Wachau World Heritage Trail 06: Maria Laach-Aggsbach Markt (Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park)

Description

Welterbesteig Wachau: 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 trail leads via the Litzendorfer Kreuzstöckerl to the small hamlet of Litzendorf and then describes a wide arc across the open high plateau of the Jauerling. The tranquil highland landscape and sweeping views characterise this section of the Welterbesteig.

Passing the secluded Schleinkhof, which serves as a stamping station, a short ascent leads into the gentle descent towards the Danube Valley. Continuing steadily downhill, the route finally reaches Aggsbach Markt on the Danube and concludes this scenically varied stage between the high plateau and the river.

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.

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

Maria Laach, marketplace

Destination point of the tour

Aggsbach Markt, marketplace

Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 06: Maria Laach-Aggsbach Markt (Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park)

The hike begins at the market square in Maria Laach. Following the main road towards Zeißing, the route turns right shortly afterwards, with the famous Gothic pilgrimage church on the right. Passing the cemetery, the village is left behind and the trail leads gently downhill through a Christmas tree plantation to the country road. After crossing the Klafterbach and the country road, the route leads uphill to the Litzendorfer Kreuzstöckerl. A little later, the hamlet of Litzendorf is reached, where the route turns left and follows the main road through the village. Through flowering fields, the trail leads in a wide arc across the Jauerling high plateau. At the fork, the route keeps diagonally to the right and continues to the old Schleinkhof farm. The stamping station for the stage is also located here. The route then descends through the forest in bends towards Aggsbach Markt. Via the so-called Schmuckstraße, the first houses are reached and the trail continues into the village. Directly before the railway tracks, the route follows the road to the right and now heads towards the picturesque church. Continuing to the left, parallel to the Endlingbach, the market square in Aggsbach Markt is reached shortly afterwards, where the hike ends.