Steingiganten am Wachtstein

The Wachtstein is a 958 meter high mountain in the Waldviertel. Its summit consists entirely of huge granite blocks and is accessible from two sides. Each of these unique stone giants of dark granite has its own history and legend.

Location: Middle Waldviertel, Zwettl, Bad Traunstein

Its summit rock is the highest in the surrounding area. A secured path leads up to it, from which you can safely jump to the top platform. From its viewing platform at 958 meters above sea level, the view extends to the Schneeberg and far into the Mühlviertel on clear days.

The village of Bad Traunstein lies below the Wachtstein. The Wachtstein is a popular excursion destination and the center of numerous festivals.

Trails on and around the Wachtstein

• An easy hike is the Stein-Gigantenweg trail no. 51, a themed circular trail that leads past the fascinating stone formations to the summit. The starting point for this approx. 1.5-hour hike is the parking lot of VS Bad Traunstein.
• There is also a mountain bike tour around the Wachtstein. The starting point of the Wachtstein route is from the Bad Traunstein bathing pond. A moderately difficult route. (Duration approx. 3:10 h)

Other stone giants

• The Franzosenstein - the Franzosenstein lies at the foot of the Wachtstein. It rests on its base at such an angle that you would think a small push would be enough to send it tumbling down. But the huge, oval granite block is estimated to weigh around 100,000 kg and won't budge an inch.
• The Wiegenstein - is a rocking stone in the middle of the forest, in the direction of Weidenegg along the panoramic hiking trail or Lebensweg. This stone is also shrouded in legend.
• The sacrificial stone - is also a relic from the Stone Age, which is said to have mystical powers. It is located in the church forest and can be reached via the Steingiganten hiking trail, at the foot of the Schulberg, in a northerly direction. It is a single large granite block, which has a large basin at the top in which water always stands.

Tips in the area

• The "Heilkräuter Schau- und Lehrgarten" at 911m is lovingly tended and cared for by the Traunsteiner Kräutertanten. It is located at the foot of the Wachtstein between naturally occurring and arranged stones.
• The Bad Traunstein leisure complex is located on the outskirts of the village. The heart of the leisure facility is the natural bathing pond. It is surrounded by a sunbathing lawn, playground, barbecue area, beach volleyball court and many other outdoor areas.
• The VIVEA Hotel Bad Traunstein is located in the Waldviertel, Austria's healthiest region. The 4-star hotel offers its guests numerous forms of therapy for their own well-being on an area of 2,650 m².
• The Gasthof zum Wachtsein invites you to stop off or even stay a while. In the harmonious surroundings, visitors are spoiled with Waldviertel home cooking and sweet variations made from poppy seeds.