Circular route Gutenstein–Mariahilfberg via Längapiesting/Schaftersbach and Magdalen grotto

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6,03 km
Duration: 1:30 h
Ascent: 270 m elevation gain
Descent: 270 m elevation gain

Gently ascending forest and meadow trail with beautiful views of the Piestingtal and Schneeberg, past the Magdalenengrotte and with a detour to the pilgrimage church on the Mariahilfberg

Starting point of the tour: Gutenstein Parish Church
Tour destination: Gutenstein Parish Church

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6,03 km
Duration: 1:30 h
Ascent: 270 m elevation gain
Descent: 270 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
1/6
Overall experience:
4/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point478 m
Highest point707 m

Round tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops
Suitable for families and children

Downloads

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Description

We start from the parking lot of the parish church and follow the road that leads along the fence of the castle park of Hoyos Castle into the opening landscape of Längapiesting. At the signpost to the Mariahilfberg, the Schaftersbachweg branches off the road and leads us gently uphill across meadows, then past an idyllic little house along forest paths to the turn-off to the Magdalenengrotte grotto. Alternatively, we can walk past the picturesque wayside shrine across a natural meadow to the nature trail. The path to the Magdalena Grotto leads through a pine forest past a deer hollow and the Frauenbrünnchen fountain to the parking lot on the Mariahilfberg.
Emerging from the forest, we see the picturesque pilgrimage church and the Servite monastery on a small hill. The climb is worth it just for the fantastic panoramic view of the Schneeberg, Schober, Öhler and the Großer Neukogel, Gutenstein's local mountain. Passing the church on the left, it is worth taking a half-hour detour to the Stations of the Cross on the Mariahilfberg, at the end of which the view into the Klostertal valley is well worth seeing.

Descending from the church, we take the root path along wayside shrines depicting the life of Mary back down into the valley to the fire station. The dense beech forest offers a view of the Gutenstein castle ruins from a clearing.

The trail can be walked with children and dogs, but is not suitable for baby carriages.

The nature trail, the Way of the Cross and the Residenzweg can be used as alternatives or extensions to this trail. There is good signposting for all of them on the Mariahilfberg.

safety instructions Safe on the mountainYour hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly enjoyable and safe experience. Please therefore observe the following:PreparationMake sure that the route you choose matches your experience and fitness. Check the weather report in advance. The weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly in the mountains. Therefore, always start out properly equipped (e.g., rain protection).Check whether the huts and snack stations you want to visit on the way are open. Inform someone about your chosen route and your planned return before you set off.
Equipment EquipmentWear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. Remember rain and sun protection. Take enough to drink with you.Always take suitable maps. 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: 140
Route description From the parking lot of the parish church over the Piesting bridge, turn left after the bridge. At the next intersection turn right and pass the fire station on the left, follow the road into the Längapiesting (blue marking). After about 1.5 km, at the wayside cross, the path to the Schaftersbach branches off to the right (sign "Schaftersbachweg" and signpost towards Mariahilfberg). After just under 1 km, before a small, idyllic yellow house, turn right uphill onto a meadow (signpost towards Mariahilfberg). Continue first moderately steep on a cart track, later flattening out on a pleasant forest path.At a wayside shrine, there is a view through the Piesting valley to Pernitz. At a tree shrine you will find a detailed signpost (green signs), from here either go right directly via the nature trail flat to the Mariahilfberg or half right, via a steeper path with partly wooden, partly rocky steps past the Magdalen grotto (additional 10 min.).At the parking lot you reach the return path via the root path (red-white-red marking, no. 231, watch out for crossing roots and leaves, slippery when wet!) to the fire station and the same way as at the beginning back to the parish church.
Parking Free parking available at the Gutenstein parish church.
Getting there A2 exit Wöllersdorf, then B21 Gutensteiner Federal Road
Public transport ÖBB: Gutenstein station (from Wiener Neustadt main station almost hourly — please check the timetable!), then walk to the churchBus: Fa. Partsch, line 7843 (from Wiener Neustadt main station)"Wiener Neustadt-Dreistetten / Gutenstein-Schwarzau i. Gebirge"Stop: Gutenstein Marktwww.oebb.athttp://www.partsch.at/verkehrsbetriebe/linien-fahrplaene
Editor’s tip Ideal family hike!

Recommended period

Dogs: yes / children: yes / strollers: no

Dining options at Mariahilfberg:

Gasthaus Moser "Zum Bergmann"
open year-round, closed on Mondays from Nov. to March

More information

Market town of Gutenstein, www.gutenstein.at +43 2634/7220 Fax: 8500

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

Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026