Winter hiking in the Celtic village Schwarzenbach: at the Keltenberg

Starting from the parking lot, past the Celtic rampart, the path leads over the wooden bridge to the Kelten festival grounds. There you can see the first animals like pigs, chickens, peacocks, and hares. If snow conditions permit, there are opportunities for sledding or simply enjoying the winter. The path continues past the stage on the right to the Johann-Giefing observation tower. On the way there, visitors pass the goat hotel and other animals such as emus and Cameroon sheep. The barrier-free observation tower is accessible at all times, and restroom facilities are also available.

As long as the weather allows, the open-air museum can also be visited in winter (entrance by inserting a 2-euro coin). After leaving the tower, the circular hiking trail continues to the left, past the open-air museum and the alpacas. Along the way, there are always information boards and benches to rest. At the bottom, the Celtic rampart and the gravel parking lot come back into view.

Always carry suitable maps. Wear sturdy shoes appropriate for the route, bring sun and rain protection, as well as water and a small snack. Take your mobile phone and save the mountain rescue emergency number: 140

Don't forget a head covering and gloves; in any case, avoid hypothermia!

Attention, this winter hiking trail partly passes through forest and meadows, is not cleared in snowy conditions, and can have slippery spots. Use at your own risk. Pay attention to the early dusk and plan your tour particularly carefully. Also drink enough water in winter.

Your hikes in the Vienna Alps should be a thoroughly beautiful and safe experience. Therefore, please note the following:

Preparation

Make sure the route you choose matches your experience and fitness. Check the weather report in advance. Weather in the mountains can change surprisingly quickly. Always go properly equipped (e.g., rain protection).

Check whether the mountain huts and snack stations you want to visit are open. Inform someone about your route choice and planned return before you start.

More safety tips for your hike can be found here.

Coming from Vienna: A2 towards Graz, exit Krumbach, turn left at the "Weißes Kreuz" intersection (former inn), continue to Hollenthon and Wiesmath, in Wiesmath turn right after the town hall onto "Höllstraße". Follow the road to the T-junction. The Celtic park is located there. Turn right and follow the road to the desired point.

Coming from Graz: A2 towards Vienna, exit Grimmenstein, continue left to Warth and Scheiblingkirchen, turn right after Spar, cross bridge, follow the road through Innerschildgraben, in Thernberg turn left at the Landgasthaus Thaler and continue along Brombergerstraße, turn right at the T-junction, then left at the next T-junction. Continue to Hochwolkersdorf, at the village T-junction turn right and then left. Follow Schwarenbachstraße, keep left after the switchbacks and follow the road to the desired point.

More information can be found at www.oebb.at and www.vor.at

Parking available

Vienna Alps in Lower Austria, www.wieneralpen.at, +43 / 2622 / 78960

Opening hours: Mon - Thu 8:30 am - 4:00 pm / Fri 8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Places to eat:

The Turmcafé (winter break)

Cafe Restaurant Mößner-Karner

Zum Kirchenwirt

Wirtshausbühne Bernhart

Most wia z’Haus - Familie Mössner

Other:

Johann Giefing Observation Tower

Archaeological Open-Air Museum