Long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau 5: Leiben - Emmersdorf (feeder to/from Wachau World Heritage Trail)

Trekking trail from Leiben, Europaschloss to Emmersdorf, main square

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Elevation profile

11,14 km length

Tour dates
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Route: 11,14 km
  • Ascent: 232 egm
  • Descent: 294 egm
  • Duration: 3:00 h
  • Lowest point: 207 m
  • Highest point:363 m
Features
  • Stage tour
  • Nice views
  • With refreshment stops

Details for: Long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau 5: Leiben - Emmersdorf (feeder to/from Wachau World Heritage Trail)

Brief description

From Europaschloss Leiben high on the rock back and over the Danube to Pöchlarn. The city praised in the Nibelungenlied reveals an exciting cultural history.

Description

The stage starts at Europaschloss Leiben and goes through Weinzierl over the "Henzing". Then along the road to Urfahr where the federal road is crossed. Then it follows the Danube cycle path towards the Melk Danube power station. Here the long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau and the Wachau World Heritage Trail meet. It continues past Luberegg Castle to Rantenberg and Emmersdorf.

Starting point of the tour

Leiben, Europaschloss

Destination point of the tour

Emmersdorf, main square

Route description Long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau 5: Leiben - Emmersdorf (feeder to/from Wachau World Heritage Trail)

The stage starts at Europaschloss Leiben. The castle, about 800 years old, towers on a mighty, steep rock and impressively marks the transition from the south of the rugged Waldviertel to the picturesque Danube valley. It goes slightly uphill through Weinzierl over the "Henzing" and continues along the road down to Urfahr, where the federal road is crossed. In Urfahr, the route then follows the Danube cycle path towards the Melk Danube power station. Here the long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau and the Wachau World Heritage Trail meet. It continues past Luberegg Castle to Rantenberg. From here the stage leads downhill to Emmersdorf.

The Melk Danube power station connects the north and south banks of the Danube and you can enjoy a direct view of Melk Abbey. It is also possible to cross the Danube towards Melk following the Wachau World Heritage Trail.

Directions

Leiben is accessible via the A1 West motorway, Pöchlarn exit. Take the 1st exit at the roundabout at the exit, after about 1 km turn left towards the Danube bridge. Cross the bridge, then keep right on Wachauerstraße (B3) to Ebersdorf. Turn left in the village to Leiben.

Coming from Krems or Grein via Wachauerstraße (B3) to Ebersdorf and turn off in the village to Leiben.

Parking

Parking is possible at Europaschloss Leiben or in the town of Emmersdorf.

Travel by ÖBB to Melk train station - timetable query. From the station you can reach Leiben by postbus - timetable information.

We recommend traveling by car as public transport does not cover a seamless connection.

Equipment

Hiking boots, backpack, hiking map and/or mobile route planner, weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain protection), headgear, sun protection, first aid kit, possible flashlight, sufficient provisions (water, snacks)

A comprehensive equipment list can be found here.

Safety information

Please note the following tips and information to make your hiking holiday a great experience:
·         Stay on the marked trails.
·         Wear mountain/hiking boots.
·         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 horseback riding are generally prohibited on the long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau in the forest and on private forest roads. Using the suggested routes is at your own risk and responsibility.

Map recommendations

You can obtain the Nibelungengau hiking map from Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH or the Nibelungengau communities. Descriptions of the routes including GPS tracks for download can be found at www.nibelungengau.at. The long-distance hiking trail Nibelungengau is signposted and walkable in both directions.

Author's tip

Enjoy the wonderful views of the Danube valley at Leiben and the atmosphere directly on the Danube. From the Melk Danube power station you also have a direct view of Melk Abbey. In Emmersdorf or Melk you have the opportunity to take a boat trip to the Wachau.

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

Event highlight in Nibelungengau:
Combine your hiking holiday with the summer solstice celebration "Fire Magic in Nibelungengau" in June.  Celebrate on the Danube bank in one of the Nibelungengau communities or on board a ship.

 

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