Via Trinitatis 2. Etappe: Ybbsitz - Opponitz

The second stage begins at the parish church in Ybbsitz, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This church serves as a reminder of one’s own baptism and of the Christian questions: “Where do I come from… where am I going?” These two questions recur throughout the pilgrimage.

The path leads through the village to Eisenstraße and immediately across the Prollingbach toward “Dr. Mayerpark.” Here, you set out on the “Schmiedemeile,” which now stretches for more than a kilometer, resembling a small art trail featuring the “Erlebnisbrücke.” Once you reach the highest point, continue your pilgrimage to the right of the Prollingbach stream until you reach the “Thannhäuser Schmiede.” It’s well worth taking a detour to the left across the bridge to the “Tannhäuser Steig.” A short but steep detour takes you to the “Prollinghöhle” and the nearby “Thannhäuserhöhle.” These two impressive sites offer a glimpse of the alpine formations of the Prochenberg.

Back on Prollingstraße, you cross the Prollingbach and rejoin the Schmiedemeile route. Passing a farmhouse and an artistic Schmiedemeile installation, you reach the “Einöd-Hammer.” The “Wehrsteg” there leads to Prollingstraße, which winds through the widening high valley toward “Kleine Kripp.” A major flood protection project is currently under construction here, designed to ward off future storm hazards for the lower-lying town of Ybbsitz.

The Prolling high valley is a popular cross-country skiing destination in winter. On approximately 8 km of perfectly groomed trails, visitors from near and far can enjoy this popular winter sport in excellent snow conditions. Hikers can stop for a break at the nearby “Prollinger G’wölb,” though opening hours should be checked in advance.

Follow the L 98 road to the “Groß Meierhof” turnoff and stay on the farm driveway for about 1.3 km. There, the paved road turns into a gravel path, which joins the trail to the “Pechholzkapelle” immediately after the crest of the hill. This gem, nestled in the midst of a mixed beech forest, is a popular excursion destination. Since the mountain bike route runs parallel here, riders should show mutual consideration.

Follow this route to the fork at the forest clearing, then take the farm driveway slightly to the right, heading downhill, past two farmhouses, until you reach the turnoff that leads left onto Hiking Trail 17 “Steinwand – Mirenau” toward Opponitz. The path toward Steinwand is a wonderful forest trail and, on a clear day, offers a surprising view of the Sonntagberg. Finally, you pass the “Steinwand” house and follow the road to Mirenau and the tunnel power plant operated by Wiener E-Werke.

Keep to the left at the back of the power plant and take the interesting “Steinhausweg.” Part of this trail is carved into the sloping hillside, passing by the intake tunnel and running under the power plant’s overflow channel. Your gaze falls on the crystal-clear Ybbs River below, which flows here like a mountain stream.

Following the riverbed, you reach the village of Opponitz at the Ybbs Bridge. Follow the road into the village until you reach the bridge over the Opponitzbach. A short distance beyond that, past the cemetery, you’ll reach the parish church of St. Kunigunde, the second stop on this stage. Information on dining and lodging options can be found in the pilgrim guide.

A tip: The nearby rest and swimming area on the Ybbs is perfect for an evening ritual or simply to relax. You’ll reach it on the way back to the Ybbs Bridge; cross the river along the “Ybbstalradweg” and, just before the “Opponitz Tunnel,” turn right downhill to find the gentle, expansive Ybbs beach.