The trail along the Lainsitz

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 82,18 km
Duration: 20:22 h
Ascent: 594 m elevation gain
Descent: 1092 m elevation gain

The cross-border long-distance hiking trail leads in four stages from the Lainsitz source in Karlstift to the small town of Chlum in the Czech Republic.

Starting point of the tour: Karlstift - at the Lainsitz source
Tour destination: Chlum (CZ)

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 82,18 km
Duration: 20:22 h
Ascent: 594 m elevation gain
Descent: 1092 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
3/6
Overall experience:
6/6
Scenery:
6/6

Lowest point481 m
Highest point1034 m

Stage tour
With refreshment stops

Downloads

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Description

The long-distance trail is divided into 4 daily stages. Numerous nature trails, nature parks, as well as lookout towers with extensive views over the region, are located along the route. Furthermore, historic towns and places are hiked through, including Weitra, Gmünd, and Litschau. Additionally, hikers have the opportunity to visit medieval castles, craft businesses, and natural monuments, for example the Blockheide in Gmünd with its bizarre rock formations.

Equipment Sturdy footwear, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, map material, if necessary telescopic poles, first aid kit (blister plasters), sufficient provisions (snack, muesli bars, fruit, water).Please do not leave any trash in the area!
Route description Stage I/1a: Lainsitz source – Weitra via Sankt Martin (28.5 km) The trail along the Lainsitz begins at the beautifully designed source in the form of a small chapel. Our path runs through the municipality of Karlstift and leads after six kilometers to the Lainsitz. Shortly afterward, the trail splits into two alternative routes. The main route continues into the beautiful valley and over the municipality of St. Martin to the historic town of Weitra.Alternative: Stage I/1b: Lainsitz source – Weitra via Nebelstein (27 km) The second variant leads to the highest point of the entire trail, the Nebelstein (1017 m). To conclude this stage, one hikes through the beautiful Gabrielental and finally reaches the stage destination Weitra.Stage I/2: Weitra – Gmünd (19.6 km) This stage runs without major elevation changes through forests, meadows, and fields. Also, some fish ponds typical of the Waldviertel are passed.A few kilometers before the largest city on the Austrian side – Gmünd – the route passes over an extensive plateau, rich in waters, and at the boundary of the plateau near Gmünd by large stone blocks, lying singly or in groups, typical for the Waldviertel area. The historic core of Gmünd with its small, very beautiful town hall and the famous facades of some Renaissance houses offers enthusiasts of classical architecture an experience. Also interesting is the waterfall that the Lainsitz forms in the middle of the town, directly at the border crossing to Česká Velenice.Stage I/3: Gmünd (Blockheide) - Litschau (25.2 km) From Gmünd, the route leads through gently rolling landscape with many beautiful forests parallel to the Czech border to the north. In the community of Brand lies a beautiful pond with a large swimming pool. Some may find the landscape reminiscent of the Czech Canada near Nová Bystřice, where both landscapes merge.Stage I/4: Litschau - Chlum (border crossing) (12.8 km)In the picturesque town of Litschau, below the old castle, the trail turns northwest. The route leads through a valley, past the recreational “Herrenteich,” ascends through forests, crosses the border, and after three kilometers reaches the end of section I, the small town of Chlum u Třeboně.Although we have moved away from the Lainsitz in Gmünd, we have not left its catchment area. The Reissbach flows through Litschau. The route of the entire section “Junge Lainsitz” basically runs through hilly terrain – in the only town on the trail, Gmünd, the hiking trail dips slightly below 500 m altitude.
Getting there Linz - via Freistadt - Sandl to KarlstiftVienna - A22 to Stockerau - S5 to Krems - B37 to Rastenfeld - B38 via Zwettl - Groß Gerungs - Langschlag to Karlstift
Editor’s tip At the end of the second section of the trail, a visit to the lookout tower in the Blockheide Gmünd beckons. From here, hiking enthusiasts enjoy a view far beyond the border region into the Czech Republic.

Current weather on site

3° to 4°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed5,6 km/h

2° to 5°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed3,1 km/h

Waldviertel Tourismus
3910 Zwettl, Sparkassenplatz 1/2/2
(T) +43 2822 54109
(E) info@waldviertel.at
(I) www.waldviertel.at