, church square

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14,26 km
Duration: 5:00 h
Ascent: 768 m elevation gain
Descent: 899 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
4/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point211 m
Highest point922 m

Nice views
With refreshment stops

Downloads

Description

Crossing the Jauerling

From Mühldorf, we hike over the 628 m high Trenning past the highest vineyard in Lower Austria to the Jauerling, the roof of the Danube. At the summit, we are greeted by the nature park house with its Wachau terrace. Via Benking, our path continues through a magnificent forest landscape past the Hirschen-, Zwölfer- and Elferkogel to the Hinterhaus Castle ruins. From here, it is not far to our stage destination at the church square in the winemaker town of Spitz on the Danube.

>>Here is the hiking report from Wachau Inside!

Equipment Sturdy hiking boots, rain protection, sufficient drinks and food
Route description We leave the Mühldorf marketplace heading towards Spitz and pass the inn Weißes Rössl and the municipal office. Then we turn right, cross the Spitzer Bach stream and begin the steep ascent to the 628 m high Trenning. Caution, it is steep here and partly exposed, good footwear is important! At the summit cross, we can take a short break and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view. Afterwards, our path leads down to the hamlet of Thurn and to the highest vineyard of Lower Austria, the Ried Trenning at 450 m. In Thurn, the ascent to the Jauerling starts. The old hollow path is often crossed by new forest roads and the mountain bike trail "WeinSteinTour". About an hour after Thurn, we reach the junction "Abzweigung Vießling" (signposted), from where a descent to Vießling and Spitz is possible. After a further 15 minutes, we arrive at the nature park house and Wachau terrace - the inn at Jauerling. Then we follow the long-distance trail 05 past the nature park house into the forest and to the Hubertus chapel. Turning left, we reach a barn and then turn left onto the main road. Our path leads through the hamlet of Benking to the bus stop, where we leave the road and enter the forest to begin the descent to Spitz. We cross the main road again and follow it briefly. At a left curve, we leave the road and go into the forest. Through a beautiful forest landscape with many lovely viewpoints inviting you to linger. Past the Hirschen-, Zwölfer-, and Elferkogel, shortly before Spitz, we cross the route of the stage to Aggsbach Markt. Turning left, we soon reach the Hinterhaus Castle ruins, follow the path past the pleasure house down to the Spitzer Bach. Here we keep left, cross the stream at the second bridge, and walk along the road to Radlbach and Quitten. Past the picturesque castle, we finally reach the church square in Spitz, where our stage ends at a wine tavern or inn.
Parking In the center of Mühldorf or at the train station or near the castle in Spitz.
Getting there By car: via the A1 to Melk and via the B3 to Spitz and Mühldorf or via the S5 to Krems and the B3 to Spitz and Mühldorf.
Public transport The places are accessible seven days a week by public transport (Wachau buses). Returning to the starting point of the hike is possible.Spitz can be reached by bus line 715 (Krems-Spitz-Melk or Melk-Spitz-Krems) from Krems and Melk. The Spitzer Graben (Spitz-Mühldorf-Raxendorf-Pöggstall) is reachable seven days a week with bus line 718. All bus connections can be found at www.vor.at The Wachau railway only runs on weekends and public holidays (three times daily): www.wachaubahn.at Nextbike rental bike stations are located in Mühldorf and Spitz, www.nextbike.at

Recommended period

Current weather in Mühldorf

5° to 6°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed5,3 km/h

3° to 8°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed3,3 km/h

Dining options/opening hours:

Nature park house at the Jauerling, Wachau terrace: www.naturpark-gasthaus.at 02713/30017.

In Mühldorf there are two inns (Gasthaus Siebenhandl, www.7handl.at; 02713/8257, and Gasthaus Busch/Niederranna, 02713/8201) www.gasthaus-busch.at

Please note the reduced opening hours of Spitz’s gastronomy in winter. More info: www.spitz-wachau.at.

Wine taverns are in Spitz and Elsarn. Please note the current online wine tavern calendar at www.welterbesteig.at.

Accommodation options are available in Spitz and Mühldorf.

The most renowned and recommended gastronomy and accommodation establishments in the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau can be found at Best of Wachau. www.bestof-wachau.at