Hardegg circular hiking route

The hike around the town and Hardegg Castle leads over the legendary Regina Rock to the Max Plateau. The view here is unique, as the town and Hardegg Castle lie almost at the visitor’s feet.

Hardegg, clock tower

Route description Hardegg circular hiking route

From the Hardegg clock tower at the ascent to the castle, a rock nose stretching far into the suburbs to the southwest attracts attention: the Regina Rock. The Hardegg circular hiking route leads there and further to the Max Plateau (ORF broadcasting facility). To the left of the clock tower, a footpath leads into the valley to the Fugnitz bridge and then ends in a dead end to the right to the hiking trail. High above the Fugnitz, it goes directly to the foot of Regina Rock. The hard calcareous silicate rock has withstood while the Fugnitz shaped the valley basin.

At the next fork, go straight ahead to Regina Rock with a wonderful view of the suburb and Hardegg Castle (do not climb over railings, risk of falling!). Back at the fork, now turn right through an oak and hornbeam forest to the Max Plateau. The undergrowth consists of yellow dogwood, blackthorn, and privet. This highest elevation in the immediate urban area is typical for the Thaya valley. The steep drops to the east and south are home to warmth-loving plants that also tolerate dryness and are not typical for the Waldviertel. Insects find good living conditions here. The western and northern slopes have a completely different plant cover. Beech, ash, birch, lime, and maple like the shadier, moist slopes.

Back to the town it goes via an easily passable forest road, or you take the shortcut via the steep Christbaumsteig (3a), which branches off directly from the Max Plateau. At the old bathing place, the two paths meet again and lead back to the town.