Smugglers' route "Donnerskirchen" to Mannersdorf

he tour can be started from the municipal office of Donnerskirchen, but also at the northern end of the main road/ forest alley near the playground. On the right, a forest road leads into the forest through the secluded devil’s moat, you follow the red and white mark towards Mannersdorf, always slightly uphill. At 345 meters above sea level, the search cross is on the left. Cross the forest crossing, which is called "Hotter" and continue towards Sieben Linden. At the Sieben Linden, however, you do not follow the direct path to Mannersdorf (this path does not lead to the Scharfeneck ruin), but take the "Kaiserallee" leading southwest. Follow this for about 550 meters and after a short climb you will reach the monastery wall. Follow the sign for "Scharfeneck" and reach the remains of the impressive fortress after a few minutes. You descend to a small bridge via a steep path, after the bridge you turn left on a forest road along a clearing. After a small group of trees, the monastery of St. Anna in the desert, where you can rest in the shade of old fruit trees or linden. You leave the church on your left, pass the animal enclosure and take the "Through the Desert" (red-white mark) uphill until you reach the broken monastery wall. Take the path straight ahead and follow the signs to the Kaisereiche". At the Franz-Josephs-Warte next to the former imperial oak tree, you can enjoy a wonderful view. A narrow, steep footpath to the right of the entrance to the Lookout takes you southwest from the summit, just down the bank turn left and walk through the forest until you reach a forest trail. There is a sign "Donnerskichen" that shows you the further way, which leads down about 20 meters behind the sign. Remarkable on the descent is a high wall of Leithakalk just before the end of the tour left hand, before you arrive at the playground (Donnerskirche)

Highlights:

The ascent through the wild and romantic Teufelsgraben is accompanied by the rippling of a small stream. The search crucifix reminds us of a bloody act that took place here in 1682. The place at the Seven Lime Trees is ideal for a shady rest. A 4.5 km long wall surrounds the monastery area, it was built by the monks. At 349 meters above sea level, the ruins of Scharfeneck were once a massive structure before being destroyed by lightning. In times of war it served as a refuge for the population for centuries The monastery of St Anna in the desert was once inhabited by barefoot Carmelites. The name comes either from the Bavarian word "wiast" (meadow) or from the Greek word "eremos" (desert). Around the monastery, pets are kept, which especially excites children. The route between Hof am Leithaberge and Donnerskirchen was used for centuries to smuggle goods between Austria and Hungary, a part of the way leads through this area. From the Franz-Josephs-Warte near the Kaisereiche, you can enjoy a wonderful view over Lake Neusiedl and the Leitha mountains. The observatory was built in 1888 to mark the 40th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph. Not far from the lookout stood the Imperial Oak, it was a destination for Emperor Franz II and later for Emperor Ferdinand I.

Details on travelling can be found here: Calculate route

Travelling by train:

Lake Neusiedl is easy and convenient to reach by train. Regardless of whether you are travelling from Switzerland, Germany, the west or south of Austria: You can change trains at Vienna Central Station with ease. ÖBB regional trains take you to Neusiedl am See station in just under 40 minutes, where there are also coordinated bus and train connections to Pamhagen / Fertöszentmiklos or Eisenstadt or Sopron. Bicycles can be taken on most trains: on the Railjet and EC/IC as well as on the Nightjets, a reservation for your bicycle is absolutely necessary. On regional trains, your bicycle can be taken on board without a reservation, subject to availability of the available bicycle spaces.

Timetable information: ÖBB

The Burgenland app also provides you with information about tours, routes and altitude metres while you're out and about.

Are you looking for a pre-made package for your active holiday? You'll find it here: Package deals at Lake Neusiedl

With the Burgenland Card: unlimited holiday fun & offers as far as the eye can see!

All the info you need: Burgenland Card