Wilderness hike (Owl trail with extension to the Tremel)

Description

The Dürrenstein Wilderness Area's owl adventure trail was opened in April 2012. It leads over two and a half kilometers through the Windischbachau and is an experience for the whole family. Interesting facts about the five owl species found in the wilderness area (eagle owl, Ural owl, tawny owl, boreal owl and pygmy owl) are presented at the following stations along the trail:

• From egg to wilderness
• In the beginning was the egg
• Where do owls breed?
• Watch out branchlings!
• Hear like an owl
• Hunters of the night
• Owl calls & wingspans
• All about the Ural owl

There is also a lot to discover away from the stations, including replicas of the five owl species and the secrets of their breeding behavior. The scenic attractions and the structures of the second Vienna High Spring Water Pipeline also make a visit worthwhile.

The last stop is followed by a steep ascent at the beginning and in the middle up to the mountain ridge to the Tremel at around 1,200m above sea level.

Starting point of the tour

Rotschild ponds car park, Steinbachtal

Destination point of the tour

Tremel (mountain ridge)

Route description Wilderness hike (Owl trail with extension to the Tremel)

The starting point is the car park " Rotschild ponds ". The route begins through the iron gate arch to Steinbach. Through Steinbach and past the castle lying somewhat higher on the left side after about 900m. Then it continues along the Windischbach, past the Dr. Karl Lueger tunnel and other structures of the II Vienna high spring water pipeline, gently ascending to Windischbachau (approx. 3.4km at approx. 646m). Up to here, it is family-, stroller- and child-friendly. Now the initially and mid-way steep ascent follows along a partly narrow hiking trail up to the mountain ridge at the Tremel at just under 1,200m above sea level.