Über die Weinviertler Gipfeln- Gipfeltour von Mistelbach nach Stockerau

Rain gear, hiking boots, drinking water, camera, etc.

The starting point for the first day is the Mistelbach train station; from here, you’ll walk to Hüttendorf, where you’ll join the Weinviertel Way of St. James. With your water bottles well-filled at the Way of St. James fountain at Paukerspitz in Hüttendorf, you’ll set off on an exciting day of pilgrimage.

From Mistelbach Station, you’ll join the Weinviertel Way of St. James at the entrance to Hüttendorf. On a clear day, you can already see the Buschberg here—at 491 m, the highest peak in the Weinviertel. The trail takes you through the village and into the Leiser Forest.

The Buschberg—the highest peak in the Weinviertel

Hiking through the Leiser Forest, surrounded by the Leiser Mountains, you’ll reach the Buschberg after about 6 km. You’ll hike up to the Buschberg and reach the summit cross. Here, at an elevation of 492 m, you’ll reach the highest point in the Weinviertel. If you follow the signposted turnoff, you’ll reach the Buschberghütte, the lowest-altitude Alpine Club hut in Austria. On a clear day, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Weinviertel from the Buschberg. Here, you can look back on the section of the Way of St. James you’ve already completed, or gaze ahead at the stretch still lying before you. Take in the magnificent panoramic view and truly breathe in the Weinviertel!

Via Ernstbrunn to Großrußbach

The route continues to the Maria Oberleis pilgrimage church. Once there, you can climb to the observation deck on the Oberleiserberg and enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Weinviertel. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Carpathians, the Rax, the Schneeberg, and the Pollauer Mountains in neighboring Czech Republic. Via Steinbach, you’ll then reach Ernstbrunn. Here, the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park and its Wolf Science Center are two Excursion destinations you shouldn’t miss. From Ernstbrunn, the trail continues via Gebmanns and Hipples to Großrußbach, the destination of the first day’s stage.

After this strenuous day of pilgrimage, the Jägerwirt in Großrußbach offers the perfect opportunity to relax, reflect on the distance you’ve already covered, and prepare for the route ahead. With a clear head, you can tackle the second day’s stage the following day.

Day 2: Großrußbach–Stockerau

You’re now at the entrance to the romantic Kreuttal valley. At the 15th-century three-nave parish church in Großrußbach—just as in all the other churches along the route—you can get a stamp for your pilgrim’s passport.

The trail leads you to Weinsteig, where, just before you enter the town, a beautiful rest area with a statue of St. James invites you to linger. From there, continue your pilgrimage to Karnabrunn; at the Scheit Winery, there’s a special “Way of St. James” wine that you shouldn’t miss. Karnabrunn also captivates visitors with its Trinity Pilgrimage Church—a peek inside is definitely worth it! You’ll continue on toward Niederhollabrunn, where, at the edge of the forest, you’ll turn toward Michelberg. You’ll pass through the Rohrwald, which offers a truly refreshing respite, especially on hot days of pilgrimage. After the reed forest comes Michelberg; the panoramic view that opens up before your eyes here makes all the effort fade into oblivion, invites you to linger, and allows you to recharge your energy for the rest of the journey.

St. James’ Church in Leitzersdorf

Rejuvenated, you continue on over the Waschberg—located in the heart of the “Weinviertler Klippenzone” Natura 2000 protected area—toward Leitzersdorf. Here, the flora and fauna are impressive; rare orchid species line the path, and the diversity of wildlife fascinates pilgrims. Once you arrive in Leitzersdorf, you’ll reach St. James’ Church. From there, you’ll continue your pilgrimage to Stockerau, your final destination, where you can easily take the S-Bahn home on trains running every half hour. Be sure not to miss the Stockerau Parish Church, which boasts the tallest church tower in Lower Austria, and the pilgrim roll specially created by the Labschütz Bakery.

There are plenty of parking spaces available at the Mistelbach train station.

Mistelbach can be reached by car via the A5 highway (Mistelbach/Schrick exit). From the highway exit, it is about 7 km to the Mistelbach train station.

The tour starts right at the train station in Mistelbach, which is served by regular trains from Vienna.

The destination is the parish church in Stockerau. There is also a train station nearby with regular service to Vienna.