Description
Welterbesteig Wachau: From Weißenkirchen to Spitz
The stage from Weißenkirchen to Spitz leads through one of the most impressive wine landscapes of the Wachau and runs high above the Danube through the largest continuous wine-growing area in the region. Renowned vineyard sites such as Kollmitz, Kollmütz and Hochrain characterise this section and repeatedly offer sweeping views over the Danube Valley and the terraced vineyards. Above St. Michael, the trail crosses a varied landscape of dry grassland, forest and rock on the Michaelerberg, whose distinctive formations and viewpoints define the scenic appeal of this stage.
The route finally reaches the traditional wine-growing village of Spitz via the historic Rotes Tor. In both Weißenkirchen and Spitz, numerous Heurigen wine taverns and restaurants offer opportunities for an enjoyable stop. There are no places to stop for refreshments along the route itself, so carrying sufficient provisions is recommended. At the destination in Spitz, establishments in the village offer opportunities for refreshments and relaxation.
While hiking on the Welterbesteig Wachau, it becomes clear step by step why the Wachau has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage region. Along carefully curated World Heritage Spots, the defining World Heritage Highlights become visible – the interplay of the historic cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural areas and the Danube as a formative element.
For an all-round carefree experience, including luggage transport, tastings and transfer services, booking one of the varied hiking packages is recommended.
Thanks to good rail connections, relaxed and sustainable travel to the Wachau is easy. Within the region, a dense network of public transport ensures that all stages can be conveniently reached by bus, train, ferry and boat. This also makes it very easy to combine different stages.
The Welterbesteig Wachau has also been awarded the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification stands for high quality standards in route layout, signage, safety and infrastructure and confirms the Welterbesteig as a reliable and high-quality hiking experience in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Starting point of the tour
Weißenkirchen, Market Square
Destination point of the tour
Spitz, Church Square
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 03: Weißenkirchen-Spitz
From the market square in Weißenkirchen, the Burgstiege in Bachstraße leads uphill to the left to the Burgviertel, one of the oldest settlements in the Wachau with Gothic wine harvest courtyards and several Heurigen wine taverns (stamping station at the Rosenberger family Heuriger). At the end of the Burgviertel, the trail leads down into the Lichtgartl and reaches the vineyards. Seiberstraße is crossed and the Ritzling vineyard is reached. Here, the route turns right and leads past the Postaller vineyard uphill to the famous Kollmitz vineyard. From here, a descent to Wösendorf and Joching is possible. The main route continues to the right along the high-level trail into the beech forest. After a few minutes, the vineyards are left behind and the trail enters a beech forest. After the forest loop, the route returns to the vineyards at Geißberg and follows a panoramic high-level trail above the well-known Hochrain, Höll and Kollmütz vineyards. At the end of the wine landscape, the trail enters the forest and leads to the Michaelerberg viewpoint and natural monument, where a descent to St Michael is possible (approx. 20 minutes downhill). The Michaelerberg was once an old pasture and is one of the most species-rich meadows along the Danube. Bizarre rock and stone formations, dry grasslands and forest steppe enhance the Michaelerberg. After a relaxing rest with breathtaking views, the St. Michael high-level trail leads through an untouched oak and hornbeam forest down into the Mieslingtal. On reaching the stream, the route turns right, soon crosses the Mieslingbach and leads uphill to the legendary Rotes Tor, the remains of the former defensive wall of Spitz. The trail passes through the gate into the Spitz wine landscape and follows a historic connecting path straight downhill to Spitz. Passing famous vineyards such as Rotes Tor, Singerriedel and Axpoint, the stage destination, the picturesque church square of Spitz, is reached after 10 minutes.
Directions
A1 to St. Pölten junction, continue on S33 and B3 via Krems to Weißenkirchen or Spitz
Parking
Parking at the Danube riverbank or at the train station in Weißenkirchen, or at the train station or parking lot by the castle in Spitz
The villages are accessible seven days a week by public transport (bus and Wachau railway). Returning to the starting point of the hike is possible.
On the northern bank of the Wachau, bus line 715 runs Krems-Dürnstein-Weißenkirchen-Spitz-Melk, the Spitz valley is served by line 718 Am Schuß-Mühldorf-Spitz and Spitz-Mühldorf-Am Schuß. www.vor.at
The Wachau railway operates from the end of March to the end of October only on weekends and public holidays, daily from July to the end of September. www.wachaubahn.at
Nextbike bike rental stations are available in Weißenkirchen and Spitz. www.nextbike.at
You can quickly switch the Danube bank with the following ferries:
- Roll ferry Weißenkirchen - St. Lorenz www.weissenkirchen-wachau.at
- Roll ferry Spitz - Arnsdorf www.spitz-wachau.at
