Hike to Maidenberg and the ruins of Maidenburg Castle

The Maidenburg ruins

In the middle of the plains covering the border area between Austria and the Czech Republic stands a rocky hill, once an ideal location for a fortress. Here, in fact, the Maidenburg castle was built in 1222, later occupied by the Swedes in 1600 during the Thirty Years' War, then set on fire, abandoned, and reduced to ruins.

The ruins have been restored and are now visitable.

ROUTE AND PANORAMIC VIEW

The route goes a bit up and down along the sides of the hill before climbing to the top at the panoramic point. From here you can see from above the artificial reservoirs built along the Thaya River, now a nature reserve.

The path then continues along the trail towards the castle ruins.

From above you can also see what remains of Mušov, the village destroyed by the socialist government around 1970 to make way for a dam on the river and reservoir. What remains today of the old village is practically only the old Church of Saint Leonard, which is located on an island in the middle of the lakes.

DIRECTION

The hike can be done in both directions, and the path is clearly visible and marked. The area is very popular among locals for trekking and trail running, as well as simple walks.

VEGETATION

Low in the rockier areas. Forested at times even Mediterranean where the slope and terrain allow it. The hill is very green and flowery, and in spring the winds blowing across the vast plains of the area spread the fragrant scents of the flowers and plants growing lushly all around with large gusts.