Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park: The Roof of the Danube

The Jauerling-Wachau Nature Park is a captivating destination blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. Situated where the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau region meets the southern Waldviertel, the park offers diverse landscapes, activities, and experiences. The centerpiece is the Jauerling mountain, the highest point along the Danube River at 960 meters. This strategic location provides breathtaking panoramic views across the Danube Valley, the Dunkelsteinerwald forest, and even as far as the Alps on clear days. The park encompasses seven municipalities: Aggsbach, Emmersdorf, Maria Laach, Mühldorf, Raxendorf, Spitz, and Weiten. Hiking is a major draw, with over 350 kilometers of well-maintained trails for all abilities. Family-friendly trails offer educational insights, while challenging routes like the pilgrimage trail and the Jauerling-Runde circular hiking trail provide rewarding experiences. The Jauerling-Runde, a 90km long-distance hiking trail, encircles the Jauerling, traversing the Danube and vineyards. Beyond hiking, the park offers attractions such as the Wachau Terrace with views of the Danube and the Valley of Sundials. The Nature Park House, at 915 meters, offers regional cuisine and panoramic vistas. Visitors can explore the Bakery Museum Mühldorf and the Venusium. The park is committed to sustainability, promoting responsible tourism and environmental conservation. It integrates nature conservation, education, regional development, and recreation to create a harmonious balance. The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with the Celts introducing wine growing and the Middle Ages bringing prosperity through salt markets and Danube trade.