Nibelungengau long-distance hiking path 3: Marbach - Maria Taferl

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9,04 km
Duration: 2:50 h
Ascent: 470 m elevation gain
Descent: 240 m elevation gain

Maria Taferl is home to the most important pilgrimage site in Lower Austria and the second largest in Austria. Unique views of the Danube Valley and the Nibelungengau.

Starting point of the tour: Marbach, ship dock
Tour destination: Maria Taferl, village entrance

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9,04 km
Duration: 2:50 h
Ascent: 470 m elevation gain
Descent: 240 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
4/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point216 m
Highest point550 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops

Downloads

Description

The stage starts at the panoramic board at the ship dock in Marbach. The path leads past the Winklermühle, up through the untouched nature of the Steinbachklamm. From Hilmanger, the route descends again with a wonderful view of the Danube Valley. Through small villages and forest, it then goes steeply uphill to Maria Taferl.

Equipment Hiking boots, backpack, hiking map and/or mobile tour planner, weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain protection), headwear, sun protection, first aid kit, possibly flashlight, sufficient provisions (water, snacks) An extensive equipment list can be found here.
Route description The stage starts at the panoramic board at the ship dock in Marbach. The path leads past the Winklermühle, up through the untouched nature of the Steinbachklamm. Enjoy the relaxing peace and take the time to unwind. After the gorge, there is an opportunity for a short break in nature or a little further at the Gressl inn in Hilmanger. Then the route leads downhill again with a wonderful view of the Danube Valley. You pass through small villages and forest before the last section goes steeply uphill to Maria Taferl. The path passes the impressive basilica before the stage ends at the panoramic board at the village entrance. Situated high above the Danube Valley, Maria Taferl offers a unique panoramic view over the entire Alpine range from Schneeberg to Traunstein and is the most important pilgrimage site in Lower Austria.
Parking Parking is available at the ship dock in Marbach or in the village of Maria Taferl (including at the basilica).
Getting there Marbach is accessible via the A1 West Autobahn, exit Pöchlarn. Take the first exit at the roundabout, after about 1 km turn left towards the Danube bridge. Cross the bridge, then keep left on Wachauerstraße (B3) to Marbach.From Krems or Grein, follow Wachauerstraße (B3) to Marbach.
Public transport Travel with ÖBB to the Pöchlarn train station - timetable inquiry. From the station, you can take the post bus to Marbach - timetable information. We recommend traveling by car, as public transport does not cover a seamless connection.
Editor’s tip Enjoy the wonderful peace and the untouched nature in the Steinbachklamm. In Maria Taferl, beautiful views of the Danube area and the Nibelungengau await you. The Nibelungengau long-distance hiking path is signposted and passable in both directions.Event highlight in the Nibelungengau: Combine your hiking holiday with the solstice celebration "Fire Magic in the Nibelungengau" in June. Celebrate on the banks of the Danube in one of the Nibelungengau communities or on board a ship.

Recommended period

Current weather in Marbach an der Donau

6° to 7°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed2,3 km/h

3° to 9°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed2,0 km/h

For easy and convenient route planning, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app is recommended. Simply download for Android or iPhone.

Excursion tips along the route:
Steinbachklamm (between Marbach and Maria Taferl), Basilica Maria Taferl

Dining options along the route:
Marbach, Hilmanger and Maria Taferl

Other attractions in the Nibelungengau:
Visitor power plant Ybbs-Persenbeug, Peace Museum Erlauf, Oskar Kokoschka Center Pöchlarn, Europa Castle Leiben, Artstetten Castle

Events in the Nibelungengau region and surrounding area can be found here.

All available promotional materialsfor the Nibelungengau can be found here or browse online through the Nibelungengau travel guide.