St. Michael – fortified church and trails in the Wachau

St. Michael in the Wachau combines impressive church history with trails through forests, dry grasslands and countryside. At the centre is St. Michael's fortified church, whose church was first documented in 987. There is also Michaelerberg with its views over Spitz and the Danube, as well as two different routes for walks and hikes. If you are planning a trip, you can combine cultural discoveries with active days here.

Fortified church, charnel house and special details

St. Michael's church was first documented in 987 and was once the mother church of the Wachau. The present church is a Late Gothic stepped hall church with a Baroque interior. The Gothic charnel house next to the church dates from the 14th century. Together with the well-preserved fortifications from the 15th century, it defines the church complex. St. Michael's fortified church is one of the outstanding buildings of its kind in Lower Austria.

The interior of the charnel house is particularly unusual: Display cases contain mummified remains, while Josephine coffin chests and bones can also be seen on the altar. There is also a distinctive detail to discover on the ridge of the church choir. Terracotta sculptures of deer and horses, known as the “hares”, adorn the building there. St. Michael parish is also considered the oldest parish in the Wachau. Anyone interested in sacred buildings, regional history and unusual historical evidence will find several points of interest for a visit here.

Michaelerberg and trails through the countryside

Michaelerberg offers views over Spitz and the Danube. Its gently sloping dry grasslands provide a habitat for unique plants and animals. This gives the landscape its own character alongside the church ensemble. The massive round tower at the south-eastern corner of the fortifications of St. Michael has served as a lookout tower since 1958.

Two described trails are available for different day plans. The St. Michael Höhenweg trail leads through oak and hornbeam forest down into the Miesling Valley. The St. Michael circular trail leads over Michaelerberg to the fortified church and back to Spitz along the Danube. If you would like to combine different interests as a family, you can choose between a route characterised more strongly by forest and a circular trail featuring the mountain, church complex and a stretch along the Danube.

A suitable base for your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in St. Michael, it is worth taking your planned travel priorities into account. Those interested in culture can focus on the fortified church, the charnel house, the fortifications and the listed wine press house at Sankt Michael 7 in 3610 Weißenkirchen in der Wachau. For active days, Michaelerberg and the two described trails provide useful orientation. Copper mining at Arzberg near St. Michael in the Wachau was mentioned around 1260.

This allows you to choose your accommodation according to the desired combination of architectural history, countryside and activity. Other places for your research: Rossatz, Mühldorf, Furth Bei Göttweig, Stratzing, Aggsbach Markt, Schönberg Am Kamp, Straß Im Straßertale, Willendorf In Der Wachau.

To the higher-level travel overview: Krems-Land.