Quiet hike, mostly through open countryside but also through three villages, wonderful viewpoints invite you to linger and relax.
Description
Right next to the old Imperial road, between Vienna and Prague, lies the small market town of Echsenbach. Shaped by its rural idyll and hospitality, the hiker encounters various sights on the way, from the past to the present: religious, like the parish church, the Kaisermarterl – cultural, like Austria’s first schnapps glass museum – play and fun in the middle of the greenery. You should allow at least three hours to enjoy the hike and to get to know our community. We recommend this circular hike for those who also want to walk partly on paved paths. The route can also be done by bike. Riding time approx. 50 min.
Starting point of the tour
Schnapps Glass Museum Echsenbach, Kirchenberg 4, 3903 Echsenbach
Destination point of the tour
Schnapps Glass Museum Echsenbach, Kirchenberg 4, 3903 Echsenbach
Route description Kaisermarterlweg
The path leads you through Echsenbach towards Rieweis. At the water reservoir, turn left onto a field path and enjoy a magnificent view of Echsenbach. You continue walking on the road to Gerweis. In the center of Gerweis, a playground invites children to romp around. Continuing towards Mayerhöfen, the path in the village of Mayerhöfen turns off to the "3 Kaisermarterl": During a Kaisermanœuvre in 1891, the Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph I, the German Emperor Wilhelm II, and King Albert I of Saxony met here to enjoy the wonderful view. Continuing through forest and meadows, you reach the Rieweiser Höhe and after 800 meters again the water reservoir. On the L8100 road, you return to Echsenbach, where our schnapps glass museum invites you to visit.
Directions
Vienna: A 22 and S 5 or A1 and S33 to Krems - B 37 to Zwettl - in Zwettl direction Waidhofen/Thaya on B 36 - in Wolfenstein turn onto L 65 and continue to Echsenbach.
Linz: A 7 towards Freistadt - S 10 to Freistadt - B 38 to Zwettl - in Zwettl direction Waidhofen/Thaya on B 36 - in Wolfenstein turn onto L 65 and continue to Echsenbach.
Parking
Free parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of the starting point at Gasthof Klang, the municipal office, or the parish church.
By train to Schwarzenau, then by regional bus 728 to Echsenbach. The exact route can be planned with the VOR route planner: www.anachb.vor.at.
Author's tip
After the hike, you can refresh yourself at the Gasthof Klang, Marktplatz 6, 3903 Echsenbach. It is about 200 meters from the starting point.
