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 begins from the Oberkienstock parking lot with the Meurersteig, which is also called the "Stoamandl-Weg" for good reason: Seven cairns line the path. The man-high piled rock formations traditionally have a scarf tied around them and a hat on. According to legend, seven men observed the goings-on of witches and other women - and were therefore turned to stone.

The easily accessible trails and paths lead in steep serpentines to the viewing platform at the Seekopf summit. Therefore, the hike is also suitable for beginners and families with children. Important: Take enough provisions with you, because there is no possibility to stop for refreshments. The tour leads through landscapes of gneiss rocks as well as oak and pine forests. Once you have reached the top, a 15-meter-high lookout tower built in the most modern wooden construction awaits you and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Danube valley, Göttweig Abbey, Ötscher, Dürrenstein and the Tullnerfeld. In this airy atmosphere (no roofing) you can enjoy the view here. The lookout on the Seekopf (671m) is freely accessible at all times throughout the year.

Accessibility: by car on the right bank of the Danube after the village Bacharnsdorf about 2 km there is a parking possibility in Oberkienstock. From here the Seekopf can be reached via the Meurersteig in 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Furthermore, the lookout point can also be reached via the World Heritage Trail in the Rossatz-Arnsdorf section. From Rossatz and from Arnsdorf each in about 3 hours walk.

Advanced (or additionally secured) hikers can also use the miniature via ferrata of the Hirschwand (620 m): about half an hour's walk from the Seekopf summit, this rocky crag, which rises about 15 m, can be climbed - via two secured via ferrata routes. From here, the World Heritage Trail can be hiked down to St. Lorenz. Tip: In addition to a well-deserved visit to a Wachau wine tavern, it also pays to visit the old church of St. Lorenz with its Romanesque nave.

Location
Wachau, near St. Lorenz

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

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

Extra tip: At the Hirschwand, ascend 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.