Details for: Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg 612
Brief descriptionThe Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg leads through the "High Waldviertel", which invites you to hike. The landscape is shaped by extensive coniferous forests, heather, massive granite blocks, birch groves, fields, and meadows.
The circular hiking trail with a length of 59 km connects the towns Groß Gerungs – Rappottenstein – Schönbach – Arbesbach – Groß Gerungs.
When the circular hiking trail was laid out in the 1970s, it was intended to connect four towns, all of which were markets at the time. Another commonality is their founding in the 12th century. In 1983 Groß Gerungs was raised to town status, leaving only three markets. However, the name of the hiking trail remained, as market days are still held in Groß Gerungs. The "Stock tooth of the Waldviertel" in Arbesbach and Rappottenstein castle are certainly the highlights of this hike.
The circuit is divided into four sections:
Groß Gerungs - Rappottenstein (approx. 17.1 km)
Rappottenstein - Schönbach (approx. 14.1 km)
Schönbach - Arbesbach (approx. 11.4 km)
Arbesbach - Groß Gerungs (approx. 14.4 km)
Groß Gerungs
Destination point of the tourGroß Gerungs
Route description Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg 612
Groß Gerungs - Rappottenstein:
The first part of the Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg 612 takes us from Groß Gerungs to Groß Gundholz, over the Burgleiten and through the paradise in the Kamptal to Rappottenstein.
Rappottenstein - Schönbach:
The second part of the Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg 612 leads us from Rappottenstein past the castle of the same name, continuing through the scattered settlement Grötschen, Lichtenau to Schönbach.
Schönbach - Arbesbach:
The third part of the Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg 612 leads us from Schönbach westwards, past the Stieglitz Mill over the Münzenberg to Altmelon. Here the path turns northwards and ends in Arbesbach.
Arbesbach - Groß Gerungs:
The fourth and last part of the Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg 612 leads us from Arbesbach northwards through the village of Kamp and further over the Großer Kamp to Griesbach. Via Klein Wetzles and Marharts we reach the Zwettl valley. Now it goes in a northeast direction through Klein Reinprechts to Groß Gerungs.
Vienna: via the A22 to Stockerau, on the S5 to Krems, Zwettl and Groß Gerungs. Approx. 160 km, approx. 2 hours travel time
Via the A21 to the A1 to St. Pölten, S33 to Krems, Zwettl, Groß Gerungs. Approx. 160 km, approx. 2.5 hours travel time
Linz: via Freistadt, Karlstift to Groß Gerungs. Approx. 90 km, approx. 1.5 hours travel time
ParkingAt the main square in Groß Gerungs and at designated public parking lots.
Train:
By train to Groß Gerungs: from Vienna/Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof to Gmünd main station.
All departure times at www.oebb.at or phone: 05 17 17 (from Gmünd with the Waldviertelbahn only in the summer months on weekends and public holidays).
Bus:
Please check the departure times from your place of residence to Groß Gerungs at www.vor.at.
Sturdy footwear, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, map materials, optionally telescopic poles, first aid kit (blister plasters), sufficient provisions (snacks, muesli bars, fruit, water).
Safety informationMake sure the route you choose matches your fitness level. Check whether the gastronomy businesses you want to visit along the way are open. Pack your mobile phone and map material in your backpack.
Map recommendationsFreytag & Berndt - WK 076 Nebelstein - Gmünd - Weitra - Groß Gerungs - Weinsberger Wald, hiking map 1:50,000
KOMPASS hiking map Waldviertel, Kamptal, Wachau: 2 hiking maps 1:50,000 in a set including map for offline use in the KOMPASS app.
If you collect the hiking stamp for the successful completion of the route at the following inns, you can request the hiking badge of the Waldviertler Vier-Märkte-Weg at the Alpenverein Waldviertel.
Groß Gerungs: Gasthof Hirsch, Hauptplatz 20
Rappottenstein: Gasthaus Rotheneder
Schönbach: Gasthaus zum Lindenstüberl, Wolfgang Leonardelli
Altmelon: Kirchenwirt Lichtenwallner
