The most beautiful view of Dürnstein and the scenic Bergerner Höhe await us on this route. From Rossatz, we hike through the nature reserve on the Toter Berg and over the Pemexel with a stop at the Ferdinandswarte to the picturesque village of Unterbergern.
Description
Welterbesteig Wachau: From Rossatz to Unterbergern
From the winegrowing village of Rossatz, our hike leads between the natural Danube floodplain "Pritzenau" and orchards to a wonderful sandy beach on the Danube. Through the Rossatz vineyards and the nature reserve on the Toter Berg, we hike through the Dunkelsteinerwald forest up to the 508 m high Pemexel with a view towards Krems. Over the scenic Bergerner Höhe, we reach our stage destination Unterbergern along idyllic field and meadow paths with an inviting break at the Ferdinandswarte.
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
We cross the church square in Rossatz, pass the town hall, and follow the path down to the right towards the orchards at the bottom. We pass the tennis court and at the next intersection continue straight ahead, cross the Danube cycle path and soon reach the Rossatz floodplain where we turn right. We now hike exactly along the floodplain and orchard border to the beautiful sandy beach with the bike ferry. Here there is a fantastic view of Dürnstein on the opposite Danube bank. Past the campsite, we reach Rossatzbach. At the village fountain at the other end of the street, we hike up to the main road B33 on the right. We follow the road a few meters to the right and then immediately turn left at the first junction. Our path now leads through the Rossatz vineyards. We pass the vineyards Frauenweingärten, Mugler and Goldberg and pass the ruined Biritor.
Here in the Seegraben begins our ascent to the Pemexel in the Dunkelsteinerwald forest. After an initial large loop, we hike past the Toter Berg and reach after the last ascent the 508 m high Pemexel. From the wooded summit, we enjoy a view towards Krems-Stein. After the Pemexel, we reach a wide forest road. We go left and reach the Red Cross after 20 minutes, where we turn left. After half an hour, we cross the main road, walk briefly on the asphalt, turn left into the forest, and reach the Bergerner Höhe, where wonderful panoramic views await us. A short piece further, at the Donauleiten, we turn left and stroll along the forest edge. Next, the view from the Ferdinandswarte awaits us before we reach the stage 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.
Author's tip
According to the habitats Danube and dry grasslands there is an extremelysuccessful conservation brochure: “"Natura Trail Rossatz/Wachau",
www.nfi.at (section Natura Trails). The information folder is a good addition to the hiking tour.
