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
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety 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
Am Eibetsberg
Gr. Peilstein 1061m
Kl. Peilstein 1024m
Nonnersdorfer Kreuz
Aussichtsberg Burgsteinmauer
Barrierefreie Aussichtsplattform Braunegg
Astronomical Centre Martinsberg
Aussichtswarte am Kollnitzberg
Aussichtspavillon am Albrechtsberger Kraftweg
Steingiganten am Wachtstein
Schloss Leiben
Maria Taferl
Spielerkreuz
Hasling
Losau
Losau
Hasling
Unterthalheim
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
Author’s map recommendations
The Lebensweg Hiking JOURNAL is available at Waldviertel Tourism and can be ordered online at:
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions