Winter hike on the Ernst Ferstl Thought Path

©Wiener Alpen in Niederösterreich - Bad Schönau

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4,59 km
Duration: 1:10 h
Ascent: 53 m elevation gain
Descent: 7 m elevation gain

The thought trail with quotes from the Zöbern author Ernst Ferstl is accessible all year round.

Starting point of the tour: Village square Bad Schönau
Tour destination: Museum Village Krumbach

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4,59 km
Duration: 1:10 h
Ascent: 53 m elevation gain
Descent: 7 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
2/6
Overall experience:
6/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point462 m
Highest point515 m

With refreshment stops
Accessibility by train and bus
Suitable for families and children
Barrier-free

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Description

"There is no path that only leads in one direction". Along the path of thought you will find boards with short texts by the author Ernst Ferstl, which invite you to pause and reflect.

The path was opened in 2008 under the direction of OSR Director Friedrich Geiderer as a project of the HS Krumbach and the polytechnic school. You walk along the Zöbernbach stream on a paved footpath from the village center in Bad Schönau to Krumbach within an hour. The destination is the museum village in Krumbach, where various wooden and masonry structures from the 16th and 17th centuries are on display. For example, an exhibition with a multimedia guide has been set up in the former Bürgerspital. If you would like to refresh yourself after the hike, you can do so at Gasthof Heissenberger and Krumbacherhof. At the start of the hike in Bad Schönau, you can also visit the Sconarium, an interactive exhibition about the healing spring, and take a detour to the Triad restaurant, which is known far beyond the town's borders. The creative and high-quality cuisine at Triad has already received several awards from Gault Millau and Falstaff - table reservations are recommended.

The path is usually cleared in winter and is therefore accessible all year round, as well as being passable by bike - however, you should be aware of slippery conditions and drifts!

safety instructions Attention, this winter hiking trail can have snow, drifts, and icy spots despite regular clearing. Use at your own risk. Pay attention to the early dusk and plan your route particularly carefully. Also, drink enough water in winter.Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience. Please therefore observe the following:PreparationMake sure the route you choose matches your mountain experience and fitness. Check the weather report in advance. The weather in the mountains can change surprisingly fast. Always set out properly equipped (e.g., rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit along the way are open. Inform someone about your route choice and planned return before you start.Find more safety tips for your hike here.
Equipment Always take suitable maps with you. Wear sturdy shoes adapted to the route, take sun and rain protection as well as water and a snack. Take your mobile phone with you and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140Don't forget headgear and gloves, in any case avoid hypothermia!
Route description In Bad Schönau the path starts at the village square in front of the municipal office. The "Thought Path" initially leads us along the bike path on the Zöbernbach to the sawmill and then further along the old road to the museum village in Krumbach.
Parking Parking lot at the entrance to the municipality, opposite Hotel Geier.
Getting there From Vienna: Take the South Motorway A2, exit at Krumbach. At exit 76-Krumbach, drive towards Krumbach/Hungary and continue via the Krumbach junction onto the B55. Turn right in Bad Schönau onto Hauptstraße. Turn right onto Kurhausstraße.From Graz: Take the South Motorway A2, exit at Aspang-Zöbern. Turn right onto L137. Follow the road. Turn right onto Kirchschlager Str./B55. Turn right in Bad Schönau onto Hauptstraße. Turn right onto Kurhausstraße.
Public transport More information can be found at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at
Editor’s tip Combine your hike with a stay in Krumbach or Bad Schönau. The Krumbacherhof can be booked directly online. In Bad Schönau, the Hotel Weber is recommended!Sightseeing:Sconarium, Bad SchönauDefensive Church, Bad SchönauSpa Park, Bad SchönauMuseum Village KrumbachFairy Path KrumbachEderer's Alpaca FarmRefreshments:VitalZeit Hotel and Restaurant Weber, Bad Schönau*(sugar-free cuisine)Hotel Restaurant Geier, Bad Schönau*Triad, Krumbach*Krumbacherhof*Gasthof Heissenberger*Overnight stay possible

Recommended period

Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Opening hours: Mon - Thu 08:30 - 16:00 / Fri 08:30 - 13:00

Experience region Bucklige Welt south, www.buckligewelt.info, +43 / 676 / 3509806

Tourism information Bad Schönau, www.badschoenau.at, +43 / 2646 / 8284

Market town Krumbach, www.krumbach-noe.at +43 / 02647 / 42238

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026