Discover Senftenberg: Castle Ruins, Vineyards and Hiking Trails

Senftenberg combines wine country, distinctive rocks and a turbulent castle history. The Senftenberg castle ruins rise above the vineyards of the Krems Valley; the region’s typical primary-rock Riesling grows in the vineyards. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Senftenberg will find a place where culture, views and hiking experiences can be combined into different daily itineraries.

Castle Ruins and Wine as Defining Themes

The masonry hilltop castle of Senftenberg was probably built in the 11th century. Its history is closely linked to its destruction by Swedish troops under General Torstenson: the castle was conquered and completely burned down; it has been a ruin ever since. It is precisely this combination of elevation, masonry and history that makes it a distinctive destination for visitors who want to experience the character of the Krems Valley not only through its landscape but also through a historic structure.

The Association for the Preservation of the Senftenberg Castle Ruins organizes guided tours and wine tastings by prior arrangement. The Nigl Winery Hotel Restaurant also offers wine tastings at the winery. The restaurant serves wines from the Krems Valley, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Blauer Zweigelt. When planning your trip, you can therefore combine a day of sightseeing with a wine tasting, provided you arrange the respective offers in advance.

Hiking Destinations with Different Views

There are several destinations around Senftenberg to suit different hiking preferences. The distinctive rocks at Schatzwand–12 Aposteln can be reached from Senftenberg town centre via the hiking trail of long-distance hiking route 606 in about 10 minutes. From there, you can enjoy views of the town and the ruins.

Those wishing to visit another viewpoint can include Schanzriedel in their plans. The 508 m-high rocky peak can be reached via the Poberkreuz–Herzogentisch hiking trail. In the Reichaubach Valley, a hiking trail lined with rocks leads from the Senftenberg sports ground to the “Heimliches Gericht” at an elevation of 585 m. Another special vantage point is the Hiesbergwarte: it is situated on a large granite rock tower on the steeply descending Hiesberg face at an elevation of 427 m above sea level. The ascent begins in the Hiesberg district near the campsite.

These destinations allow for different daily itineraries: a short route to the rocks at Schatzwand–12 Aposteln contrasts with longer hiking ideas featuring high points such as Schanzriedel or “Heimliches Gericht”. The Rieden-Runde Kremstal trail also passes through Senftenberg as well as vineyards and deciduous forests. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to experience wine country and culture or include several hiking destinations in your holiday itinerary.

History in Imbach and a Destination for Younger Explorers

The cadastral municipality of Imbach belongs to the municipality of Senftenberg. A small, adventurous playground is located there on the grounds of the former monastery garden. The former Imbach monastery church dates from the 13th century and is considered Austria’s oldest surviving two-nave hall church. Imbach therefore offers its own cultural and historical focus, distinct from the castle ruins and viewpoints. The designation “former” remains part of the historical classification.

Getting There and Further Destinations to Read About

Senftenberg can be reached by train and bus. For specific holiday planning, you can consider the mode of travel as well as whether you want to choose a holiday apartment as a base for wine, culture and hiking. Further destinations to read about: Krems An Der Donau, Grafenegg, Spitz, Oberarnsdorf, Willendorf In Der Wachau, Stratzing, Ötz, Langenlois.

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