Long-distance hiking amongst the rolling hills of the Rosalia mountains
Rustling forests, sweeping panoramic views of hills and mountains: the 82-kilometre Rosalia Circular Walk offers a varied route through the north of the Bucklige Welt. Whilst the circular walk does require a good level of fitness, it takes in non-alpine terrain – ideal for discovering long-distance hiking for yourself. If you like, you can let your holiday begin as soon as you set off: relax on the train and bus, gazing out of the window as the scenery rolls by.
Once you arrive in the Bucklige Welt, hiking along paths through fields and woods, time seems to lose its significance. The steady pace feels almost meditative, like a little fresh start for the mind. Putting one foot in front of the other over a total of 82 kilometres with 1,650 metres of elevation gain, in as many stages as you like – depending on your fitness level and time available.
The landscape here is often hilly and dotted with colourful mixed woodlands, swaying fields of grain and gentle streams. A vast plain stretches out around the River Leitha, particularly near Wiener Neustadt. If you fancy it, you can swap your walking boots for bare feet and dip your toes in the sandy riverbed of the Leitha.
Away from moss-covered forest floors, the Rosalia Circular Walk leads straight through Wiener Neustadt, past vineyards, magnificent castles and historic churches. Sweeping panoramic views accompany the route – from the Schneeberg to Lake Neusiedl.
The route can be walked in either direction and you can start at any point along the way. The distances covered can also be recorded in SummitLynx – including a digital hiking badge.
Sleeping amongst the hills and wine taverns – a hiking holiday around Wiener Neustadt
Every village here offers cosy accommodation. Often there are several options, depending on what takes your fancy: a touch of luxury or something down-to-earth and authentic. Along the way, there are plenty of inns and wine taverns, some even awarded by Falstaff – such as the taverns of the local families Döller, Böhm and Fingerlos. To round off a fulfilling day’s walk, a glass of apple cider and a traditional platter of snacks are simply a must.
If, after a peaceful few hours amongst the hills, you’re now in the mood for some company, you’ll find yourself chatting with your hosts or the local regulars in the evening. Here, it’s not just cider and coffee that flow, but also stories and valuable insider tips about the region.
If you love being active and appreciate the countryside, the Rosalia Circular Walk offers the perfect combination of exercise and a chance to enjoy nature!
Manfred Fuchs, Wanderführer und Verantwortlicher für die Wegpflege
A small collection of favourite spots and special places of energy along the Rosalia Circular Walk in Lower Austria…
Discover the city of Wiener Neustadt and the academie parc: A vibrant cultural scene and strong historical roots; magnificent chestnut-lined avenues and peaceful spots along the Kehrbach, the city’s ‘green lung’
Climb the Lanzenkirchen-Wiesen observation tower: A little off the track, 15 metres high and accessible only on foot; Panoramic views across the rolling hills and valleys as far as the Alps
Explore the viewpoint‘Am Bener’ in Klingfurth: A striking vantage point with views across the sea of hills; known as a place of re-energisation – for new energy and fresh ideas
Marvel at the picturesque mountain and rock-cut church in Pitten – a viewing point offering a rare glimpse of a 13th-century rock-cut church. The festival Pitten Classics takes place in summer – with lots of exquisite music.
Explore the protected Leitha floodplain, a Natura 2000 site between Lanzenkirchen and Katzelsdorf, with flat, easily accessible paths through shady woods along the river, whicht is a valuable habitat for rare animals and plant species.
Visit the artistic Glass Way of the Cross and the historic St. Ulrich’s Church – a 13th-century church and woodland cemetery, featuring 14 luminous Tiffany glass artworks along the route; a special place of power for inner peace and mental strength
Rosalia Trail Challenge: Exercise, thats not only good for you
The starting signal goes off. Everything still lies ahead – whether it’s 22, 50 or even 80 kilometres. Your heart is pounding with excitement. The joy of the other participants shows that today everybody shares the same goal – it’s thrilling and powerful.
Since 2023, the Rosalia Trail Challenge has been combining sporting challenges with social engagement. Running and hiking competitions – ranging from 22 to 80 kilometres – take place every two years along the Rosalia Circular Walk. What makes it special is that the net income goes to charitable organisations in the region, and participants come from many different countries.
The formula for success at competitions: arrive earlier, stay longer
If you can, it’s best to arrive a day or two early. To collect your race number, explore the route and settle in amidst the landscape. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, the day is far from over. First, take a deep breath, let the joy of your achievement sink in, and celebrate together at the prize-giving ceremony.
Afterwards, it’s time to recharge: relax in the wellness area of the Grandhotel Niederösterreichischer Hof, enjoy a massage and loosen up your muscles in the warm water. Or you could take the opportunity to get to know the region better – for example, at the PIZ1000 Regional Museum, along the Bourbon Trail, at the World of Tin Figures or at the Museum of Contemporary History, the Hacker Haus.
There are five railway stations along the Rosalia Circular Walk (Wiener Neustadt Central Station, Katzelsdorf, Lanzenkirchen, Bad Erlach, Pitten) and plenty of bus connections. If there isn’t a station nearby or the timetable isn’t ideal, you can also use the shared taxi service. If your legs are getting too tired, the walk can be comfortably shortened if necessary.
