Nibelungengau long-distance trail 4: Maria Taferl - Leiben

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13,89 km
Duration: 3:40 h
Ascent: 259 m elevation gain
Descent: 426 m elevation gain

The cult route with historically significant excursion destinations: Pilgrimage basilica in Maria Taferl - Artstetten Castle with its unmistakable onion domes - Europaschloss in Leiben

Starting point of the tour: Maria Taferl, entrance
Tour destination: Leiben, Europaschloss

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13,89 km
Duration: 3:40 h
Ascent: 259 m elevation gain
Descent: 426 m elevation gain

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

Lowest point248 m
Highest point446 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops

Downloads

Description

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. The route continues variedly from Artstetten to Leiben. The stage ends at the panorama board at the Europaschloss in Leiben.

Equipment 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.
Route description 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 Parking is possible in the town of Maria Taferl (including at the basilica) or at the Europaschloss in Leiben.
Getting there 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.
Public transport 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.
Editor’s tip 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.

Recommended period

Current weather in Maria Taferl

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 simple and convenient planning of the routes, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app is recommended. Simply download for Android or iPhone.

Excursion tips along the route:
Basilica Maria Taferl, Mechanical Nativity Scene Maria Taferl, Artstetten Castle, Europaschloss Leiben

Dining options along the route:
Maria Taferl, Artstetten and Leiben

Other sights in Nibelungengau:
Visitor Power Station Ybbs-Persenbeug, Peace Museum Erlauf, Oskar Kokoschka Center Pöchlarn

Event tips:
Numerous sporting activities take place in and around Leiben, such as the Dirtrun woidwetza. All events and happenings of the Nibelungengau region and surroundings can be seen here.

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