Thayatal

Hardegg National Park Centre

Wildcat enclosure with Frieda & Carlo

Thayatal trail 1

Walking time: 2 hours/6 kilometres or 3 hours/9.5 km for a circuit

The trail leads over long distances along the Thaya to the Umlaufberg, one of the most impressive parts of the national park, as well as through untouched nature and delightful landscapes. Admittedly, the route has some steeper trail sections. Sturdy footwear and endurance are required. The hike can be started in Hardegg or in Merkersdorf. The return trail most runs on a bicycle and footpath (not included in the walking time, duration: 1 hour/4 km).

Beginning in Hardegg, the Thaya bridge is the starting point. The trail becomes easier after the steep ascent over the Gabrielensteig. Einsiedler trail 2 forks left at the trail crossing.

The Thayatal trail then goes downhill again. Even in high summer, it is pleasantly cool by the Thaya. Very rare yews are scattered around here. A short distance after the hillside footbridge, the Merkersdorf circular route 4 turns right and makes a steep ascent.

The trail splits at the first fishing huts. Toward the right, uphill, the shorter alternative leads to the crossing, an observation point. It is fascinating how the narrow river bends form two facing meander cut-offs. The Neuhäusel ruins can be seen only approx. 1.3 km upstream on the Czech side.

The trail around the meander cut-off along Thaya 1a is easier (walking time: 1 hour/3.5 km). The meadows and forests alternate and hikers are accompanied by the noise of the water.

The trails meet again below the crossing. The ruins of Neuhäusel can be seen once again, this time downstream, at the mouth of the Kajabach. In the Kajabach moat by the bridge, a shortcut to the parking area turns right, or straight ahead there is a forest road by the ruins of Kaja to Merkersdorf (Kaja trail 5). Hiking trail 630 turns towards Retz before the ruins.

Einsiedler trail 2

Walking time: 2.5 hours/5 km

At the entrance to the National Park Centre, you cross the Landesstraße and reach the edge of the forest via a track. The national park begins here, and a forest road leads you to the middle of nature. Part of the trail is designed as a wildcat themed trail. There, where Thayatal trail 1 crosses Einsiedler trail 2, begins a romantic hollow-way that leads to the Bärmühl meadow by the Thaya and ends at a rock face. A rock dwelling approx. 5 m in height can be seen. The legend tells of a hermit who lived here at the time of the crusades and helped the Hardegg habitants to a silver mine. The trail goes back along the hollow-way for a short distance, a steep path turns right and uphill and passes through oak and hornbeam populations. Two observation points boast the impressive river landscape of Thaya. The Einsiedler trail joins Thayatal trail 1 again at a fork. The trail descends down to Hardegg over the steep Gabrielensteig. You will arrive back at the National Park Centre via the Kirchensteig, which starts behind the fire station or opposite the parking area of the Hardegg castle.

Hardegg observation tower Hardeggská vyhlídka A

Walking time: 1.5 hours/4 km

The Hardegg observation tower can be found high above Hardegg on the Czech side. Roughly 25 km after the border post, a marked path forks left which leads through the forest to Thaya. From here, you can enjoy the view of Hardegg over the dam. The natural vegetation in this stretch was virtually untouched during the time of the Iron Curtain. Some concrete bunkers are evidence of the previous fortification. In one , the trail turns right and leads through the forest on the high plain to an asphalted road.

It turns left towards Čížov (1 km), where the information point of the Czech national park Podyjí is located and a relict from the Iron Curtain remains. A right turn will take you back to Hardegg. After 1 km, a path branches off to the Hardegg observation point. This view of Thayatal and Hardegg is not to be missed. Once you are back on the road, it makes a steep ascent to the national border.

Travel information