Description
Welterbesteig Wachau: Aggsbach Dorf to Hofarnsdorf
The stage from Aggsbach Dorf to Hofarnsdorf climbs on varied woodland and field paths to the imposing Aggstein Castle Ruin, then continues into the quiet landscapes of the Dunkelsteinerwald. Via the Baroque pilgrimage monastery of Maria Langegg—with museum, library and impressive frescoes—the route follows the still Buchental valley. A short, secured section leads up to the Hoher Stein, one of the Wachau’s finest viewpoints with sweeping vistas across the Danube Valley.
The trail then descends steadily through the Buchental, accompanied by mighty beech trees on the opposite slope, to the “Glauberkreuz” rest point amid the Arnsdorf vineyard sites. After crossing with the Arnsdorf–Spitz ferry, the stage soon reaches Hofarnsdorf Castle, where this particularly diverse stage ends.
Walking the Wachau World Heritage Trail reveals, step by step, why the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage region. Finely curated World Heritage Spots make the defining World Heritage Highlights visible—the interplay of cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural habitats and the Danube as a shaping force.
For a carefree, all-round offer—including luggage transfer, tastings and transfers—one of the varied walking packages is recommended.
Thanks to excellent rail connections, a relaxed and sustainable journey to the Wachau is straightforward. Within the region, a dense public transport network makes all stages easy to reach by bus, train, ferry and boat, allowing stages to be combined with great flexibility.
The Wachau World Heritage Trail also holds the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification represents high standards in route design, waymarking, safety and infrastructure, confirming the trail as a reliable, high-quality walking experience at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Starting point of the tour
Aggsbach Dorf, Hammerschmiede
Destination point of the tour
Hofarnsdorf, castle
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 10: Aggsbach Dorf-Hofarnsdorf
From the information point at the bus stop in Aggsbach Dorf, where our stage starts, we walk to the Hammerschmiede and continue to the intersection. Opposite the former inn "Zur Kartause" we turn left and begin the ascent to the Aggstein castle ruins. Passing the plague cross, we reach the parking lot of the Aggstein ruins and then continue hiking uphill through Herrenwald and Aggsteingraben. The ruins date back to the 12th century and were once home to the Kuenringers and the robber baron Georg Schreck vom Walde. Due to its impressive size and historical significance, the castle is one of Austria's most important castles. At the entrance in front of the ruins is the stamp station, and inside the ruins a tavern invites you to stop for a break (admission fee). After a refreshing rest, we follow a beautiful forest path to the Maria Langegg monastery, where we can visit the pilgrimage museum. From Maria Langegg we enter the Dunkelsteinerwald again. Our path leads past the Goldreut wayside shrine up to Friedrichsfelsen. Here a detour to the Hoher Stein is worthwhile, which we reach via a small climbing section. The Hoher Stein is one of the most beautiful viewpoints along the entire Welterbesteig Wachau and offers magnificent panoramic views.
In Buchental we then continue downhill to the beautifully situated rest area Glauberkreuz in the middle of the Arnsdorf vineyards (where the Welterbesteig Wachau was opened in May 2010). A few hundred meters later we reach the main road B33. We follow it briefly to the right and then immediately turn left again up to above the Arnsdorf-Spitz ferry on the Danube. We do not go down to the ferry but continue straight ahead. Parallel to the river our path leads into Hofarnsdorf, where we turn left towards the castle with the parish church. The castle, built directly on the Danube in the Biedermeier period, is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside. We end the stage with a beautiful view of Spitz with the Tausendeimerberg, the Atzberg vineyard area, and the Red Gate on the opposite bank.
Directions
A1 to Melk exit, continue on B33 to Aggsbach Dorf or Hofarnsdorf
Parking
Parking available at the Kartause in Aggsbach Dorf or in the center of Hofarnsdorf
The places are accessible by public transport seven days a week. Return to the starting point of the hike is possible.
On the south bank of the Wachau, bus line 720 runs Krems-Rossatz-Melk or Melk-Rossatz-Krems. Aggsbach Dorf and Hofarnsdorf are directly connected to the Krems and Melk train stations. On the north bank of the Wachau, bus line 715 runs Krems-Spitz-Melk or Melk-Spitz-Krems. www.vor.at
Nextbike rental bike stations (EUR 1/hour) are located in Aggsbach Dorf and Hofarnsdorf, www.nextbike.at
You can find the ferry times of the Arnsdorf-Spitz ferry for changing the Danube bank here.
No ferry operation on weekends in winter.
