The best walks and hikes around Haunoldstein

View from the summit cross

The carved altar (1509) from Mauer near Melk is a masterpiece of the late Gothic period. The central section depicts Mary with Child and saints, while the wings feature scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. An altarpiece depicts a crucifixion. The woodcarver who created the altar, whose name is unknown, is referred to as the Master of the Altar of Mauer near Melk. (Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meister_des_Altars_von_Mauer_bei_Melk)

Beautiful single trail along the Pielach

The Marienkapelle in Hafnerbach consisted of a main room, a choir, an anteroom with entrance hall and gallery, and a two-storey gallery staircase that was added later. Its architectural models can be found in the Lower Austrian religious buildings of the first half of the 18th century. The elaborate chapel type indicates an important patron - Crescentia Countess of Montecassino (1705–1788). The chapel's inventory included an altar, two pictures and twelve chairs. The building was demolished in 1792, but the foundations were preserved. This was done not least as a lasting reminder of the church reform measures under Emperor Joseph II on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the diocese.

The Osterburg castle ruins in Haunoldstein are picturesquely situated on a triangular rock plateau above the Pielach Gorge. Its origins date back to the late 12th century. The first documented mentions mention the Counts of Peilstein as owners, including Count Friedrich V, who died in the castle in 1209. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the complex was expanded several times, particularly by Rudolf Turso von Tiernstein (1405). Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times, but fell into disrepair over time and is now a ruin. Despite its ruinous state, the Osterburg is a worthwhile destination. Visitors can explore the well-preserved remains of the walls and enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding landscape from there. The historic atmosphere and secluded location make it particularly attractive for history buffs and is worth a detour on the tour.

The Hafnerbach parish church, dedicated to Saint Zeno, is located in the market town of Hafnerbach. It was first mentioned in a document in 1248, when it was a branch church of St. Pölten. In 1260 it was elevated to an independent parish. The architecture of the church combines various styles. The choir is Gothic and has a cross-ribbed vault, while the nave is Baroque with a mirrored ceiling. Particularly noteworthy are the artistic stucco work from 1698 and the ceiling frescoes, which show scenes from the life of Saint Zeno.

In 1248 the church was mentioned in documents as a branch of St. Pölten and in 1260 it was elevated to a parish church. In 1361 the church became a sovereign church through an exchange. In 1529 the Turks caused damage. In 1633 the church belonged to the Hohenegg lordship. Since 1675 the church has served as the burial place of the Lords of Hohenegg and since 1845 as the burial place of the Montecuccoli family. The Romanesque church from the 13th century with a nave and choir has a sacristy added to the southwest of the choir, which was probably originally a separate building (as a charnel house or round church with an apse) on a horseshoe-shaped floor plan. The tower in the north was built around 1400. After the side entrances to the nave were bricked up, a vestibule was added to the tower around 1600, which today serves as the entrance to the organ gallery. The sacristy with oratory northeast of the choir was added at the end of the 17th century.

1747 "a chapel of Our Lady was built in Krumpenfurt" (parish chronicle) 1786 Desecration on the orders of Joseph II. 1792 Demolition and sale of building materials and inventory