Nibelungengau long-distance trail 4: Maria Taferl - Leiben

Please observe the following tips and notes so that your hiking holiday becomes an enjoyable experience:
·         Stay on marked paths.
·         Wear mountain/hiking shoes.
·         Use hiking poles.
·         Rainwear is always advisable.
·         Take the hiking map with you.
·         Carry enough drinking water.
·         Please do not leave your rubbish on the trail.
·         Respect the sensitive habitats of plants and animals.

We would like to point out that mountain biking and horse riding on the long-distance Nibelungengau trail are generally prohibited in the forest and on private forest roads. Walking/using the suggested routes is at your own risk and responsibility.

Hiking boots, backpack, hiking map and/or mobile tour planner, waterproof clothing (e.g. rain protection), headwear, sun protection, first aid kit, possibly torch, sufficient provisions (water, snacks)

An extensive equipment list can be found here.

About halfway along the route from Linz to Vienna, on a 443 m high mountain, lies the most important pilgrimage site in Lower Austria. Situated high above the Danube valley, Maria Taferl offers a unique panoramic view of the entire Alpine range from Schneeberg to Traunstein. The stage starts at the panorama board at the entrance to Maria Taferl and initially runs along the golf course, until the path branches right towards Artstetten. From there, the path follows the "Way of St. James" to Artstetten to the panorama board in front of the municipal office. In the background towers the white castle with its seven distinctive onion domes. Here once lived heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie Duchess of Hohenberg. The route continues variedly from Artstetten to Leiben. The stage ends at the panorama board at the Europaschloss in Leiben. The approximately 800-year-old castle towers on a mighty, steep rock and impressively marks the transition from the south of the rugged Waldviertel to the picturesque Danube valley.

Parking is possible in the town of Maria Taferl (including at the basilica) or at the Europaschloss in Leiben.

Maria Taferl is accessible via the A1 West motorway, exit Pöchlarn. At the exit, take the 1st 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. Turn right in the town towards Maria Taferl.

Coming from Krems or Grein via Wachauerstraße (B3) to Marbach. Turn right in the town towards Maria Taferl.

Travel with ÖBB to the Pöchlarn train station - timetable inquiry. From the station, you can take the post bus to Maria Taferl - schedule information. 

We recommend travelling by car as public transport does not cover a continuous connection.

Enjoy the magnificent views of the Danube valley in Maria Taferl or visit the basilica. In Artstetten - the former chosen home of heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand - stands Artstetten Castle with its unmistakable onion domes. At the end of the stage is the Europaschloss in Leiben, where exhibitions and events regularly take place.

The long-distance Nibelungengau trail is signposted and walkable in both directions.

Event highlight in Nibelungengau:
Combine your hiking holiday with the Midsummer Celebration "Fire Magic in Nibelungengau" in June. Celebrate on the banks of the Danube in one of the Nibelungengau communities or on board a ship.