Downy oaks and "tomb mummies"
The Michaelerberg and its surroundings are definitely an "insider tip" for tourists. Wachau nature and culture are particularly impressive here.
Up here, the path leads idyllically across former pastures (municipal cattle pastures) and historic wine terraces that have long been overgrown with bushes. Sometimes steep and accompanied by picturesque rocks, then again gently sloping through the unique nature of the dry grassland: numerous bird species, downy oaks and, in places, feather grass characterize one of the most species-rich meadows on the Danube.
Down on the banks of the Danube, the fortified church of St. Michael dominates the scenery. Its charnel house is famous far and wide. Among other things because of its "skull pietá", 15 widow's pigtails and three "tomb mummies". Interested? Be sure to visit!
Would you have guessed?
St. Michael is considered the "original parish" of the Wachau. Although most of the current building dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the church was mentioned in documents as early as 987!
