World Heritage Trail Wachau Section 10: Ferry Arnsdorf - Aggstein

The Glauber Cross in the Arnsdorfer Rieden, fantastic panoramic views from the Hoher Stein, the unknown Dunkelsteinerwald forest with the Buchental valley, the magnificent baroque pilgrimage monastery Maria Langegg and the Kuenringer fortress and today's Aggstein ruins await us on the stage from the ferry in Arnsdorf to Aggstein.

Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail: From the ferry in Arnsdorf to Aggstein

The stage from the Spitz-Arnsdorf ferry to Aggstein impressively combines vineyards, rock formations with stunning views and tranquil woodlands. From Arnsdorf, the trail first leads to the Arnsdorfer Rieden vineyards and the Glauberkreuz rest area before running through the Buchental valley up to the striking Hoher Stein. An optional, secured passage opens up one of the most beautiful vantage points in the Wachau with sweeping views over the Danube valley.

The route continues to the Maria Langegg monastery and into the tranquil forest landscapes of the Dunkelsteinerwald. On varied forest and field paths, you finally reach the ruins of Aggstein Castle, which towers high above the Danube. The descent leads down to the village of Aggstein, where this stage of the Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail, rich in views and culture, comes to an end.

Hiking along the Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail reveals step by step why the Wachau has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage region. Along finely curated World Heritage spots, the defining World Heritage highlights become visible - the interplay of historic cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, extraordinary natural spaces and the Danube as a shaping element.

For a carefree all-round offer, including luggage transport, tastings and transfer services, we recommend booking one of the versatile hiking packages.

Thanks to good rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is easy. A dense network of public transport in the region ensures that all stages can be easily reached by bus, train, ferry and boat. This also makes it very easy to combine different stages.

The Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail has also been awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality. This certification stands for high quality standards in terms of route guidance, signposting, safety and infrastructure and confirms the World Heritage Trail as a reliable and high-quality hiking offer in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For places to stop for refreshments and lodging, we recommend “Best of Wachau” establishments: www.bestof-wachau.at. One “Best of Wachau” establishment is located in the village of Aggsbach.

Other dining options/opening hours:

There are several inns in Aggsbach Dorf and Maria Langegg. Please note the reduced opening hours during the winter. In Hofarnsdorf/Mitterarnsdorf, there is only one inn, “Zur Wachau,” run by the Zeller family. The inn is closed for the winter from November through March. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. www.zeller-wachau.at; Tel. 02714/8217.

Gasthaus Stumpfer, Schönbühel: Opening hours are from April through October, Thursday through Tuesday; closed on Wednesdays! From December through March, Thursday through Monday; closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Dining hours are 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Closed in November. www.stumpfer.com; Tel. 02752/8510

"Zur Kartause" Inn/Guesthouse, Aggsbach Dorf: Open daily from April 1 through September 30; the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. www.gasthof-lechner.at; Tel. 02753/8243

Restaurant/Hotel Residenz Wachau, Aggsbach Dorf: Open daily from April through October from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., hot meals served throughout the day; Tel. 02753/8221. www.residenz-wachau.at

Aggstein Castle Ruins (stamp station): The castle ruins are open from late March through late November. www.ruineaggstein.at; Tel. 02753/82281.

Wine taverns can be found in all the Arns villages: Hofarnsdorf, Bacharnsdorf, Mitterarnsdorf, and Oberarnsdorf. Please check the current wine tavern calendar at www.welterbesteig.at

For easy and convenient tour planning, we recommend the Wachau-Nibelungengau-Krems Valley app. Simply download it for Android or iPhone.

Letzte Änderung: 4 Aug 2026