Seekopf Aussichtswarte und Hirschwand

The Wachau hike to the 671 m high Seekopf promises fascinating stone formations, beautiful views and mostly family-friendly paths. It starts at the Oberkienstock parking lot with the Meurersteig trail, which is also known as the "Stoamandl trail" for good reason: seven cairns line the path. The man-sized rock formations traditionally have a scarf tied around them and a hat on. According to legend, seven men observed the activities of witches and other women - and were therefore turned into stone.

The easily accessible paths and trails lead in steep serpentines to the viewing platform at the Seekopf summit. The hike is therefore also suitable for beginners and families with children. Important: Take plenty of provisions with you, as there is no refreshment stop. The tour leads through landscapes of gneiss rocks as well as oak and pine forests. Once you reach the top, a 15-metre-high observation tower built in state-of-the-art timber construction awaits you and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Danube valley, Göttweig Abbey, Ötscher, Dürrenstein and the Tullnerfeld. You can enjoy the view here in this airy atmosphere (no roofing). The viewing platform on the Seekopf (671m) is freely accessible all year round.

Accessibility: by car on the right bank of the Danube after the village of Bacharnsdorf approx. 2 km there is a parking area in Oberkienstock. From here, the Seekopf can be reached via the Meurersteig in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The viewing platform can also be reached via the World Heritage Trail in the Rossatz-Arnsdorf section. From Rossatz and from Arnsdorf it is a 3-hour walk.

Advanced (or additionally secured) hikers can also use the miniature via ferrata on the Hirschwand (620 m): around half an hour's walk from the Seekopf summit, you can climb this 15-metre-high rock face - via two secured via ferrata routes. From here, you can hike down the World Heritage trail to St. Lorenz. Tip: In addition to a well-deserved visit to a Wachau wine tavern, a visit to the old church of St. Lorenz with its Romanesque nave is also worthwhile.

Location
Wachau, near St. Lorenz

Viewpoints
Viewpoint at the Seekopf with panoramic views of the Wachau: Views of the Danube, Göttweig Abbey, Ötscher and Dürrenstein and the Tullnerfeld
Accessibility for hikers
From the Oberkienstock parking lot - Steinige Ries - Hirschwand - Seekopf

Duration
The Seekopf/Hirschwand hike takes around 4 hours including ascent and descent.

Extra tip: Ascend the Hirschwand via the rear (= more difficult) side in order to descend on the front (= easier) side. The short but challenging Hirschwand ascent is more suitable for advanced hikers: beginners and children should be additionally secured.