Upper Austria Mariazellerweg: D: 4th stage: Sonntagberg - Maria Seesal

Description

Alternatively, we can follow the long-distance trail 04a southwest from the basilica at Sonntagberg and go down via Leitenbauer to Böhlerwerk. From here, the trail follows the Ybbs to Waidhofen an der Ybbs. Here we meet the Upper Austria Mariazellerweg 06, on which we go to Ybbsitz and further to Maria Seesal (see page 25, Ybbsitz to Lackenhof).

Starting point of the tour

Sonntagberg

Destination point of the tour

Maria Seesal

Route description Upper Austria Mariazellerweg: D: 4th stage: Sonntagberg - Maria Seesal

The idyllic hike, which runs for a large part along the bank of the Ybbs, starts at the pilgrimage basilica Sonntagberg. From here, we first walk downhill through mixed forest to the Ybbs, which we meet in the village of Böhlerwerk. The path takes us past many chapels, small gardens, and colorful settlements, and after a longer hike directly along the Ybbs we reach the medieval town of Waidhofen. The townscape of Waidhofen a/d Ybbs is shaped by imposing defensive towers, baroque churches, and Rothschild Castle. On several bridges, we can cross the Ybbs and thus reach the town center – an absolute must for every pilgrim! We leave the town on Arzbergstraße and continue uphill on a narrowly trafficked, narrow road. We come to two pretty rest areas – one under a mighty willow, one at a chapel – and enjoy a wonderful view of Windhag. Through the hilly landscape of the Mostviertel, we pilgrim from farm to farm and chapel to chapel. From the last hill (at a chapel above Ybbsitz), we have a dreamlike panoramic view of Prochenberg (1123 m) and Maisberg (942 m), as well as of the village of Ybbsitz in the valley. The so-called smithing center Ybbsitz is especially known for its intricate metal designs and traditional smithing craft. Everywhere in the town, we discover interesting sculptures, old machines, smithies, and other signs of the old craft. In 2010, “Smithing in Ybbsitz” was even included in the list of intangible cultural heritage of Austria. On the “Smith Mile”, an interesting, three-kilometer thematic path, we start at FeRRUM (World of Iron) and walk towards the market, passing, for example, the experience bridge. At Bauernschrotmühl, we have a splendid view of the interestingly shaped Prochenberg (1123 m) and hike uphill to Mitterlehen. Here, too, at the small chapel, a fantastic panorama of the mountains lying to the east opens up. From Mitterlehen, it is not far to the romantic pilgrimage church Maria Seesal.