Description
Wachau World Heritage Trail: Hofarnsdorf to Rossatz
The stage from Hofarnsdorf to Rossatz combines traditional wine villages with historic paths and impressive natural settings. Starting at the Gründerzeit-era Hofarnsdorf Castle, the route leads through Mitterarnsdorf and Bacharnsdorf, where a Roman watchtower recalls early settlement history. Along the line of a former Roman road, the trail continues into the Kupfertal and into the quiet woodlands of the Dunkelsteinerwald.
Wide views from the Seekopf and the Hirschwand define this section, along with the Steinige Ries nature reserve, home to largely untouched oak and hornbeam forests. Through vineyards, the route finally descends to the idyllic wine village of Rossatz, bringing this culture- and nature-rich stage to an atmospheric close.
Walking the Wachau World Heritage Trail reveals, step by step, why the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage region. Finely curated World Heritage Spots make the defining World Heritage Highlights visible—the interplay of cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural habitats and the Danube as a shaping force.
For a carefree, all-round offer—including luggage transfer, tastings and transfers—one of the varied walking packages is recommended.
Thanks to excellent rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is straightforward. Within the region, a dense public transport network makes all stages easy to reach by bus, train, ferry and boat, allowing stages to be combined with great flexibility.
The Wachau World Heritage Trail also holds the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification represents high standards in route design, waymarking, safety and infrastructure, confirming the trail as a reliable, high-quality walking experience at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Starting point of the tour
Hofarnsdorf, Castle
Destination point of the tour
Rossatz, Church square
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 11: Hofarnsdorf-Rossatz
Our stage begins in front of the castle and the parish church in Hofarnsdorf. We follow a path parallel to the Danube downstream, accompanied by magnificent views of the Hinterhaus castle ruins in Spitz, the Ried Atzberg, and the fortified church of St. Michael. At Bacharnsdorf, we turn right. Passing the Roman watchtower - Burgus - we reach the main road B33: here we turn left to the stamp station at the Pammer family's wine tavern (approx. 150 m). The main path goes right at the main road and a few meters later immediately turns left again. On the former Roman road (where the wheel ruts are still partly visible), our path now leads along the Dürrenbach creek into the Kupfertal valley. We pass a beautifully located rest area with various stone sculptures ("romantic rock group"). In the middle of the valley, on the right-hand side, we see the Türken Gate (partly overgrown). This remnant of the Arnsdorf "village walls" dates back to the time of the Turkish wars. At the 597 m high Kreuzberg (with a small wayside shrine), we reach the end of the Kupfertal and turn left, coming across the Jakobsweg pilgrimage route. A forest road leads us to the Rührsdorfer Lake with a rest area, which we bypass on the left or right depending on its size. After about another 15 minutes, we reach the 671 m high Seekopf, where we enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the modern-designed lookout tower. Shortly afterwards, there is the possibility to enjoy another beautiful view from the Hirschwand, which borders the Welterbesteig trail. However, this can only be reached via a climbing section with ladders (optional approx. 10 min approach). Afterwards, our descent to Rossatz begins. In the Steinige Ries nature reserve, we hike steadily downhill through partly pure oak forest with bizarre rock formations. Beautiful views of the Wachau open up again and again. At the end of the Steinige Ries, we walk over the longest dry stone wall path in the Wachau (several hundred meters long). Above the St. Lorenz church, we meet the Rossatz panorama trail and come to the junction for the St. Lorenz-Weißenkirchen cable ferry (approx. 15 min descent). The high trail leads us through the vineyards to our stage end at the church square in Rossatz. To conclude, there is a special viewpoint of the Emerald Lizard directly above the church square, before we end the stage in one of the local wine taverns.
Directions
A1 to Melk exit, continue on B33 to Hofarnsdorf or Rossatz
Parking
In Mitterarnsdorf at the fire station or at the public parking lots in Rossatz (Mettener Platz at the church square or below the church square).
The places are accessible seven days a week by public transport. Return to the starting point of the hike is possible.
On the southern bank of the Wachau, bus line 720 runs Krems-Rossatz-Melk station or Melk-Rossatz-Krems. Rossatz and Hofarnsdorf are directly connected to the Krems and Melk train stations. On the northern bank of the Wachau, bus line 715 runs Krems-Dürnstein-Spitz-Melk station or Melk-Spitz-Dürnstein-Krems. www.vor.at
Nextbike rental bike stations are located in Hofarnsdorf and Rossatz, www.nextbike.at
With the following ferries, you can quickly change the Danube shore:
- Cable ferry St. Lorenz-Weißenkirchen
- Cable ferry Arnsdorf-Spitz
- Bike ferry Rossatz-Dürnstein
The ferry times for changing the Danube shore can be found here.
