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Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park: The Roof of the Danube

Discover Austria's Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park: Hike scenic trails, explore vineyards, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Wachau region.

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The Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park, straddling the Wachau World Heritage Site and the southern Waldviertel, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Dominated by the Jauerling, the highest peak along the Danube, the park offers panoramic views, diverse hiking trails, and a rich history dating back to the Stone Age.

A brief summary to Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Explore the Jauerling summit for panoramic views extending from the Danube Valley to the Alps.
  • Hike the Jauerling-Runde, a 90km long-distance trail, for a comprehensive experience of the park’s diverse landscapes.
  • Visit the Nature Park House for regional cuisine and stunning views from the Wachau Terrace.
  • Check the local farmers' market in Maria Laach for regional specialties every Saturday.
  • Consider using public transport or Nextbike rentals to explore the park sustainably.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If arriving by car from the A1 motorway, take the Melk exit and cross the Danube bridge towards Wachau-Nordufer. At the roundabout in Emmersdorf, follow signs towards Spitz and then Maria Laach. Continue towards Jauerling following signs for Naturpark Jauerling-Wachau. Ample parking is available at the Naturparkhaus (Hans Pichler-Naturparkhaus), parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Krems or Melk, take a bus (Wachaulinie - WL1, Linie Melk-Pöggstall - WA50, Linie Am Schuss-Mühldorf-Spitz - WL5) to Spitz or Maria Laach. From Maria Laach Ortsmitte, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to the Nature Park House. Alternatively, from Spitz or Maria Laach, take a local taxi (Bernhardt in Spitz, Tel.: 0043(0)2713/2222 or Stummvoll in Mühldorf, Tel.: 0043(0)676/6242892) or a connecting bus to Jauerling/Naturparkhaus. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, but expect to pay around €3-5 for a single trip from Spitz or Maria Laach. Check the ÖBB website for the most up-to-date bus schedules and fares.

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Discover more about Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park

The Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park is a sprawling protected area encompassing 11,500 hectares, bridging the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau region and the southern Waldviertel. This unique location gives the park a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the Danube's fertile banks to the rugged slopes of the Jauerling, the highest mountain on the Danube's 2,850 km stretch. The park includes seven municipalities: Aggsbach, Emmersdorf, Maria Laach, Mühldorf, Raxendorf, Spitz, and Weiten, each adding to the region's character. The Jauerling, reaching 960 meters, offers panoramic views of the Danube Valley, the Dunkelsteinerwald forest, and even the Alps on clear days. Its slopes feature vineyards, meadows, and forests, creating a haven for diverse plant and animal life. Inhabited since the Stone Age, the Celts introduced wine growing, and the Middle Ages brought prosperity through salt markets and Danube trade. Churches and castle ruins stand as testaments to the past. Today, the park offers over 350 kilometers of trails for all abilities. Family trails offer education, while challenging routes like the Jauerling-Runde provide rewarding experiences. The Nature Park House, at 915 meters, offers regional cuisine and panoramic vistas. Visitors can explore the Bakery Museum Mühldorf and the Valley of Sundials. The park promotes responsible tourism and environmental conservation, balancing human activity and the natural world. Visitors can learn about the region's flora and fauna through nature education programs and guided tours. Established in 1973, the park faced collapse in 2002 but has re-emerged as a modern nature park focusing on sustainable nature education programs. In winter, the eastern slope of the Jauerling features a small ski area.

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