Border Guard Circular Hiking Trail

of

The journey through the history of the border guards begins in the center of Kemeten. As early as the late 10th century, Hungarian border guards were building fortifications and lookout posts in the region. Kemeten was first mentioned in a document in 1475 and, after the severe upheavals of the two world wars, developed into a modern community.

02 – The 300-Year-Old Oak Tree in Kemeten

This mighty oak tree, approximately 300 years old, is one of the special natural landmarks along the trail. Seating areas, wooden sculptures, and a barefoot trail around the tree invite visitors to linger. A display beehive and nesting boxes also make the site an interesting nature experience.

03 – Source of the Burggrabenbach

The Burggrabenbach stream rises within the municipal boundaries of Wolfau. The stream continues through the region and eventually flows into the Strembach in Kemeten. The spring is located in a wooded area and, as a stop on the Border Guard Project, is part of the themed trail.

04 – Wolfau Wetland

The wetland north of Wolfau was created to provide a protected habitat for native plants and animals. Wetlands have become rare in our cultural landscape. With a little luck, you can spot frogs and dragonflies here, among other creatures.

05 –

Old

Wolfau Chapel

The old cemetery chapel in Wolfau was likely built in 1776. After being left to decay for many years, it was restored in 2020–21 thanks to a great deal of volunteer effort. Old photographs served as a model for the restoration. On a clear day, you can also enjoy a view toward the foothills of the Eastern Alps from here.

06 – Wolfau Mastodon Site

Fossilized bones were discovered at the former sand quarry at Wolfauer Sandriegel. The finds date back approximately 11.5 to 11.3 million years and include, among other things, the remains of mastodons and dinotheriums. A particularly impressive exhibit is a life-size femur.

07 – Celtic Burial Mounds along

the

Lafnitz

Numerous prehistoric and Roman burial mounds can be found along the Lafnitz. The Noric-Pannonian burial mounds were constructed by the local population between the 1st and 3rd centuries A.D. According to the customs of the time, the dead were cremated and buried along with grave goods. Some of the mounds are still visible in the landscape today.

08 – Wolfau

Manor The Wolfau Manor was built between 1827 and 1830 by the Counts of Batthyány. For a long time, it was a major agricultural operation and employer in the region. The preserved manor house is now surrounded by meadows, pastures, and dirt roads.

09 – Kemeten Burial Mound

Burial mounds are among the most striking archaeological traces of southern Burgenland’s past. Several such archaeological sites are known in the Kemeten area. Some are still visible as mounds in the landscape, while others have been leveled over the centuries.

10 – Three-Municipality Point

This is where the municipal boundaries of Kemeten, Wolfau, and Litzelsdorf meet. The site also symbolizes the joint “Border Guard” project, in which municipalities, associations, schools, and other institutions participated.

11 – Medieval Ring Wall Complex in Litzelsdorf

In the forest of Litzelsdorf lies a striking medieval ring wall complex. The plateau, approximately 55 meters in diameter, is surrounded by a rampart. However, the originally planned castle complex was never completed. The reasons for this are linked to the so-called Güssing Feud of 1291.

12 – Litzelsdorf Wine Culture and Kulturstadl

Litzelsdorf’s wine culture is closely tied to the so-called “Hechtnklescha.” Since the 1990s, the local grapes have been turned into wine by the Cultural and Beautification Association. The Kulturstadl houses the wine cellar and now serves as a community center for various activities.

13 – Roman Tombstone and Archaeological Finds

Numerous Roman artifacts have been discovered within the municipality of Litzelsdorf. Of particular note is the tombstone of Julia Vera, who is believed to have died between 100 and 150 AD. The tombstone was discovered in a burial mound and can now be viewed as a replica or artifact documentation at the municipal office.

14 – Parish Church and Litzelsdorf Viewpoint

The parish church dominates the townscape of Litzelsdorf and is situated on a hill overlooking the town. A church is said to have stood here as early as the Middle Ages; the current church was built in 1823. In addition to historical works of art, the site offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

15 – Körbelwald Burial Mound Field – the “Iron Barons”

There are numerous burial mounds in the Körbelwald. A total of 36 burial mounds at eight sites are known within the municipality of Litzelsdorf. The chronological classification is not clear for all of the burial mounds. The name “Iron Barons” refers to the Iron Age elites who profited from the mining and processing of bog iron ore.

16 – Kemeten Bomber Crash Site

On February 21, 1945, a U.S. B-24 bomber crashed here. The entire crew was able to escape by parachute. The crash set the forest on fire. Many parts of the aircraft wreckage were dismantled and reused after the war. Today, the crash site serves as a reminder

of

this event from the final months of World War II.

17 – Kemeten Manor and Manor Well

The former Kemeten manor is a reminder of the era of manorial rule. A contract dating from 1746 obligated local farmers not only to pay monetary taxes but also to perform extensive labor and to manage the manor farm. Today, the manor farm well and a few remaining walls are the primary reminders of the former complex.

 6. Landscape

The route winds through the diverse natural and cultural landscape of southern Burgenland. Wooded areas alternate with open meadows and farmland, villages, and stretches along the Lafnitz River. Particularly charming are the numerous historical traces, some of which have been preserved right in the middle of today’s cultural landscape.