Discover Hainburg on the Danube

Hainburg on the Danube combines medieval urban history with experiences in the Danube landscape. The fortifications have three gates and around 2.5 kilometres of city walls. This gives Hainburg a distinctive historical setting for a trip that brings culture, nature and activity together. The town is particularly interesting when choosing a holiday apartment if you do not want to limit your excursions to a single theme.

Urban history around Anger and Vienna Gate

The historic town of Hainburg originally developed around the Anger, the former main square. The pillory stands there; it was re-erected in 1957 and bears the year 1724. The Romanesque charnel house is also part of the historic townscape: the two-storey cemetery chapel dates from the first quarter of the 13th century.

One defining structure is Vienna Gate. Its lower section was built around 1225, while the Early Gothic superstructure dates from the second half of the 13th century. The gate is 20 metres high and has an 11-metre-high roof structure. Anyone wishing to explore Hainburg's history in greater depth can include the Vienna Gate Town Museum in their plans. It is housed in a medieval defensive tower and presents a historical collection on the town's history. Around 20 display cases feature, among other things, craft guilds, finds from the Turkish wars, historical documents and medical instruments. In addition, numerous photographs, ceramic finds and three stool graves are on display.

Danube-Auen, Braunsberg and historic heights

The smaller section of the Donau-Auen National Park is located on the Hainburg side. The Braunsberg offers a different landscape experience; it is designated as a nature reserve. Part of the Celtic palisade and a watchtower have been reconstructed on its plateau. From the Braunsberg, the wide view extends across the Donau-Auen National Park and the mouth of the March as far as Bratislava. Another hiking trail is 5.5 kilometres long, takes about two hours, runs mostly through the Braunsberg nature reserve and outside the national park area.

The Rötelstein ruins also combine landscape and history. The core castle was built in several phases between 1156 and 1220 on the high plateau; much of the circuit wall has survived along its original course. The “Up and Around Schlossberg” hiking trail is 4 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours. It passes a well-preserved medieval castle with circuit walls, a residential tower, chapel and castle courtyard. The Heimenburg castle complex on the Schlossberg consists of a castle gate, castle courtyard, Pankratius Chapel, palace and residential tower.

Trails and excursions for different days of travel

For a shorter excursion, the Danube Circular Trail is designated as a 3-kilometre-long, approximately one-hour, family-friendly hiking trail. It leads from the Danube car park through two rock passages. Those who prefer a longer route can consider the trail around the Schlossberg or the Braunsberg hiking trail described above. Hainburg can also be explored by bicycle: the “Hundsheimer Berge: Great Loop” cycle tour starts at the landing stage in Hainburg on the Danube, can be ridden in both directions and is signposted.

The “River - Mountain - Floodplain Forest” programme begins at the harbour in Hainburg. There, national park rangers provide instruction in proper paddling technique. The hike back to the starting point leads via the Rötelstein ruins and upstream along the banks of the Danube. For planning the 2026 season, the following is also important: According to the official Bergbad information, 6 September 2026 was the last day of opening; the Bergbad has been closed since 7 September 2026. The Bergbad facilities include a solar-heated 50-metre pool, a water slide, a diving tower with 1-, 3- and 5-metre platforms, a children's pool and a view of the Donau-Auen National Park.

Getting there and finding suitable accommodation

Hainburg an der Donau passenger station is located on the route of Vienna's S7 rapid transit line. The station has connecting buses to Bruck an der Leitha and Bratislava, as well as bus services to the town centre. This connection is a practical consideration if you would like to plan your holiday apartment as a base for different excursions. Depending on your travel plans, you can focus on historical discoveries, trails on the Braunsberg, cycle tours or the Danube-Auen. You can also choose from the following places: Schönabrunn, Götzendorf an der Leitha, Trautmannsdorf an der Leitha, Bruck an der Leitha, Petronell-Carnuntum, Gallbrunn, Wildungsmauer and Wolfsthal.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bruck an der Leitha.