The first advanced civilizations of mankind were accompanied by the development of trade, which also established the oldest form of travel. Around the time of Christ's birth, the Romans were looking for the safest possible route to bring one of the greatest treasures of the time, the legendary amber, from the Baltic to the port of Aquileia on the Adriatic coast. A corridor that avoided both the unprotected expanses of the Pannonian Puszta and the impassable Alps was ideal for this purpose. Following this seam between the two world landscapes from north to south, a path was created exactly where Burgenland stretches today. The Roman Amber Road.
Description
Isn't it a fascinating idea to lace up your hiking boots and follow in the footsteps of the Romans along the myth-enshrouded Roman Amber Road? From the Carnuntum legionary camp in the north to the Roman burial mounds near St. Martin an der Raab in the south. And above all to discover Burgenland and its treasures step by step in between: The Neusiedler See - Seewinkel National Park, countless cultural monuments, relaxing thermal baths and the cozy wine taverns and cellar lanes in the idyllic vineyards. You will spend the night in authentic, hiker-friendly accommodation and can take advantage of the award-winning long-distance hiking services of the Trail Angels at the "Official Bernstein Trail Info & Booking Center". The two detours into neighboring Hungary turn this journey of discovery into unlimited hiking pleasure.
This is pleasure hiking between the Alps and the Puszta. The Bernstein Trail is aimed at the connoisseurs among long-distance hikers, who counter the hectic pace of everyday life with the conscious courage to slow down. The focus is not on records or best performances, but on the conscious discovery of Burgenland: insights into its beguiling diversity of nature and culture. Lingering in enchanting places, the wine, the typical Burgenland cuisine and inspiring encounters with warm-hearted people. All this makes the Bernstein Trail a fascinating and sustainable hiking tour off the beaten track. It is also ideal in spring or late fall, when the mild, Pannonian-influenced climate of Burgenland is already or still providing the best hiking conditions.
Starting point of the tour
Roman quarter in Carnuntum
Destination point of the tour
Roman burial mounds in St. Martin an der Raab
Route description BERNSTEIN TRAIL Eastern route | Enjoyable hiking between the Alps and the Puszta
For a closer look, you can find information on the individual stages here. The times given are average values and may vary depending on personal fitness, number and length of rest breaks, weather conditions, etc.
By train: The following train stations are at your disposal: Vienna Central Station, Parndorf, Neusiedl am See, Deutschkreuz, Jennersdorf and Köszeg. The Bernstein Trail is therefore very suitable for traveling by train.
By plane: The following international airports can be recommended for traveling by plane - Vienna, Bratislava and Graz.
Author's tip
The best time of year for a trail trip on the Bernstein Trail is from the beginning of March to the end of November, depending on the general weather conditions.
- With a season start in March, the Bernstein Trail is probably Austria's earliest accessible long-distance hiking trail.
- The Bernstein Trail is particularly attractive in spring when the fruit trees are in bloom and in fall during the grape harvest.
- Theoretically, you can also hike the Bernstein Trail in winter due to the lack of continuous snow cover, but it is much more enjoyable at other times of the year.
- Pay attention to the seasonal times of the ferry between Illmitz and Rust if you do not book via the Bernstein Trail Info & Booking Center.
- It can get very hot in midsummer, as you usually hike at altitudes below 500 m above sea level on the Bernstein Trail.
