Wachau World Heritage Trail 09: Melk-Aggsbach Dorf

Description

Welterbesteig Wachau: From Melk to Aggsbach Dorf

The stage from Melk to Aggsbach Dorf begins at the main square in Melk and leads past the Baroque Melk Abbey up to the Pielachberg. At the Jonaskreuz, a sweeping panoramic view opens up over the Danube, the Jauerling and the surrounding landscape. A historic farm track then leads to Schönbühel, whose striking castle high above the river shapes the landscape.

Through the village of Berging, the trail continues through wooded terrain up to the Hohenwarther Höhe, which impresses with wide panoramic views over the Dunkelsteinerwald. Via the Hohenwarthberg, the route finally leads down to Aggsbach Dorf on the Danube, where this varied stage of the Welterbesteig Wachau comes to an end.

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

Melk, town hall square

Destination point of the tour

Aggsbach Village, Hammerschmiede

Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 09: Melk-Aggsbach Dorf

The stage begins at the main square in Melk. From here, it is not far to Rathausplatz, which is crossed lengthwise, and immediately afterwards the route turns left and leads uphill into Sechsergasse. The Klostersteig and shortly afterwards Melk Abbey are reached, where the route turns right into Abt-Dietmayrstraße. Gently downhill, Wiener Straße is reached a short time later and followed out of town past the outdoor swimming pool. The main road is passed beneath, the route continues straight ahead at the roundabout and leads via Pielacher Straße to the Pielach. The river is crossed on a small bridge, the route turns left at the first road and shortly afterwards right again. The trail leads uphill to Pielachberg and turns left at the top of the village. An old farm track leads to the Jonaskreuz at 344 m. The beautiful resting place offers a wonderful view of the Danube, the Jauerling and towards Melk. After an extended rest, the farm track continues towards Hub and down to Schönbühel with its remarkable castle.

The federal road is crossed and the route continues along the Danube promenade beside the flood protection wall. Several inns in the village offer opportunities for a pleasant stop. Before the municipal square, the route turns right and follows the Rossbachweg to Berging. From the village, there is a magnificent view over Schönbühel and the picturesque course of the Danube. The trail follows the main road and turns right. Shady forest paths now lead uphill to the Hohenwarther Höhe. From 475 m, there is a magnificent panoramic view over the Dunkelsteinerwald. The route then leads over the Hohenwarthberg down towards the Danube and Aggsbach Dorf. At Hotel Residenz Wachau (stamping station), the road towards the Danube is crossed, where the stage ends.