ハウノルトシュタインのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

山頂の十字架からの眺め

The carved altar (1509) from Mauer near Melk is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period. The central section depicts Mary with Child and saints, while the wings feature scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. An altarpiece depicts a crucifixion. The woodcarver who created the altar, whose name is unknown, is referred to as the Master of the Altar of Mauer near Melk. (Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meister_des_Altars_von_Mauer_bei_Melk)

The Osterburg castle ruins in Haunoldstein are picturesquely situated on a triangular rock plateau above the Pielach Gorge. Its origins date back to the late 12th century. The first documented mentions mention the Counts of Peilstein as owners, including Count Friedrich V, who died in the castle in 1209. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the complex was expanded several times, particularly by Rudolf Turso von Tiernstein (1405). Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times, but fell into disrepair over time and is now a ruin. Despite its ruinous state, the Osterburg is a worthwhile destination. Visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of the walls and enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding landscape from there. The historic atmosphere and secluded location make it particularly attractive for history buffs and is worth a detour on the tour.

Sitzenthal Castle is a 16th-century castle building that was rebuilt and modernized by Count Ledochowska in the 19th century. On the upper floor, the castle has a colonnaded hall and rooms with ridge vaults, historical furniture and valuable paintings. Currently privately owned and therefore not accessible. Since then, the castle has been a fief of Melk Abbey and belonged to Count Ludwig Starhemberg, who was outlawed in 1619. In the 20th century, Sitzenthal came to the Barons Hammerstein-Equord. The poet and politician Hans Hammerstein-Equord (d. 1947), who was born here in the castle, was Austrian Federal Minister of Justice in 1936 and a prisoner in the Mauthausen concentration camp after 1938. More about the story: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Sitzenthal

A small detour from the Dunkelsteinerwald circuit is a cross with a beautiful view of the town and beyond.

Beautiful church in the Pielachtal, the Dunkelsteinerwald circuit leads past it.

A beautiful castle above the Pielach, unfortunately not open to the public.

In December 2023, the path through the Pielachenge was closed due to some fallen trees (ash trees dying). The corresponding note is only just before Haunoldstein and is so nonsensical. A section of the path is very narrow and slippery; sure-footedness is required when it is wet!