Greifenstein between the Danube backwater and the Vienna Woods

Greifenstein combines the banks of the Danube, the Vienna Woods and distinctive cultural monuments in a unique way. The village is located at the northeastern edge of the Vienna Woods and therefore offers various reasons for a trip: nature experiences by the water, routes for cyclists and hikers, and historical sights.

Danube backwater, protected area and nature experiences

There are natural bathing spots at the Greifenstein Danube backwater. It is also possible to ride pedal boats there. These options open up different ways to enjoy an outing by the water, without committing the day to a single activity. For families or groups, the Danube backwater can therefore be an interesting element between sightseeing and physical activity.

A special connection to the river landscape can be seen at the Greifenstein fish migration aid. It opened in 2018 and was designed as a natural bypass stream accessible without barriers. The stream provides a habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms and is located in the “Tullnerfelder Donau-Auen” European protected area. In Greifenstein, visitors can therefore also observe how technical infrastructure and near-natural design are combined.

Castle, church and lookout point

Greifenstein Castle was built by the Diocese of Passau in the early 11th century and is one of the defining historical landmarks of the village. For concrete travel planning, it is important to note that the castle is privately owned and cannot be visited until further notice. It is only possible to view it from the outside. The history of the building can therefore be combined with a walk through the village without planning an interior visit.

Greifenstein is also characterized by the Maria Sorg parish and pilgrimage church with its imposing tower. The Catholic Maria Sorg filial church is protected as a listed monument under the relevant ordinance. The Tempelbergwarte lookout tower is also protected as a listed monument by official decision pursuant to Section 3. Those interested in historic buildings and distinctive structures will therefore find several different points of interest in Greifenstein—from the medieval castle to the protected lookout structure.

Hiking and cycling around Greifenstein

The “From Greifenstein to the Lourdes Grotto” hiking route starts at Greifenstein-Altenberg railway station and is considered suitable for families. This fixed starting point is helpful when planning a group hike. The Tempelbergwarte lookout tower can be reached from Greifenstein-Altenberg railway station via the Klotzbergsteig trail in approximately one hour of walking. As this is an approximate walking time, you can take it into account when planning your personal schedule for the day.

Cyclists also have a specific connection to the village. The Rose Tour leads to the Danube backwater in Greifenstein. On stage 6 of the Danube Cycle Path along the southern bank from Mautern to Klosterneuburg, cyclists cross a branch of the Danube near Greifenstein and continue their ride on the other bank. Depending on your travel preferences, Greifenstein may therefore be of interest as the destination of a cycling tour or as a starting point for a combination of riverside scenery, culture and physical activity.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Greifenstein, it is worth deciding first which experiences you would like to have. An outing with natural bathing spots and pedal boating calls for a different daily rhythm than a hike to the Lourdes Grotto or a cycling tour along the Danube Cycle Path. Those interested in culture can include the castle, Maria Sorg and the Tempelbergwarte in their considerations, but should bear in mind the currently restricted possibility of visiting the castle. This allows you to choose a holiday apartment or holiday home according to your personal interests without reducing the village to just one type of holiday.

More destinations in the same overview: Tulln an der Donau, Neudegg, Trasdorf, Bierbaum am Kleebühel, Atzenbrugg, Hütteldorf, Feuersbrunn, Zwentendorf an der Donau.

To the higher-level travel overview: Tulln.