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Mountain Hike recommended route Mountain Hike  · Waldviertel

Entire Lebensweg

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  • Life path
    Life path
    Photo: Waldviertel Tourismus, Melanie Többe

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    The Lebensweg in the Waldviertel is more than just a long-distance hiking trail - it is a journey to yourself. Nestled in the tranquil, pristine landscape of the southern Waldviertel in northern Lower Austria, this long-distance hiking trail combines an experience of nature with inner contemplation. Granite formations, mystical forests, wild waters, clear streams and wide plateaus characterize the region and create a special atmosphere of peace and strength. The trail is symbolically structured: Each of the 13 stages stands for a stage of human life - from departure to completion. In this way, hiking itself becomes a reflection on one's own journey through life.
    moderate
    Distance 268.5 km
    75:15 h
    5,877 m
    5,877 m
    1,052 m
    277 m

    Stage 1: Parental Love – Conception
    The beginning of life is symbolically depicted: New life emerges from the union of two people. This stage represents origin, energy, and the first impulse of existence.

    • Start: Laimbach
    • Highlights along the way: The Giant Fish at Ostrong, Peilstein Summit, Red Cross
    • Length: approx. 27 km
    • Walking time: approx. 8:30 h

    Stage 2: Pregnancy and Birth—Crossing Boundaries / The First Transition
    The phase of growing up in secret. Development, protection, and preparation for life outside the womb take center stage, leading up to birth as the first major transition.

    • Start: Nöchling
    • Highlights along the way: Nochilingastein, Loseneggerklamm, Herb Display and Tasting Garden, Hauptmann Mayer Rest Area, Das Steinerne Kornmandl, Herzstein, Ysper Parish Church
    • Length: approx. 19 km
    • Walking time: approx. 5:45 h

    Stage 3: 0–6 Years – The Early Years
    Early childhood is a time of learning through experience: trust, security, and first impressions shape this period. The world is discovered through play.

    • Start: Ysper
    • Highlights along the way: Ysper Gorge
    • Length: approx. 19 km
    • Walking time: approx. 5:30 h

    Stage 4: Ages 6–14 – Learning
    School years and the acquisition of knowledge broaden horizons. Social interactions, rules, and skills continue to develop and shape one’s personality.

    • Start: Dorfstetten
    • Highlights along the way: Pfaffensteg Pond, Schlesinger Pond, Weinsberg Ruins, Hansl Pond, Gutenbrunn Inhalatorium
    • Length: approx. 24 km
    • Walking time: approx. 6:40 h

    Stage 5: Adolescence – Age 20 – the “wild” years
    A time of change: emotions, the search for identity, and the first major decisions. Relationships and self-discovery take center stage.

    • Start: Gutenbrunn
    • Highlights along the way: Edlesberger Lake, Giant Heart Life Path, source of the Kleine Krems River, Hubertus Chapel
    • Length: approx. 21 km
    • Walking time: approx. 5:30 h

    Stage 6: Ages 20–30 – Building a Life
    The transition into adulthood: Career, independence, and important life decisions shape this phase. The foundations for the future are laid.

    • Start: Kirchschlag
    • Highlights along the way: The Metzen, Wachau marble
    • Distance: approx. 17 km
    • Walking time: approx. 4:40 h

    Stage 7: Ages 30–40 – Integration / Settling Down
    Stability and responsibility increase. Family, career, and social ties become more solid; life takes on structure and consistency.

    • Start: Els
    • Highlights along the way: Zwickl, Denkstein, Großreinprechts Parish Church, Teufelsstein
    • Length: approx. 29 km
    • Walking time: approx. 9:00 h

    Stage 8: Ages 40–50 – Self-Awareness / Doubt
    A time for reflection: One questions the life lived so far. New paths or changes may emerge, accompanied by self-confidence and a search for meaning.

    • Start: Sallingberg
    • Highlights along the way: Hörtingersäge, poppy garden, railroad bridge at Weyrerteich
    • Length: approx. 17 km
    • Walking time: approx. 4:45 h

    Stage 9: Ages 50–60 – Harvest / New Freedom
    Experience and achievements bear fruit. Often, new opportunities arise to explore interests more deeply and enjoy life more fully.

