Explore destinationThe Danube in Lower Austria
Hiking tour Starting from Rossatz, Mettenerplatz
Stage 1 of the Eastern Apricot Mile leads hikers through apricot gardens in Rossatz and Rossatzbach. Hikers are rewarded with wonderful views of the Danube and Dürnstein.
Stage 1 of the Eastern Apricot Mile leads hikers through apricot gardens in Rossatz and Rossatzbach. Hikers are rewarded with wonderful views of the Danube and Dürnstein.
Austria's largest apricot-growing community, the municipality of Rossatz-Arnsdorf, lies on the southern bank of the Danube in the heart of the Wachau. It is not only wine that characterizes this landscape. After centuries of cultivation, the Wachau apricot is a popular crop. The apricot farmers try to bring the topic closer to hikers with the apricot mile, which is divided into an eastern part (Rührsdorf-Rossatzbach) and a western part (St. Johann-Bacharnsdorf).
The tour starts in the center of Rossatz, across from the church square on Wegscheid at Mettenerplatz. We head east and walk first past houses, then along vineyards to the moated castle and the brick kiln. Here we turn left and walk toward the Danube to Rossatzbach. One of the open wine taverns invites you to take a break. Refreshed, we continue along the main road to the edge of town (at the curve). Here, we turn left and head toward the Danube. We now follow the Treppelweg westward, passing the campground. At the ferry landing, we keep to the right and follow the Treppelweg. This path leads past apricot orchards and a small floodplain area. At the next cross street, we keep to the left toward the village. At the Rollfähreweg intersection, we keep to the right and walk parallel to the Danube, with a view of the apricot orchards and floodplain. We turn left onto the next street and hike back through the town center to the market square in Rossatz. Here, we keep to the right and return to the starting point of the tour.
At Mettenerplatz, near the Rossatz Fire Department.
Take the A1 Westautobahn to Melk, take the Wachau exit, stay on the right bank of the Danube, and continue toward Mautern.
Take the S 33 from St. Pölten via Mautern and the B 33 or S 5 to Krems—right bank of the Danube at Mautern—B 33
Take the Wachaulinie 720 bus to the Rossatz Kirche stop, walk 100 meters west through the town of Rossatz, turn left, and continue for 50 meters to Mettenerplatz
The wine-growing villages of Rossatz and Rossatzbach are known for their Heurigen. It's worth stopping there for a break.
