Michelbacher Höhenweg 3rd stage

The third section of the Michelbacher Höhenweg takes us from the start at Gsetten in the Michelbach valley (320 m) up to Hegerberg (655 m) - from there we hike on the gentle “heights” of the Wiesenwienerwald with moderate ascents. Already on the ascent through Kronberg, a warmly sheltered jewel, we see some of the charm of this route - cattle pastures alternate with mixed forest, groups of trees, and diverse scattered orchards; the landscape is small-structured and varied. From the meadow ridge above Kronberg, we are delighted at the rest stop by two magnificent service trees with a view of Schneeberg and distant views far to the north. The following Hegerberg panorama offers an impressive 360-degree view: to the north into the Danube plains, across the Tullner field and Wienerwald to the eastern foothills of the Alps. Then we immerse ourselves in the Wiesenwienerwald, gentle heights and dreamy meadow paths lead us to the Hochstraß Monastery - once a local center in many ways - especially as an educational facility for rural young women. A visit to the once bustling site (up to 50 nuns and 60 children) is worthwhile; a knowledgeable tour of the historical cheese dairy is possible by appointment. Finally, hiking along the Hochstraße, picturesque farms with their drying houses amid orchard areas and splendid viewpoints (Göttweig, Ötscher, Schöpfl) invite us to linger and look before we stop for refreshment at the Gasthof zum Kreuzwirt.

Route description Michelbacher Höhenweg 3rd stage

This section of the Michelbacher Höhenweg starts at the intersection of L132 with Kronbergstraße. It goes quickly uphill to Kronberg - we climb the paved road up to the last houses and then continue uphill on the adjoining field path to a free meadow ridge with wonderful views on both sides - to the south with a view of Schneeberg. Now following the red 404 marking, we follow the ridge up to the Hegerberg hut. Refreshed, strengthened, and rewarded with a magnificent view over the entire Tullner field, we descend on the road straight to the cross at the Hegerberg saddle, where we keep left and follow the marking through the forest. Back out of the forest, we stay on the worn meadow path - the “Prinzbauer” property is in sight to our right, we march along a windbreak with various shrubs and come through the next forest area to the gently hilly high meadows of the Hochstraß Monastery. Along the meadow path, we reach the monastery chapel on the right and continue into the monastery forest, first with a maple culture. At the forest junction, we keep left; soon we find a well-placed rest bench in a sunny, sheltered viewpoint. Down the road, we take the shortcut through meadow and loose rows of trees to Dollnhof in the first bend. Slightly uphill, the romantic Hochstraße now leads us past beautifully situated farms, drying houses, and viewpoints over about 4 km to our stage destination, Gasthof zum Kreuzwirt at Stollberg.