National Park House - on the country road to Hardegg - Hardegger Warte can be planned as a detour on foot - about 2 km on asphalt road to Čížov - continue in the direction of Horní Břečkov and turn right to Lukov (refreshment stop) - Nový Hrádek/Ruine Neuhäusel as a worthwhile detour - Šobes Winery - across the suspension bridge at Neun Mühlen and Hnanice (with possibility of wine tasting) to the Holy Stone - Niederfladnitz - Merkersdorf - National Park House.
- fantastic views from Hardegger Warte, Neuhäusel Ruin and Holy Stone
- Possibility of a wine tasting
This cycle tour guides you both down into the shady forests of the Thayatal and high up into the sunny and warm cultural and natural landscapes, from the heath to the extensive fields and the perfectly situated, picturesque vineyards. Aside from the impressive nature of the cross-border national park, you will also pass by castles and ruins steeped in history, monuments to politically troubled times and ancient places of worship. There's even the possibility of a wine tasting along the way. The loop is crowned by several impressive viewpoints.
The tour starts at the National Park House, from here you cycle along the country road towards Hardegg,
the smallest town in Austria with its imposing, highly visible castle complex. At the clock tower at the beginning of the village, turn right to reach the Thaya bridge. From here, the route continues along a steeply ascending asphalt path in the Czech National Park. After a short detour on foot to the Hardegger Warte (recommended!), you reach the village of Čížov after about 2 km of riding. This is the location for not only the Podyjí National Park Visitor Centre, but also a remnant of the Iron Curtain as a memorial to the difficult past.
The cycle path continues through the village in the direction of Horní Břečkov and after 1 km turns right to Lukov, where there is a small resting point. 2 km after Lukov, a path on the right leads to the ruins of Nový Hrádek. This 1.5 km detour from the main route should not be missed due to the great views of three sections of the Thaya.
Back on the marked cycle path, the route continues along the former stretch of the Iron Curtain. A long, steep descent through the Šobes vineyard guides cyclists to the Thaya. Continue pedalling over the suspension bridge at Nine Mills (Devět Mlýnů) and via Hnanice to the Holy Stone. This place is an ancient cult site that not only offers a magnificent view of the Retzer Land, the Pulka Valley and the South Moravian region, but also entices visitors with wine tastings. By the way, Hnanice also does excellent wine tastings.
About 200 m behind the Holy Stone, the route joins up with the national road. Turn right and cycle via Niederfladnitz and Merkersdorf back to the National Park House, where you can fully digest your experience along with some refreshments in the National Park Café Restaurant.
Do not forget valid travel documents!
