Description
Welterbesteig Wachau - Wachau World Heritage Trail: From Rossatz to Unterbergern
The stage from Rossatz to Unterbergern combines unspoiled Danube landscapes with scenic high-altitude trails. From the wine-growing village of Rossatz, the trail winds its way between the Pritzenau Danube floodplain and orchards to an idyllic sandy beach on the Danube. Passing through the Rossatz vineyards and the nature reserve at Toten Berg, the route continues into the tranquil woodlands of the Dunkelsteinerwald.
The climb to Pemexel at 508 meters offers sweeping views toward Krems before the trail continues over the scenic Bergerner Höhe. A rest stop at the Ferdinandswarte offers another panoramic viewpoint before the route reaches the stage’s destination, Unterbergern, via quiet field and meadow paths.
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 highlights of the World Heritage region become apparent—the interplay of the historic cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, extraordinary natural areas, and the Danube as a defining element.
Thanks to good rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is easily possible. 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
Rossatz, church square
Destination point of the tour
Unterbergern town center
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 12: Rossatz-Unterbergern
Cross the church square in Rossatz, pass the town hall, and at the lower end, the trail turns right and descends toward the orchards. The trail passes the tennis court and continues straight ahead at the next intersection; it crosses the Danube cycle path and, a short distance later, reaches the Rossatz floodplain, where it continues to the right. The hike now follows the exact boundary between the floodplain and the orchards to the beautiful sandy beach with the bike ferry. Here you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of Dürnstein on the opposite north bank of the Danube. Passing the campground, the trail heads toward Rossatzbach. At the village fountain at the other end of the street, the trail turns right and heads uphill to the B33 main road. Follow the road to the right for a few meters, then turn left immediately at the first fork. The trail now winds through the Rossatz vineyards. The route passes through the vineyards of Frauenweingärten, Mugler, and Goldberg and goes by the ruined Biritor.
Here in the Seegraben, the ascent to the Pemexel in the Dunkelsteinerwald begins. After an initial wide loop, the hike passes the Toten Berg and, following a final climb, reaches the 508-meter-high Pemexel. From the forested summit, there is a view toward Krems-Stein. After Pemexel, you’ll reach a wide forest trail. The trail turns left and, after 20 minutes, reaches the Red Cross, where you turn left. After half an hour, you’ll cross the main road; walk briefly on the paved road, then turn left into the forest toward Bergerner Höhe, where magnificent distant views await. A short distance further on, at the Donauleiten, turn left and follow the edge of the forest. Next, enjoy the view from the Ferdinandswarte before reaching the stage’s destination, Unterbergen.
Directions
A1 to the Melk exit, then continue on B33 to Rossatz or from Mautern on the country road to Unterbergern
Parking
At the public parking lots in Rossatz (Mettener Platz near the church square or below the church square) or in the center of Unterbergern.
Travel to Rossatz is possible with the Wachau buses of line 720 Krems-Rossatz-Melk or Melk-Rossatz-Krems from the train stations Melk or Krems.
Unterbergen can be reached by regional bus 489.
There is a Nextbike rental station in Rossatz at the campsite, www.nextbike.at
Bike ferry Rossatz-Dürnstein:
In April and October only Fri, Sat, and Sun, public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00. In May and September daily from 9:30 to 18:00. In June, July, and August Mon-Fri from 9:30 to 18:00, Sat, Sun, and public holidays from 9:00 to 18:30.
