This hiking trail partly follows the moor nature trail and is wonderful for walking, running, or Nordic walking.
Description
The nature park, founded in 1989, is a nature reserve, Natura 2000, and Ramsar protected area. On this circular hiking trail, you move mostly through shady high forest of spruces, pines, firs, and birches; there is a pleasant climate, especially on hot summer days. A short detour to the natural monument "Hanging Stone", a huge granite block, is also possible on this route. On the Prügelsteg, which leads over the raised bog, you can discover on close inspection various peat mosses, cranberries, carnivorous plants such as the round-leaved sundew, and much more. Some very impressive animals like rare dragonflies, banded hunting spiders, and with some luck one of the sea eagles that live here in large numbers can be spotted. However, the main focus of this path is clearly on exercise on well-maintained paths.
Starting point of the tour
Nature park center
Destination point of the tour
Nature park center
Route description Forest path of the Heidenreichsteiner Moor Nature Park
From the nature park center, a path about 300 meters long leads to the entrance of the circular hiking trail. The first part of the route follows the moor nature trail. The forest road leads about 1 km through the forest to the Prügelsteg. After a short stay, follow the forest road southwards to the Winklauerteich, where there is a shelter in case of a cloudburst. Here the forest path and the moor nature trail separate. It then continues about 700 meters southwest parallel to the western shore of the Winklauerteich. At the junction, the path leads about 1.3 km through the forest northwards back to the nature park center. At the end of this circular route, it is 300 meters back to the nature park center.
Directions
From Vienna – A22 – Stockerau North exit – B4 to Horn – B2 to Göpfritz – about 2 km after the village (roundabout) onto B5 – Waidhofen/Thaya – after the bypass (roundabout) straight ahead – about 1 km after the village Steinbruckhäuser turn left to the nature park
From Linz – via A7 and B310 to Freistadt – on B38 to Karlstift – B41 to Gmünd – further to Schrems – on L30 to Heidenreichstein – through the village (direction Waidhofen/Thaya) – at the village end turn right to the nature park (opposite the turnoff to Motten)
Parking
Generous parking with car and bus parking options, additionally bike racks, Ella e-charging station, bus turnaround area
From Linz by bus (line 310) to Freistadt Böhmertor – (line 1332) onwards to Gmünd to the Bahnhof stop – (line WA40) to Heidenreichstein
By Franz Josefs Railway from Vienna to Gmünd – by postbus to Heidenreichstein
By bus (line 1028) from Vienna via Waidhofen/Thaya to Heidenreichstein
By bus or train from St. Pölten to Waidhofen/Thaya – then by postbus to Heidenreichstein
Author's tip
You can enjoy homemade pastries on the sun terrace of the nature park center!
