Dunkelstein in the Dunkelsteinerwald

At 625 m above sea level, the Dunkelstein is the highest point in the southern Dunkelsteinerwald. The 160 km long Dunkelsteinerwald circuit leads from Hafnerbach via the Dunkelstein to Karlstetten (DUR 9) and finally in a further 8 stages through the entire region to Melk and Schallaburg Castle.

But even the section from Hafnerbach (church square) to the Dunkelstein summit offers some special features along the way: the statue of St. Zeno can be visited along the Zeno stream to Kornig. A steep path leads via Stein to the ruins of Hohenegg Castle, a castle steeped in history dating back to the 11th century. It is surrounded by the freely accessible Ruhewald - an urn cemetery forest with many beautiful rocky spots. The route continues along well-marked forest roads and hiking trails to Dunkelstein. Not far from the summit, an iron high stand (22 m) was erected in 1931 for land surveying. It was blown up by the German Wehrmacht in 1945, but its concrete foundations have been preserved to this day. It is advisable to bring enough provisions for the route, as there are no refreshment stops. In Hafnerbach, there are several places to stop for refreshments and overnight stays. The provincial capital of St. Pölten is around 10 minutes away by car.

Location
Mostviertel/NÖ-Mitte, not far from the provincial capital of St. Pölten

Viewpoints
At the summit, the view extends as far as Maria Langegg and the Alps.

Accessibility for hikers

• Hafnerbach - Hohenegg ruins - Dunkelstein (route around 6 km)
• Lauterbach - Dunkelstein (route around 2 km)
• Neidling - Bildbuche - Dunkelstein (route around 7 km)

Also accessible from Häusling, Karlstetten or Matzengraben bridge between Windschnur and Thal.

Duration
Depending on the starting point, the hike to the summit of the Dunkelstein and back takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Extra tip: You can also drive directly to the Hohenegg ruins (parking lot) and visit them. A detour walk through the "Ruhewald" - a piece of forest that serves as an urn cemetery with large rocks and a place of worship - is a good idea. From here, it is only a stone's throw to the Dunkelstein summit via the marked forest roads and paths.