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Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park: The Roof of the Danube

Discover Austria's Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park: Hike, explore cultural heritage, and experience sustainable tourism in the Danube region.

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Nestled where the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau region meets the southern Waldviertel, the Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park offers diverse landscapes and experiences. The centerpiece is the Jauerling mountain, the highest point along the Danube River, providing panoramic views. Explore hiking trails, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism in this unique Austrian destination.

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 from the Danube Valley to the Alps.
  • Hike the Jauerling-Runde 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

  • 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, expect to pay around €3-5 for a single trip from Spitz or Maria Laach.

  • Driving

    If driving 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.

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Discover more about Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park

The Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park, spanning 11,500 hectares, connects the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau region with the southern Waldviertel. This unique location creates a diverse landscape, from the Danube's fertile banks to the Jauerling mountain's rugged slopes. The Jauerling, the highest point along the Danube, reaches 960 meters, offering breathtaking views. The park encompasses seven municipalities: Aggsbach, Emmersdorf, Maria Laach, Mühldorf, Raxendorf, Spitz, and Weiten, each adding to the region's character. Settled since the Stone Age, the area saw Celtic wine-growing and Middle Ages prosperity through salt markets and Danube trade. Today, it's a haven for outdoor adventures and cultural immersion. Hiking is popular, with over 350 kilometers of trails for all abilities. Family-friendly trails offer insights, while challenging routes like the Jauerling-Runde provide rewarding experiences. The Jauerling-Runde, a 90km trail, encircles the Jauerling, crossing the Danube and vineyards. Other attractions include the Wachau Terrace with Danube views, the Valley of Sundials, and the Nature Park House with regional cuisine and vistas. Visitors can explore the Bakery Museum Mühldorf, the Venusium, and enjoy Wachau donkey adventures and camel riding. The park promotes responsible tourism and environmental conservation. Established in 1973, it faced collapse in 2002 but was rebuilt. The park integrates nature conservation, education, regional development, and recreation, balancing human activity and nature. In winter, the Jauerling becomes a wonderland for winter sports, including skiing.

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