On the nearly 17 km long hike from Dürnstein to Weißenkirchen, the probably most famous castle ruin of Austria, dreamlike views and famous stone terrace vineyards such as the Klaus and Achleiten vineyards await us.
Description
Welterbesteig Wachau: From Dürnstein to Weißenkirchen
From Dürnstein, we hike to Austria's most famous castle ruin "Dürnstein Ruins", through a fascinating forest and rock landscape to the pulpit, one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Wachau. Through picturesque vineyards, our route leads into the wine-growing town of Weißenkirchen with its impressive fortified church.
Starting point of the tour
Dürnstein, old town
Destination point of the tour
Weißenkirchen, marketplace
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 02: Dürnstein-Weißenkirchen
In the picturesque old town of Dürnstein, we begin our hike. Just behind the Kremser Gate, we take on the old Eselsteig. There is a demonstration garden for Wachau saffron there. Via the old supply route with its stone steps within the city walls, we come to the Dürnstein castle ruins, which served as a prison for King Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. We leave the ruins through the northern castle gate and dive into a bizarre rock and forest landscape. Our path leads through partly untouched oak and pine forests and passes the so-called small castle, the dilapidated outer bailey of the castle. After a steep climb, we reach the summit of the Schlossberg with the Starhemberg lookout. Five minutes later we come to the Fesslhütte (stamp station), where we take a restful break. Here begins the high trail to Weißenkirchen, which offers us repeatedly dreamlike views of the surroundings. After 5–10 minutes, we cross the Vogelbergsteig. Here, a detour to the left to the Dürnstein pulpit, one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the Wachau with a view of the Danube valley and old oak natural forests (approx. 10-minute approach), is worthwhile. Back at the junction, we continue right, at the first junction turn left and then loop downhill. We pass a barrier and then turn left and go downhill on a narrow path. We reach a first wider forest road and keep left, then three times in a row right. This high trail now leads us on an easy-to-walk forest road to the remote hamlet Schildhütten with the winery and wine tavern Pomaßl (stamp station). At the last house, turn right into the vineyards. Past old abandoned vineyards and collapsed stone terraces, we finally reach the Klaus and Achleiten vineyards. Uphill to the right, we reach the Achleiten vineyard with a collection of old and rare grape varieties (stock culture). Via the so-called Achleiten panorama trail, we hike through the vineyards into the Weißenkirchen district of Weitenberg. There we turn left onto a narrow footpath and come into the Weißenkirchen old town. Via the historic church path, we reach the fortified church and through the wooden stairs to the marketplace of Weißenkirchen with the magnificent Renaissance building Teisenhoferhof, where our stage ends.
Directions
A1 to St. Pölten junction, continue on S33 and B3 via Krems to Dürnstein or Weißenkirchen
Parking
Paid parking spaces near Dürnstein or at the Danube beach or train station in Weißenkirchen
The towns can be reached seven days a week by public transport (bus and Wachau railway). Return to the starting point of the hike is possible.
On the north bank of the Wachau, bus line 715 runs Krems-Spitz-Melk or Melk-Spitz-Krems. www.vor.at
The Wachau railway runs from the end of March to the end of October only on weekends and public holidays, daily from July to the end of September. www.wachaubahn.at
Stations for the rental bike Nextbike are located in Krems and Dürnstein. www.nextbike.at
With the following ferries, you can quickly cross the Danube bank:
-Roll ferry Weißenkirchen-St. Lorenz www.weissenkirchen-wachau.at
-Bike ferry Dürnstein-Rossatz www.faehre-wachau.at
Author's tip
Right at the beginning of the stage, on the Eselsteig in Dürnstein, there is a demonstration garden of the Wachau Saffron Manufactory. This precious culinary plant always blooms from October to November.
