Winter hiking on the Water Spirit Trail in Spitz

<p>We head northwards from the church square. Shortly after the first stamp box at the threshing floor, we turn right to the Hiatahütte. From there, we climb through the "Bear Gorge" to the Red Gate. After passing through the gate, we hike down to the right into the mystical Miesling Valley. There we follow the stream towards the Danube. At the intersection with Kremser Straße, we keep left and go over the parking lot of the Cloister Court and through an underpass below the B3 directly to the Danube promenade. Now we march right and walk for about 1 km upstream against the Danube current. There is much to discover for young and old at the promenade! Before the roundabout, we cross the B3 at the pedestrian crossing and walk through the district of Hinterhaus up to the ruins. The descent leads us into the district of Erlahof. There, fun is guaranteed at the Shipping Museum, the playground, or the picnic area. Next to the Spitzer Bach, we return via the weir to the town or back to the Danube.</p>

<p>Please note the following tips and information so you can enjoy your hike:</p>stay on the marked pathswear hiking/mountaineering shoesuse hiking polesrainwear is always advisablecarry enough drinking waterplease do not leave your trash on the trailrespect the sensitive habitats of plants and animalstake a breakthe indicated walking times are approximate

<p>Directly to Spitz on the B3.</p>

<p>From Melk or Krems, take bus 715 to Spitz to the stop "Donau Fähre (Bundesstraße)", then walk 7 minutes to the parish church. Here is the <a href="www.nms-mautern.at/images/VORneu/Lini... schedule</a>.</p>

<p>There are plenty of parking spaces available at the Danube promenade in Spitz.</p>