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Aussichtswarte am Seekopf: Panoramic Views of the Wachau

Experience panoramic views of the Wachau's Danube Valley from the Aussichtswarte am Seekopf, a modern wooden observation tower accessible via scenic hiking trails.

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Ascend the Aussichtswarte am Seekopf for unparalleled panoramic views of the Wachau's Danube Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. This modern wooden observation tower provides panoramic views that stretch across the Danube Valley, encompassing iconic landmarks such as Göttweig Abbey, the Ötscher mountain range, Dürrenstein, and the expansive Tullnerfeld plain.

A brief summary to Aussichtswarte am Seekopf

  • 3621, AT
  • 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

  • Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly, as the summit can be exposed to the elements.
  • Take enough provisions with you, because there is no possibility to stop for refreshments.
  • Consider combining your hike with a visit to a local Heuriger (wine tavern) for a taste of Wachau's culinary delights.
  • If you're feeling adventurous, try the mini via ferrata at the nearby Hirschwand for a thrilling climbing experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from Krems or Melk, follow the B33 to Bacharnsdorf. Continue for approximately 2 km on the right bank of the Danube to Oberkienstock. Park at the free Seekopf car park (Meurersteig) at Weinstraße 8, 3621 Oberkienstock. From the parking lot, follow the Meurersteig trail to the Aussichtswarte am Seekopf (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).

  • Public Transport

    From Melk or Krems, take the train to either town and then continue with the Wachau bus line 720 to the "Oberkienstock Bundesstraße" stop. From there, follow the signs to the Seekopf Aussichtswarte, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour hike via the Meurersteig trail. A single bus fare is approximately €3-5.

  • Walking

    For those already hiking the Wachau World Heritage Trail, the Aussichtswarte am Seekopf can be reached via the Rossatz-Arnsdorf section. From Rossatz or Arnsdorf, the hike to the tower takes approximately 3 hours. Follow the well-marked trails and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

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Discover more about Aussichtswarte am Seekopf

The Aussichtswarte am Seekopf, a prominent landmark in the Wachau region of Lower Austria, offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the area's stunning natural beauty. Perched atop the Seekopf mountain, which rises to an elevation of 671 meters, this modern wooden observation tower provides panoramic views that stretch across the Danube Valley, encompassing iconic landmarks such as Göttweig Abbey, the Ötscher mountain range, Dürrenstein, and the expansive Tullnerfeld plain. The history of the Seekopf as a vantage point dates back to 1882 when the Krems-Rossatz section of the Austrian Alpine Association erected an observation tower. After the section's dissolution, the Austrian Tourist Club took over the tower. However, a storm soon caused the tower to collapse. Due to the unobstructed views afforded by logging activities, the decision was made not to rebuild it at the time. It wasn't until the 1990s that the idea of a new observation tower resurfaced, spearheaded by the "Jankerl-Club-Rossatz" under the leadership of Josef Mayer. The tower was inaugurated in 1993. The current tower, constructed in 2020, stands 11.2 meters tall and is freely accessible throughout the year. The hike to the summit is a rewarding experience in itself, with well-maintained trails winding through diverse landscapes of gneiss rocks, oak forests, and pine groves. The path is generally considered family-friendly, making it a popular choice for hikers of all ages and abilities. The Meurersteig trail, also known as the "Stoamandl-Weg," is a particularly scenic route, lined with seven cairns, traditionally adorned with scarves and hats. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the nearby Hirschwand offers a miniature via ferrata, a secured climbing route that allows hikers to scale a 15-meter rock face. This optional detour adds an element of excitement to the Seekopf experience, with stunning views from the summit of the Hirschwand. The Hirschwand is about half an hour's walk from the Seekopf summit. The Seekopf and Hirschwand hike can be combined into a 4-hour loop, starting from the Oberkienstock parking lot. While the Seekopf itself does not offer any dining or refreshment facilities, the surrounding area is home to numerous traditional Austrian restaurants and wine taverns. After a hike to the summit, visitors can indulge in local specialties and sample the region's renowned wines.

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