1000-Schritte-Weg - Naturpark Heidenreichsteiner Moor

When choosing a route, make sure it’s appropriate for your fitness level. Check to see if the restaurants you plan to visit along the way are open. Pack your cell phone and maps in your backpack.

Sturdy shoes, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, maps, trekking poles if needed, first-aid kit (blister bandages), plenty of food (snacks, granola bars, fruit, water).

From the Nature Park Center, a trail about 300 meters long leads through the avenue of fruit trees toward the forest. The first part of the tour follows the Moor Educational Trail; after about 500 meters, the 1,000-Step Trail branches off to the right toward the “Hanging Rock.” Enjoy the atmosphere at this special place, explore the massive granite boulders, or take a break for a picnic. The return route heads northwest and eventually rejoins the Moor Educational Trail. The final stretch of the loop trail follows a meadow path through the Insect Land near the Nature Park Center. Alternatively, you can take the accessible return route through the fruit tree avenue.

Spacious parking lot with spaces for cars and buses, plus bike racks, an Ella electric vehicle charging station, and a bus turnaround area

From Vienna – A22 – Stockerau Nord exit – B4 to Horn – B2 to Göpfritz – about 2 km past the town (roundabout), take the B5 – Waidhofen/Thaya – after the bypass (roundabout), continue straight ahead – about 1 km past the town of Steinbruckhäuser, turn left toward the nature parkFrom Linz – via the A7 and B 310 to Freistadt – take the B38 to Karlstift – Take the B41 to Gmünd – continue on to Schrems – take the L30 to Heidenreichstein – drive through the town (toward Waidhofen/Thaya) – at the end of town, turn right toward the nature park (across from the turnoff to Motten)

From Linz, take the bus (Route 310) to Freistadt Böhmertor – (Route 1332) onward to Gmünd to the “Bahnhof” stop – (Route WA40) to Heidenreichstein. Take the Franz-Josefs-Bahn from Vienna to Gmünd – then take the Postbus to Heidenreichstein. Take the bus (Line 1028) from Vienna via Waidhofen/Thaya to Heidenreichstein. Take the bus or train from St. Pölten to Waidhofen/Thaya – then take the Postbus to Heidenreichstein.

After the hike, it’s worth stopping by the Nature Park Center, where homemade pastries and light bites are available to refuel. There’s a large nature playground for children.

For more information and the Nature Park Center’s current hours of operation, visit: www.naturpark-heidenreichsteiner-moor.at