Wachau World Heritage Trail 07: Aggsbach Markt-Emmersdorf (Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14,74 km
Duration: 5:00 h
Ascent: 547 m elevation gain
Descent: 544 m elevation gain

The Jauerling high plateau and its villages, bell towers, magnificent panoramic views, and the lonely little castle church in Gossam await us on the entertaining hike along the Wachau World Heritage Trail from Aggsbach Markt to Emmersdorf.

Starting point of the tour: Aggsbach Markt, market square
Tour destination: Emmersdorf, Marktstraße

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 14,74 km
Duration: 5:00 h
Ascent: 547 m elevation gain
Descent: 544 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point207 m
Highest point523 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus

Downloads

Description

World Heritage Trail Wachau: Aggsbach Markt to Emmersdorf

The stage from Aggsbach Markt to Emmersdorf links quiet woodland and hill country with cultural landscapes along the Danube. On varied paths, the route climbs over the Edelberg to the Bärenreut plateau, where sweeping views across the surrounding countryside await. Via the settlements of Zintring and Felbring, the trail reaches the Gossam castle ruins, a striking historic waypoint on this stage.

The route then follows the historic “postman’s path” (Briefträgersteig) down to Mödelsdorf. An old farm track continues to Emmersdorf on the Danube, a Renaissance town where this stage ends in a relaxed riverside atmosphere.

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.

Thanks to excellent rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is straightforward. Within the region, a dense public transport network makes all stages easy to reach by bus, train, ferry and boat, allowing stages to be combined with great flexibility.

The World Heritage Trail Wachau 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 wine tavern calendar. You can find an equipment list at www.welterbesteig.at under the section Service/Tips.
Route description At the market square in the old wine village Aggsbach Markt, we turn left and immediately after at the Kurz wine tavern turn right uphill. We cross the tracks of the Wachau railway and hike left uphill to Edelberg. Our path continues along a beautiful forest trail to the 482 m high Glatzberg. From Glatzberg, we hike steadily uphill to the Bärenreut high plateau. Here we enjoy the beautiful view of Jauerling and Maria Laach before following the farm track further to Zintring with its impressive bell tower. In the hamlet, we cross the Jauerling circular trail. At the last house, we turn left, cross the Grimsing valley and arrive at Felbring at the Waldruhe inn (stamp station, but the inn is closed!).After crossing the main road, we turn left and cross the Jauerling circular trail again. Across a Christmas tree plantation, our path leads steadily downhill through the forest to Käfermühle and across the Felbring stream. For a rewarding detour to the Burgkircherl Gossam, we follow the road to the left. After one minute, we reach the ruins with the picturesque castle church that invites for a comfortable rest. Back at Käfermühle, we go left at the house and hike along the historic postman’s path to the hamlet Mödelsdorf. After leaving the village, we turn left into a farm track that takes us to the Renaissance town and former wine-growing village Emmersdorf (currently, there is no viticulture around Emmersdorf). In the town, we go left to the fortified church Saint Nicholas, which invites visitors. Afterwards, we follow the turn-off to the train station and hike down the Kolomani stairs. At the foot of the stairs, we reach Marktstraße with its Renaissance buildings and Magdalene chapel, where our stage ends.
Parking At the campsite or at the Venus hall opposite in Aggsbach Markt, or at the parking lot by the boat docks in Emmersdorf
Getting there A1 to the Melk exit, then continue on B3a and B3 to Aggsbach Markt or Emmersdorf
Public transport The towns are accessible by public transport seven days a week. Returning to the starting point of the hike is possible.On the north bank of the Wachau, bus line 715 runs Krems-Spitz-Emmersdorf-Melk and Melk-Emmersdorf-Spitz-Krems. www.vor.atThe Wachau railway only runs on weekends and holidays from late March to late October, and daily from July to September: www.wachaubahn.atNextbike bike rental stations are located in Aggsbach Markt and Emmersdorf, www.nextbike.at

Recommended period

Current weather in Aggsbach Markt

5° to 6°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed1,8 km/h

6° to 9°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed1,8 km/h

For places to eat and sleep, we recommend Best of Wachau businesses: www.bestof-wachau.at. Best of Wachau businesses are located in Emmersdorf.

Other refreshment options:

Café-Pub Donauwelle, Aggsbach Markt: open year-round, Tel. 02712/373.

The stamp station is located in Felbring.

There are several inns open year-round in Emmersdorf.

A wine tavern is located in Aggsbach Markt: Family Kurz. Tel. 0676/473 07 29. In Willendorf there is also the wine tavern Rudolf Schrutz, Tel. 02712/543

Please pay attention to the current wine tavern calendar.

For simple and convenient planning of the routes, the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Kremstal app is recommended. Simply download for Android or iPhone.