Description
Wachau World Heritage Trail: From Maria Laach to Aggsbach Markt
The stage from Maria Laach to Aggsbach Markt begins at the striking ensemble of the Gothic pilgrimage church in Maria Laach. From here, the route passes the Litzendorf wayside shrine (Kreuzstöckerl) to the small hamlet of Litzendorf, then arcs across the open Jauerling plateau. A calm highland landscape and expansive views characterise this section of the trail.
Passing the remote Schleinkhof, which serves as a stamping point, a short ascent leads into a gentle descent towards the Danube Valley. The route continues steadily downhill to Aggsbach Markt on the Danube, completing an enjoyable stage between upland plateau and river.
Walking the Wachau World Heritage Trail reveals, step by step, why the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage region. Finely curated World Heritage Spots make the defining World Heritage Highlights visible—the interplay of cultural landscape, traditional viticulture, exceptional natural habitats and the Danube as a shaping force.
The Wachau World Heritage Trail also holds the Austrian Hiking Quality Seal. This certification represents high standards in route design, waymarking, safety and infrastructure, confirming the trail as a reliable, high-quality walking experience at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Starting point of the tour
Maria Laach, marketplace
Destination point of the tour
Aggsbach Markt, marketplace
Route description Wachau World Heritage Trail 06: Maria Laach-Aggsbach Markt (Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park)
Our hike begins at the marketplace in Maria Laach. We follow the main street towards Zeißing, shortly after turn right and see the famous Gothic pilgrimage church on our right. Passing the cemetery, we leave the village and walk gently downhill through a Christmas tree plantation to the country road. After crossing the Klafterbach and the country road, we go uphill to the Litzendorfer Kreuzstöckerl. Shortly after, we reach the hamlet of Litzendorf, where we turn left and follow the main street through the village. Through blooming fields, our path leads in a wide arc over the Jauerling plateau. At the fork in the road, we keep diagonally right and walk to the old Schleinkhof farm. Here is also the stamp station of the stage. Then we descend through the forest with hairpin bends towards Aggsbach Markt. Over the so-called Schmuckstraße, we come to the first houses and continue into the village. Just before the railway tracks, we follow the street to the right and now walk towards the picturesque church. Continuing left, parallel to the Endlingbach, we shortly arrive at the marketplace in Aggsbach Markt, where our hike ends.
Directions
A1 to Melk exit, continue over B3 to Maria Laach or Aggsbach Markt
Parking
In the center of Maria Laach or at the campsite or at the Venussaal in Aggsbach Markt.
Unfortunately, the villages are not directly connected by public transport. We recommend for your return journey to the starting point the taxi company Bernhardt from Spitz, Tel.: 02713/2222.
There is a Nextbike rental station in Aggsbach Markt, www.nextbike.at
