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In Schwarzenau in the district of Zwettl, around 18 km north of the district town, there is a three-metre-high, whitewashed granite stone, also known locally as the Schwedenstein or Schwedenkreuz. It is said that a battle between the Swedes and the imperial troops took place right here. However, this battle has never been historically proven. It is more likely that this monument originally served as a pillar of light, as evidenced by its typical shape and the fact that the pillar is located at the crossroads to Modlisch.
In Schwarzenau in the district of Zwettl, around 18 km north of the district town, there is a three-metre-high, whitewashed granite stone, also known locally as the Schwedenstein or Schwedenkreuz. It is said that a battle between the Swedes and the imperial troops took place right here. However, this battle has never been historically proven. It is more likely that this monument originally served as a pillar of light, as evidenced by its typical shape and the fact that the pillar is located at the crossroads to Modlisch.
The path leads you in a right-hand bend away from the church out of Großhaselbach. You walk east towards Thaua, past various wayside crosses, all of which are associated with legends from the Swedish Wars (mid-17th century). Shortly before Thaua you reach the actual Swedish cross (such crosses can only be found in the Waldviertel). In Thaua, turn right immediately and continue to Reinsbach and from there slightly uphill towards Ganz. At Reinsbachhöhe, continue right towards Großhaselbach and pass the abandoned village of Engelholz, which was deserted during the Swedish Wars. Walk a little further along the road, turn right again after the village and return to Großhaselbach.
When choosing your route, make sure it’s appropriate for your fitness level. Check to see if the restaurants and cafes you plan to visit along the way are open. Pack your fully charged cell phone and maps in your backpack. For cross-border trips, please always carry a passport or ID card with you.
Sturdy shoes, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, maps, trekking poles if needed, first-aid kit (blister bandages), and plenty of food (snacks, granola bars, fruit, water).
From Großhaselbach, head east toward Thaua, passing various wayside crosses, all of which are associated with legends from the Swedish Wars. Just before Thaua, you’ll reach the actual “Swedish Cross,” a landmark found only in the Waldviertel region. From Thaua, continue hiking to Reinsbach and then toward Ganz, passing the abandoned village of “Engelholz,” which was laid to waste during the Swedish Wars. You’ll return to Großhaselbach.
Vienna: A 22 – Stockerau – B4 to Horn – B2 to Brunn an der Wild – turn left onto the B32 to Winkel, then turn right onto the L56 to Großhaselbach.
Linz: A 7 toward Freistadt – B 310 to Freistadt – B 38 to Karlstift; turn right there and continue to Zwettl – in Zwettl, take the B 36 toward Gmünd – at Gerotten, turn onto the L 67 and continue to Großhaselbach.
Market Town of Schwarzenau
3900 Schwarzenau
Waidhofnerstrasse 2
www.schwarzenau.at,
gemeinde@schwarzenau.at
Phone: +43(2849)2247
WALDVIERTEL Tourism
Sparkassenplatz 1/2/2
3910 Zwettl
(T) +43(0)2822/54109-0
(E) info@waldviertel.at
(I) www.waldviertel.at
Letzte Änderung: 3 Aug 2026