Via Trinitatis + 4. Etappe: Waidhofen/Ybbs - Seitenstetten

Starting from the end point of Stage 3, we begin the alternative Route 4b, again starting from the City Tower. We walk over the Freisingerberg—named after Waidhofen’s Bavarian sister city—toward the Forellenbrunnen and through the small alley “Zum Thürl” to Federal Highway 121. After crossing it, we turn left at the back of the fire department’s armory and follow Bindergasse across the Schwarzbach into Krautberggasse. Passing under the viaduct of the former “Ybbstalbahn”—now the “Citybahn Waidhofen”—we reach “Reinhold Klaus-Weg” via the underpass beneath the “Kronprinz Rudolfbahn” railway line and continue climbing up to the “Krautbergkreuz.” This wonderful viewpoint offers unique views over the rooftops and squares of the old town and is the perfect spot for taking photos.

We continue following the trail upward and, via “Rabenbergstraße” and “Eichenweg,” arrive directly at the Rabenberg hiking and trail network. With views of the city below, we reach the “Rabenbergkreuz” via forest trails and, further along, a rest area that has been beautifully designed as part of a project by the local rural youth group. Continuing westward, the trail takes us along the edge of the forest to the fork where the “Via Trinitatis” and “Via Trinitatis+” pilgrimage routes diverge.

On the “+” variant, we now turn left onto the meadow path toward “Rien” and join the E4/04 long-distance hiking trail “Voralpenweg” or “OÖ Mariazellerweg” 06 on the right. The route now takes us about 1 km along the road. There, we stay on the left side of the “04/06” trail and, after passing the driveway to the next farmhouse, continue along an open meadow path and then a hiking trail that ascends to the right, leading to the parish church in Konradsheim.

The trail then takes us past the village parking lot on the right onto the “Konradsheimer Prozessionsweg.” After a short stretch of forest trail, we turn in the opposite direction onto the path leading to the “Aussermeierhof” farm driveway. Once we reach the road, we take the road to the right until we reach the end of several farm driveways. The path continues downhill, partly along dirt tracks, and, after passing the second farmhouse, joins the “Finkengraben” driveway leading to Konradsheim. We follow the road out of the valley and cross the state highway to head back up toward St. Georgen on the “Seitenstettnerstraße” on the left. After about 300 m, we take the road on the right uphill to the “Unter-Krondorf” house. Turning left toward the neighboring farm, we reach the ridge of St. Georgen/Klaus via its farm driveway.

Turning left onto “Faßbergstraße,” we now reach St. Georgen in der Klaus, where we visit the parish church of St. George. From the western cemetery exit, we come to the architecturally interesting Peace Chapel. The building’s history, its theologically grounded design, and its radioesthetic orientation attest to a concept for this structure that is deeply connected to nature and imbued with sensitivity. The “Mostbrunnen” (cider fountain) there provides fine products from local cider farmers as needed.

The pilgrimage route continues along the western village access road to the fork in the road toward the municipality of Biberbach. Turning right, we follow this road for just under 1 km and then turn onto the forest path on the left. Passing fruit trees, the municipal road takes us over two gentle ridges toward “Gansberg” and “Blümelsberg.” Wonderful vantage points and views to the east offer us entirely new perspectives of “our Basilica on the Sonntagberg.” Before turning toward “Blümelsberg,” we recommend taking the short “side path” toward “Karl Lammerhuber Blick” to visit the impressive new chapel there. Among other things, its gable features a depiction of St. Leopold, the patron saint of Lower Austria. Retracing our steps a short distance, we now turn toward “Blümelsberg” and reach the ridge again via a short side trail (approx. 100 m). The information board there provides details about the mountains and towns in both the immediate and wider surroundings, both to the north and to the south.

Back on the pilgrimage route, the road leads through a wooded area until we reach the vicinity of our stage destination, Seitenstetten. In the district of “Höfing,” after a hairpin turn, we switch to a gravel road lined with various fruit trees, which ends right at the Maierhof farm of Seitenstetten Abbey. Various information signs provide details about the varieties of fruit and cider pears grown here. Many farmers and businesses in the area have now mastered the art of producing exceptional, high-quality products, helping to bring about a new renaissance for cider, fine brandies, and ultimately the Mostviertel region.

We have now reached the end of this stage and immerse ourselves in the monumental splendor of Seitenstetten Abbey. With the abbey, the abbey church, and the adjoining courtyard garden, there are still a few highlights in store for a wonderful way to end the evening. As mentioned earlier, you’ll find information on dining and lodging options in the various pilgrim guides.

Starting from St. Pölten via the A1 Westautobahn, take the Loosdorf exit, and travel via several federal highways and through the towns of St. Leonhard am Forst, Oberndorf an der Melk, Purgstall an der Erlauf, Gresten, Ybbsitz, and Waidhofen an der Ybbs—the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

From St. Pölten Central Station, depending on the connection, it takes about an hour and a half to get there by train and bus. Two transfers are required.