Description
Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail: From Hofarnsdorf to Rossatz
The stage from Hofarnsdorf to Rossatz connects traditional wine-growing villages with historic trails and stunning natural landscapes. Starting at the Wilhelminian-style Hofarnsdorf Castle, the route passes through Mitterarnsdorf and Bacharnsdorf, where a Roman watchtower serves as a reminder of the region’s early settlement. Following the course of an ancient Roman road, the trail continues into the Kupfertal valley and into the tranquil woodlands of the Dunkelsteinerwald.
Sweeping views from the Seekopf and the Hirschwand characterize this section, as does the Steinige Ries Nature Reserve with its largely untouched oak and hornbeam forest. Passing through vineyards, the trail finally descends to the idyllic winegrowing village of Rossatz, which provides a charming conclusion to this culturally and naturally rich stage.
As you hike along the Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail, you’ll discover, step by step, why the Wachau has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage region. Along carefully curated World Heritage sites, the defining World Heritage highlights come into view—the interplay of the historic cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, extraordinary natural areas, and the Danube as a defining element.
For a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience—including luggage transport, tastings, and transfers—we recommend booking one of the versatile hiking packages.
Thanks to good rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is easily achievable. Within the region, a dense network of public transportation ensures that all stages can be comfortably 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 route guidance, signage, safety, and infrastructure, and confirms the Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail as a reliable and high-quality hiking experience in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Starting point of the tour
Hofarnsdorf, Castle
Destination point of the tour
Rossatz, Church square
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 11: Hofarnsdorf-Rossatz
This stage begins in front of the castle and the parish church in Hofarnsdorf. The trail runs parallel to the Danube downstream and is lined with magnificent views of the Hinterhaus castle ruins in Spitz, the Ried Atzberg, and the fortified church of St. Michael. At Bacharnsdorf, turn right. Passing the Roman watchtower—Burgus—you’ll reach the B33 main road: Here, turn left to the stamp station at the Pammer family’s wine tavern (approx. 150 m). The main trail turns right at the main road and then immediately left again after a few meters. Following the former Roman road (where the wheel ruts are still partially visible), the trail now leads along the Dürrenbach stream into the Kupfertal valley. You’ll pass the beautifully situated rest area with various stone sculptures (“romantic rock group”). In the middle of the valley, you’ll see the Türkentor on your right (the view is partially obscured by vegetation). This remnant of the Arnsdorf “village walls” dates back to the time of the Turkish Wars. At the 597-meter-high Kreuzberg (with a wayside shrine), you reach the end of the Kupfertal; there, turn left onto the Way of St. James. A forest road leads to Rührsdorfer Lake with a rest area; depending on its size, you can go around it on the left or right. After another 15 minutes or so, you’ll reach the 671-meter-high Seekopf, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the modern observation deck. A short time later, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy another stunning view from the Hirschwand, which borders the Welterbesteig trail. However, this can only be reached via a climbing section with ladders (optional, about a 10-minute approach). Afterward, the descent to Rossatz begins. In the Steinige Ries Nature Reserve, the hike leads steadily downhill through what is in parts a pure oak forest with bizarre rock formations. Time and again, beautiful views of the Wachau open up. At the end of the Steinige Ries, the hike follows the longest dry-stone wall trail in the Wachau (several hundred meters long). Above St. Lorenz Church, the trail meets the Rossatz Panorama Trail and leads to the turnoff for the St. Lorenz–Weißenkirchen roll ferry (approx. 15-minute descent). Cutting across the vineyards, the high-altitude trail leads to the end of the stage at the church square in Rossatz. To wrap things up, enjoy a special view from the “Smaragdeidechse” lookout point directly above the church square before ending the stage at one of the wine taverns.
Directions
A1 to Melk exit, continue on B33 to Hofarnsdorf or Rossatz
Parking
In Mitterarnsdorf at the fire station or at the public parking lots in Rossatz (Mettener Platz at the church square or below the church square).
The places are accessible seven days a week by public transport. Return to the starting point of the hike is possible.
On the southern bank of the Wachau, bus line 720 runs Krems-Rossatz-Melk station or Melk-Rossatz-Krems. Rossatz and Hofarnsdorf are directly connected to the Krems and Melk train stations. On the northern bank of the Wachau, bus line 715 runs Krems-Dürnstein-Spitz-Melk station or Melk-Spitz-Dürnstein-Krems. www.vor.at
Nextbike rental bike stations are located in Hofarnsdorf and Rossatz, www.nextbike.at
With the following ferries, you can quickly change the Danube shore:
- Cable ferry St. Lorenz-Weißenkirchen
- Cable ferry Arnsdorf-Spitz
- Bike ferry Rossatz-Dürnstein
The ferry times for changing the Danube shore can be found here.
