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Today, 11.02.2026
Light rain shower
Wind speed4,5 km/h
Wachau World Heritage Trail 06: Maria Laach-Aggsbach Markt (Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park)
Hiking tour Starting from Maria Laach, marketplace
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 7,17 km
- Duration: :hour h
- Ascent: 80 m elevation gain
- Descent: 462 m elevation gain
Our hike, about 7 km long, leads over the Jauerling plateau with its meadow landscape over the Schleinkhof estate down to the Danube at Aggsbach Markt.
- Starting point of the tour
- Maria Laach, marketplace
- Tour destination
- Aggsbach Markt, marketplace
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 7,17 km
- Duration: :hour h
- Ascent: 80 m elevation gain
- Descent: 462 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:2/6
- Overall experience:5/6
- Scenery:6/6
- Lowest point207 m
- Highest point596 m
- Stage tour
- Nice views
- With refreshment stops
Description
Wachau World Heritage Trail: From Maria Laach to Aggsbach Markt
The stage from Maria Laach to Aggsbach Markt begins at the striking ensemble of the Gothic pilgrimage church in Maria Laach. From here, the route passes the Litzendorf wayside shrine (Kreuzstöckerl) to the small hamlet of Litzendorf, then arcs across the open Jauerling plateau. A calm highland landscape and expansive views characterise this section of the trail.
Passing the remote Schleinkhof, which serves as a stamping point, a short ascent leads into a gentle descent towards the Danube Valley. The route continues steadily downhill to Aggsbach Markt on the Danube, completing an enjoyable stage between upland plateau and river.
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.
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.
- Equipment Sturdy hiking boots, rain protection, sufficient drinks and food, as well as a Wachau hiking map and a 'Heurigen' calendar. A packing list can be found at www.welterbesteig.at under the section Service/Tips.
- Route description Our hike begins at the marketplace in Maria Laach. We follow the main street towards Zeißing, shortly after turn right and see the famous Gothic pilgrimage church on our right. Passing the cemetery, we leave the village and walk gently downhill through a Christmas tree plantation to the country road. After crossing the Klafterbach and the country road, we go uphill to the Litzendorfer Kreuzstöckerl. Shortly after, we reach the hamlet of Litzendorf, where we turn left and follow the main street through the village. Through blooming fields, our path leads in a wide arc over the Jauerling plateau. At the fork in the road, we keep diagonally right and walk to the old Schleinkhof farm. Here is also the stamp station of the stage. Then we descend through the forest with hairpin bends towards Aggsbach Markt. Over the so-called Schmuckstraße, we come to the first houses and continue into the village. Just before the railway tracks, we follow the street to the right and now walk towards the picturesque church. Continuing left, parallel to the Endlingbach, we shortly arrive at the marketplace in Aggsbach Markt, where our hike ends.
- Parking In the center of Maria Laach or at the campsite or at the Venussaal in Aggsbach Markt.
- Getting there A1 to Melk exit, continue over B3 to Maria Laach or Aggsbach Markt
- Public transport Unfortunately, the villages are not directly connected by public transport. We recommend for your return journey to the starting point the taxi company Bernhardt from Spitz, Tel.: 02713/2222.There is a Nextbike rental station in Aggsbach Markt, www.nextbike.at
- Editor’s tip We recommend a visit to the Jauerling farm shop in Maria Laach, which is open 24 hours, 7 days a week (with a small coffee corner).
Recommended period
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Current weather in Maria Laach am Jauerling
5° to 7°
4° to 9°
Tomorrow, 12.02.2026
Light rain shower
Wind speed2,2 km/h
For dining and accommodation, we recommend Best of Wachau businesses: www.bestof-wachau.at. One Best of Wachau business is located in Maria Laach: Hotel-Ringl-Wachau, Am Hauptplatz 3, Tel. 02712/8303, www.hotel-ringl.at
Further accommodation options are available in Aggsbach Markt.
Other dining options:
Café-Pub Donauwelle, Aggsbach Markt: open year-round, Tel. 02712/373.
In Emmersdorf, there are several inns open year-round.
A wine tavern is located in Aggsbach Markt: Fam. Kurz. Tel. 0676/473 07 29. In Willendorf there is also the wine tavern Rudolf Schrutz, Tel. 02712/543
Please consult the current 'Heurigen' calendar
For easy and convenient planning of the routes, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app is recommended. Simply download for Android or iPhone.