Bridge over the Thaya in Hardegg - follow the green marked path to the asphalt road - turn off to Čížov - possible Detour to the Čížov Visitor Centre - otherwise, at the next crossroads called Keply, turn left and follow the red markings along the "Smuggler's Trail" - turn left to the obelisk - follow the red markings for approx. 1 h to the centre of Vranov - cross the bridge over the Dyje River and take the path through the forest park to Vranov Castle - follow the blue path below the castle in the direction of Podmýče and on to Felling - in Austria the asphalt road becomes a field path - past the cemetery to the village square in Felling - possible stop at the mother-of-pearl crushing plant - after the forester's lodge, follow the path with the red marking, hiking trail 630/607, back to Hardegg - a detour via the Christbaumsteig (Hardegg hiking trail loop) to the Maxplateau viewpoint is possible and recommended.
- Ancient forests and impressive rock formations - obelisk with a view
- The imposing Vranov Castle
- Mother-of-pearl crushing plant in Felling
- View of Hardegg from the Max Plateau
The trail starts at the Thaya bridge in Hardegg and begins with the border crossing in the middle of the bridge. Behind the first information board, a small path marked in green branches off to the left. Follow this path until you reach the asphalt road, which leads back to Hardegg on the right. However, on this tour, you turn left in the direction of Čížov. If you want to take a detour to Čížov to the Czech National Park Visitor Centre, where there is an exhibition and remnants of the Iron Curtain, just take a walk along this road for 1 km.
Otherwise, continue along a dirt road, turning left off the paved road at the next intersection called Keply. Following the red markings, the path eventually becomes a trail known as the "smuggler's path". Good footwear and being sure footed are required for it. The trail now leads on for around 3 km through old hardwood stands, over scree slopes and past impressive rock formations. In between, the Thaya keeps dipping in and out of the view. Finally, turn left at a crossroads to the viewpoint with the obelisk, where one of the most beautiful views into the Thayatal and as far as Vranov is unveiled. Below the obelisk, interesting ice caves have been created by rockfalls, but they are closed to visitors for safety reasons.
Follow the intensely winding hiking trail with the red marking for a good hour. Shortly before getting to Vranov, the path then leads directly along the Thaya again. From the centre of the town, cross the bridge over the Thaya and take a path through the forest park to the imposing Vranov Castle, which towers high above the valley - similar to Hardegg Castle. From the terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view over the town of Vranov and recharge your batteries to take on the kilometres to come.
Below the castle, you continue the hiking tour on the path marked in blue. Passing the little fountain of Countess Helena and old bunkers, we head towards Podmýče and on to Felling, where a detour to Austria's only and last mother-of-pearl crushing plant is worthwhile. The asphalt road eventually turns into a field path again and from the border, hiking trail 630/607 guides you back to Hardegg via Felling. Even if your legs are already feeling heavy, we recommend planning a final detour via the Christbaumsteig to finish off the tour with the special view of Hardegg from the Maxplateau.
Instead of taking the path marked in green after the Thaya bridge, it's also a good idea to simply hike straight ahead along the asphalt road. From here you can take a detour to the left to the Hardegger Warte, which offers a fantastic view of the city.
- Vranov Castle is one of the most valuable secular Baroque buildings in Central Europe. During the course of history, it's been converted and added to again and again. Today, visitors can see the authentic baroque interior of the ancestral hall and the chapel.
- Pay attention shortly after the Thaya bridge at Hardegg: on the trail marked in green and after Vranov Castle, you will find bunkers hidden in the rock if you look closely. These were built to protect against the threat of Wehrmacht rearmament in the 1930s, but were never completed.
