The 2nd stage of the Viennese Alps route (WAB) heads gently uphill and downhill over fields, meadows, groves of trees, and settlements through a world of humps and hills.
Description
The long-forgotten paths of the Bucklige Welt, known back in the pre-medieval era, are explored in part during this second stage. These paths follow the ups and downs of the hilly landscape in the Bucklige Welt. Changing perspectives appeal to the hiker at every turn, and the changes in landscape are pleasantly surprising. From the Bergkirche Pitten vantage point, there are tremendous panoramic views over the valley basin to the Rax, Schneeberg, and the Piestingtal valley.
Starting point of the tour
Bad Erlach, Therme Linsberg Asia
Destination point of the tour
Thernberg, Landgasthof Thaler
Route description WAB - Stage 2: Bad Erlach - Thernberg
The second stage starts at the Therme Linsberg Asia car park. We continue south along the path between the Therme and the car park to the edge of the forest, turn left and carry on along the edge of the forest to the road. Alternatively, go right via the Waldfriedhof cemetery back to the road. Go right on the road and then turn left at a car park on an access road to the Waldfriedhof. We go over the track and reach Bad Erlach again, turn right onto Schwarzer Weg and continue alongside the rails until it merges with Brunner Straße. We veer left via Pitten, briefly switch over to the right onto Uferstraße, and then continue along to Apotheke zum Heiligen Georg. At the chemists, we turn left onto Georg-Gottschall-Straße before going straight on to Aspanger Straße. Keep left on Bergstraße before the plague memorial at a car park. Head uphill along the road uphill to the footpath at the Bergkirche and turn right onto a hiking path uphill to the castle before the entrance to the church. A detour to the Bergkirche, with its glockenspiel and miniature houses, is highly recommended. If you want to see the Felsenkirche, which is reached via a path on the right alongside the Bergkirche, please phone 0664/73403891.
We cross over a forest road, then after a few metres land on another forest road. Pitten Castle, which is in private hands, can be found on the left and we head off right onto the forest road. After 100 metres we veer right at the crossroads towards Leiding. Always follow the forest path heading towards Leiding. Back in open fields the view makes it clear why the Bucklige Welt has its name with the many hills, before we soon go downhill along a paved road into the centre of Leiding. We walk straight ahead, past the church, back onto the road to Thernberg. The route continues along pleasant gravel paths and tracks up towards Stanghof then start descending towards Neustift with views of the ruins of Thernberg Castle. When at the end of the track, we turn left onto the road to Thernberg. With these blind curves, take care and be wary until the village and Landgasthaus Thaler are reached.
Directions
If you are travelling from Vienna on the A2, turn onto the S4 towards Eisenstadt when reaching Wiener Neustadt, then leave the S4 at the Wiener Neustadt Süd exit before turning left into Günser Straße. Follow the signs to Bad Erlach. If you are travelling from Graz on the A2, leave the motorway at Seebenstein and continue along the B54. Follow the signs to Bad Erlach
Parking
Car parking is available at Therme Linsberg Asia.
Take the train via Wiener Neustadt to Bad Erlach railway station.
More information can be found at www.oebb.at
Author's tip
How does a relaxing visit and overnight stay at the Therme Spa Hotel Linsberg Asia sound before your hike? Beer connoisseurs can enjoy the wide range of beers from Wolfsbräu in Thernberg.