Niederleis – Buschberg Runde

Sturdy footwear, headgear

Starting at the “harry” Raab art gallery, walk along the road toward Buschberg. After just a few meters, you’ll pass the Die Landwirtin inn, where you can stop for a quick bite to eat. If desired, you can also start the hike here. Parking is available.

Passing Niederleis Castle, on the road toward Buschberg, turn left at the second hairpin bend onto a dirt road that leads to the so-called “Pfaffenbründl.” The trail follows the idyllic little stream, which is fed by the spring mentioned above. Then the trail continues uphill through the forest. It joins another dirt road, where you keep to the right and, after a short while, reach the road again. Finally, you’ll reach the Buschberg parking lot and the “4 Seasons” sundial, a walk-through and “sit-on” artwork by Niederleis artist “harry” Raab featuring ceramic elements by Georg Olbrich.

Without any particularly steep inclines, you can now hike up the paved switchbacks to the Buschberg Hut, or take the more challenging route to the left across the meadow. Once at the top, the size of the radar dome is impressive, and at the Schatzgräberhütte you can find out about children’s programs and events in the region. The Buschberghütte, the lowest-altitude hut of the Austrian Alpine Club, with its cozy tables and benches under the shady pine trees, invites you to take a relaxing break.

On the way back, take the path past the old fortified settlement—colloquially known as Schwedenschanze—and the summit cross, which isn’t actually located at the highest point of the Buschberg. That’s where the radar station is located. The trail now descends over rocky terrain toward Oberleis and then continues along a vehicle road known as the “Höhenweg.” From here, you have a beautiful view of the Oberleiser Berg with its pilgrimage church and observation tower.

Slightly hidden behind a large hawthorn bush, you’ll find the signpost and the dirt road branching off at an acute angle toward Au. This path then leads downhill through a shady section of forest and then turns left across open fields back to the road to Niederleis.

Parking is available right at the starting point, at the Kunsthaus.

Before turning left toward Au, there’s an observatory a short distance further along the path; turn left there and follow the path until you reach the lounge chairs.

Before starting the hike, visitors are encouraged to check out the “harry” Raab Art House with its unique Sculpture Nature Garden. The studio is open from May through October on the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Niederleis Castle at the edge of town is privately owned by the Schaffgotsch family. Guided tours for groups of 8 or more are available by appointment at 02576 3184.

The studio at the Olbrich Ceramics Farm is also open every first Sunday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.