Wachau Valley Dunkelsteiner Forest: Arnsdorf - Maria Langegg - Aggstein ruins

From Oberarnsdorf we ride on the Danube Cycle Path to Mitterarnsdorf. There we turn onto the L7118 to Maria Langegg. The road meanders from the village, steadily rising, past apricot and vineyards into the Dunkelsteiner Forest. Soon the asphalt will come to an end. We leave life behind on the Danube and immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the forest.

It goes steadily uphill in a southerly direction until we arrive at the highest point at about 660 m at Kastlkreuz. From there it goes at a rapid ride down to Nesselstauden where we turn right and drive 2 km to Maria Langegg.

In Maria Langegg we are drawn to the guest garden of the Klosterstüberl for a well-deserved refreshment. Then we continue through the forest to the Aggstein ruins. From the castle ruins you have a beautiful view of the Danube.

On the road we drive down to Aggstein and along the Danube Cycle Path back down the river towards Mautern. Passing St. Johann im Mauerthale and many apricot and vineyards, we reach the starting point in Oberarnsdorf.

We start the tour in Oberarnsdorf at the Donauplatzl. With a view of the other side, we ride comfortably on the Danube Cycle Path along the river towards Mautern. We see Hinterhaus and above Hinterhaus the Hinterhaus Castle Ruins. Furthermore, the Thousand Bucket Mountain and Spitz. In Mitterarnsdorf we drive up the L1178 into the Kupfer Valley along the Dürren Creek in a southerly direction. Passing apricots and wine gardens, we approach the beginning of the Dunkelsteiner Forest. The asphalt ends and it goes steadily uphill. A leisurely stroll through the forest on a mountain bike, where you will meet almost no one. We are on the quiet side of the Wachau.

At the highest point, about 660 m, we come to the Kastl Cross. The starting point of our leisurely afternoon tour is about 200 m. In total, we cover about 700 m altitude on this tour. After the Kastl Cross, it goes rapidly downhill to Nestelstauden. Now back on the asphalt we turn right in Nestelstauden and after 2 km we reach Maria Langegegg.

In Maria Langegg we take a right unpaved road through the forest towards the Aggstein ruins. The way is very well signposted. Shortly before Aggstein, a small, rather steep section can be washed out a bit by the rain. Some caution is required here. Otherwise, the tour can be described as an easy mountain bike tour.

From the ruins of Aggstein we drive down on the paved access road to the castle ruins. It's quiet during the week. At the weekend, cars drive up to the ruin. When we arrive in Aggstein on the Danube, we take the cycle path along the Danube towards Mautern. Past St. Johann im Mauerthale we come back to our starting point on the Donauplatzl in Oberarnsdorf.

Drive to Mautern or Melk by car. From the A1 exit Melk in the direction of Wachau, continue on the right bank of the Danube. In the Wachau then drive on the B33 in the direction of Mautern to Oberarnsdorf.

From Krems over the Danube bridge to Mautern and from there on the B33 in the direction of Melk to Oberarnsdorf.

Tis is the link to the arrival route >