Hiking

It depends on what you’re looking for: 

• a sporting challenge on the Rosalia Circular Trail as a long-distance walking route
• a leisurely, enjoyable walk with places to stop for refreshments, for example on the easy path to the ruins of Kirchschlag Castle, or along the Katzelsdorf Cultural Trail (KA 3) or in Lanzenkirchen the Bourbon Theme Trail along the river Leitha
• Viewpoints and photo spots on the ‘Path of Views’ in Bad Schönau, around the ‘Lichte Egg’ (meaning “bright corner”) in Lichtenegg, and at the observation tower in Lanzenkirchen
• Hikes for families

The most popular vantage points are:

• The Hutwisch viewing point
• The Türkensturz ruins in Scheiblingkirchen
• Lanzenkirchen/Wiesen viewpoint
• The ‘Path of Views’ in Bad Schönau
• The signal tower at the Kirchschlag castle ruins
• Johann Giefing Viewing Tower in Schwarzenbach – accessible to all thanks to a lift
• Stone circle in Krumbach

Short, well-signposted circular walks with interesting stops along the way – such as those on the themed trails – are ideal for families. Generally speaking, most trails in the Bucklige Welt are also suitable for children, as the terrain is not alpine.

Tips for families

How to behave properly when out walking:

1. Only go hiking in proper hiking boots
2. Make sure you have adequate sun protection
3. Be prepared for rain and cold
4. Use maps or offline maps to find your way
5. Take drinks with you and stay hydrated
6. Never light an open fire in the countryside
7. Take your rubbish back down to the valley
8. Seek shelter during a thunderstorm
9. Respect animals, people and nature

Stay in good spirits, come back down safely

Hiking maps are available to download or by postal delivery at www.wieneralpen.at. Hiking maps and tips are also available directly from local council offices, accommodation providers and most excursion destinations.

GPX tracks can be downloaded directly from the route descriptions – simply select the route you want and start the download.

Yes, several paths are also suitable for leisurely walks, strollers or wheelchairs. For example:

1. A walk through the spa garden in Bad Schönau
2. The Ernst-Ferstl ‘Gedankenweg’ along the Zöbernbach cycle path, starting in Bad Schönau
3. The Bourbonenweg in Lanzenkirchen
4. The Wasserweg in Grimmenstein

You can apply a filter for ‘low-barrier / suitable for strollers’ to all the walking routes.

The traditional hiking season runs from April to October. Depending on the weather, however, a walk during the off-seasons can also be well worth it. The trails are even quieter then. Many trails are also suitable for peaceful walks in winter – the crisp, cold air is particularly invigorating and helps ward off the winter blues.