Wilderness hike (Owl trail with extension to the Tremel)

Description

In April 2012, the Owl Experience Trail of the Dürrenstein Wilderness Area was opened. It leads over two and a half kilometers through the Windischbachau and is an experience for the whole family. Remarkable facts about the five owl species found in the wilderness area (Eurasian eagle-owl, Northern hawk-owl, Tawny owl, Long-eared owl, and Eurasian pygmy owl) are presented along the trail at the following stations:

• From the egg into the wilderness
• In the beginning was the egg
• Where do owls breed?
• Watch out, young branch!
• Hearing like an owl
• Hunters of the night
• Owl calls & wingspans
• All about the Northern hawk-owl

There is much to discover off the stations as well: including replicas of the five owl species found here as well as secrets of their breeding behavior. The scenic attractions and the structures of the second Vienna high spring water pipeline also make a visit worthwhile.

After the last station, the initially and mid-way steep ascent continues up to the mountain ridge to the Tremel at about 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.