Felsformationen in St. Oswald

The rock formations near St. Oswald in the southern Waldviertel are impressive natural wonders that immediately catch the eye. The Skull Stone and the Heart Stone bear their names for a reason: the shapes of the granite rocks appear astonishingly realistic and stimulate the imagination. Whether skull, heart or Kornmandl, the stones have always fascinated visitors and raise questions about how much human work has gone into them.

A variety of hiking trails lead along the rocks through the idyllic countryside. The nine-kilometre Herzsteinweg is a moderately difficult tour that leads past the striking stones. Ten stations along the way provide food for thought on topics such as love, gratitude and health. Those who prefer a shorter route can take the three-kilometre Peace Cross Trail, which also leads through forests and meadows. Long-distance hikers should take a detour from the Ysper-Weitental circular hiking trail no. 22, which stretches over 170 kilometers and combines with the Kremstalweg 625 to create a special experience through the southern Waldviertel.

The Totenkopfstein is a ten-metre-high granite colossus that looks like an oversized skull. It can be safely climbed via an iron ladder, and there is a square seat at the top of the hill, which is probably man-made. The heart stone to the north of it is shaped like an upside-down heart and was once used as a passage stone and fertility symbol. Carved sacrificial bowls on neighboring stones bear witness to this tradition. Both rocks are important stops on hiking trails that bring the nature, myth and history of the Waldviertel region to life.