    • Start: Bad Traunstein
    • Highlights along the way: Edlesberger Lake, Wachtstein & Outdoor Living Room, Franzosenstein, Wiegenstein, source of the Große Krems
    • Length: approx. 15 km
    • Walking time: approx. 4:00 h

    Stage 10: Ages 60–75 – Health / Retirement
    The transition toretirement brings more time for oneself.Health, reflection, and a mindful approach to life take center stage.

    • Start: Martinsberg
    • Highlights along the way: Mildner Memorial Cross, Pöggstall Castle Pond, Braunegg Viewing Platform, Kreuzriedel
    • Length: approx. 26 km
    • Walking time: approx. 7:45 h

    Stage 11: Ages 75–99 – Wisdom / Peace
    A phase of life marked by serenity. Experiences crystallize into wisdom, and the need for inner peace grows.

    • Start: Raxendorf
    • Highlights along the way: Nonnersdorf Cross, Dr. Jörg Mauthe Millennium Sundial, the region’s mother church, Spielerkreuz, Old Stone Bridge “Römerbrücke”
    • Length: approx. 21 km
    • Walking time: approx. 6:10 h

    Stage 12: Death and Beyond—Crossing the Border / The Second Transition
    The end of life is understood as atransition. This stage invites you to reflect on transience and the unknown that lies beyond.

    • Start: Leiben
    • Highlights along the way: Viewing platform at Henzing, wooden bell tower in Losau, bridge in the Schwarztal, Artstetten Castle—crypt
    • Length: approx. 15 km
    • Walking time: approx. 4:00 h

    Stage 13: Origins – Grandparents and Ancestors
    The circle closes: a look back at origins and roots. A connection to past generations and the greater whole becomes apparent.

    • Start: Maria Taferl
    • Highlights along the way: Maria Taferl Basilica, Kollnitzberg observation deck
    • Distance: approx. 17 km
    • Walking time: approx. 4:40 h

    Let us take care of the organization and your luggage so you can fully enjoy your hiking experience. >> PLAN YOUR TRIP

    Author’s recommendation

    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    1,052 m
    Lowest point
    277 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
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    Jun
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    Sep
    Oct
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    Track types

    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

     

    Tips and suggestions

    Association for the Establishment and Expansion of the Lebensweg
    3631 Ottenschlag, Unterer Markt 10 
    (E) office@lebensweg.info
    (I) www.lebensweg.info

    Ysper Weitental Tourism Office
    3683 Yspertal, Hauptstraße 9
    (T) +43 7415 6767 25
    (E) info.yw@waldviertel.at

    Waldviertel Tourism
    3910 Zwettl, Sparkassenplatz 1/2/2
    (T) +43 2822 54109
    (E) info@waldviertel.at
    (I) www.waldviertel.at

    Roadbook

    Laimbach - Peilstein - Hofamt Priel (on the municipal border) - Nöchling - St. Oswald - Yspertal - Ysperklamm - Dorfstetten - Bärnkopf - Gutenbrunn - Edlesbergerteich - Martinsberg - Kirchschlag - Kottes - Els - Albrechtsberg - Lichtenau (on the municipal border) - Groß Reinprechts - Sallingberg - Ottenschlag - Bad Traunstein - Edlesbergerteich - Martinsberg - Pöggstall - Braunegg - Raxendorf - Weiten - Leiben - Artstetten - Maria Taferl - Münichreith - Laimbach

    Public transport

    Plan your arrival: www.lebensweg.info/home-2/anreise/

    Directions

    From Vienna via the A22 Stockerau – via Krems S5 and B37 to the Waldviertel
    From Vienna via the A1 St. Pölten – S33 Krems – B37 to the Waldviertel
    From Salzburg or Upper Austria – Linz – A1 exit Ybbs – B36 to the Waldviertel

    Coordinates

    DD
    48.316993, 15.123170
    DMS
    48°19'01.2"N 15°07'23.4"E
    UTM
    33U 509131 5351541
    w3w 
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Author’s map recommendations

    The Lebensweg Hiking JOURNAL is available at Waldviertel Tourism and can be ordered online at:

    https://waldviertel.myproduct.at/lebensweg-tourentagebuch-weitwandern-im-suedlichen-waldviertel-waldviertel-tourismus

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

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    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    268.5 km
    Duration
    75:15 h
    Ascent
    5,877 m
    Descent
    5,877 m
    Highest point
    1,052 m
    Lowest point
    277 m
    Round trip

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

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