Maria Laach-Jauerling

<p>Both the Wachau World Heritage Trail and path No. 25 lead from Maria Laach to the Jauerling. Path No. 25 is approximately 25 minutes shorter, as the Wachau World Heritage Trail detours via the hamlet of Weinberg. Taking path No. 25, we follow the road towards Jauerling. We pass the junction to the cemetery, pass the road intersection to Aggsbach Market, and enter the village of Zeißing with its namesake castle ruins and the water castle. Here we turn left at the rest area and go around the water castle to meet the Wachau World Heritage Trail, which leads down from Weinberg. From here, we follow both path number 25 and the color marking of the Wachau World Heritage Trail (white "W"). We hike via forest paths and reach the Gießhübl wayside shrine on the Jauerling plateau. If we look back, we see Melk Abbey. At the wayside shrine, we turn left and back into the forest. At the end of the forest, we arrive at the summit area of the Jauerling and the lookout tower at Jauerling. From here, it is about 20-25 minutes to the Nature Park House. We cross the so-called Turner meadow and turn right at the end. We walk through a birch avenue and reach the parking lot of the Nature Park House. Here we turn left and either take the slightly longer forest path or the access road to the Nature Park House and its Wachau terrace. If you choose the access road, you will reach the summit cross of the Jauerling.</p><p>The return route to Maria Laach leads back via the parking lot of the Nature Park House to the Turner meadow. Here there are two return paths to choose from. Either you take the same path back (No. 25 and Wachau World Heritage Trail) or follow path No. 26. This leads, with somewhat longer walking time, along gentle forest paths also back to Maria Laach.</p>

<p>Hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and drinking water. The Wachau hiking map is available from Donau Niederösterreich Tourism, www.wachau.at</p>

<p>Emergency call Mountain Rescue Wachau: 140</p>

<p>Via A1 to Melk, via B3 to Schallemmersdorf; turn left here and follow the road to Maria Laach.</p>

<p>Maria Laach is easily accessible by public bus. You can find the bus schedule at <a href="www.vor.at">www.vor.at</a&...

<p>Maria Laach, market square</p>