Pfaffensteig and Deanberg
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Hiking tour Starting from Karlstein, Thaya Bridge
The cross on the Pfaffensteige
One of the footpaths leading from the market town of Karlstein to the ancient castle on the Schlossberg (474 m above sea level) is called the "Pfaffensteig". In the middle of the path, a stone slab with a cross carved into it can be seen on a steeply sloping boulder. Legend has it that many, many years ago, when the castle was still inhabited by its owners, the castle chaplain made a bet to ride down the dangerous, narrow path on his horse during a violent thunderstorm at pitch-dark midnight. As he passed the boulder, a bright flash of lightning suddenly flashed, accompanied by a violent clap of thunder. The horse reared up and plunged into the depths with the unfortunate rider, where they were both found shattered.
The stone slab with the cross was placed at the scene of the accident to commemorate this event.
According to another legend, the unfortunate rider was a blindfolded knight who dared to take the dangerous ride.
This short walk takes you up to the hills of Karlstein, close to the castle, and offers a beautiful view of the town and the winding Thaya River. From the Thayatal Bridge, head northeast and, just before the church, take a sharp left onto the fairly steep Pfaffensteig trail. This legendary trail leads you up to a farmstead, which you’ll walk around before turning sharply right over the Deanaberg and back down to the church—but not without enjoying the view from the top, of course. From the church, head back to the Thaya Bridge.
Vienna: A 22 – Stockerau – B 4 to Horn – L 8019 to Irnfritz – L 52 to Raabs/Thaya – L 8068 to the junction with the B 30 – B 30 to Karlstein/Thaya
Linz: A 7 toward Freistadt – B 310 to Freistadt – B 38 to Karlstift – B 41 to Schrems – B 2 to Vitis – B 36 to Waidhofen/Thaya – L 59 to Karlstein/Thaya
Leider können wir Ihnen zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt keine Wetterdaten für den Ort anzeigen.
Karlstein Municipality
3822 Karlstein an der Thaya
Wilhelm Matzinger-Straße 2
T 02844/279, F 02844/500
gemeinde©karlstein-thaya.at
www.karlstein-thaya.gv.at
WALDVIERTEL Tourism
3910 Zwettl, Sparkassenplatz 1/2/2
(T) +43(0)2822/54109, Fax Ext. 36
Toll-free within Austria:
(T) +43(0)800/300 350
(E) info@waldviertel.at
(I) www.waldviertel.at
Letzte Änderung: 3 Aug 2026