The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hafnerbach

A definite recommendation for anyone who needs to get out of the city and is looking for a destination! Thanks to the various ascent options, the tour can be tailored to individual time constraints and adapts to all lifestyles! Fantastic!!

The Dunkelstein (625m) near St. Pölten is an easily accessible destination with a summit cross, ideal for a short hike without any special requirements, often combined with the summit cross at the Hennesteck for a beautiful view, as the Dunkelstein itself is mostly surrounded by trees; a tip is to combine the loop with the nearby, scenic summit to have the full experience with summit register and panoramic view.

Hohenegg Castle has been owned by the Count Montecuccoli family since 1628 and served as their ancestral seat and residence until 1742. Today, the castle is managed by the Hohenegg Castle Association and is available as an event venue for up to 150 people. Equipped with restrooms and a basic kitchen, the enclosed tavern, a theater hall with a stage, and, most notably, the first courtyard with its unique ambiance can be used for festivals and celebrations, concerts and cultural events, as well as youth and tent camps. A maintenance fee is charged by the association for the use of the castle.

At 625 meters above sea level, the Dunkelstein is the highest point in the southern Dunkelstein Forest. An iron high stand was erected near the summit in 1931 for the purpose of surveying. This was blown up by the German Wehrmacht in 1945. The concrete foundations and remnants of the latticework can still be seen today not far from the summit cross.

Summit cross

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 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.

Hohenegg Castle is a medieval ruin in the Dunkelsteinerwald forest in the municipality of Hafnerbach. Its history goes back to the 12th century, and it was an important noble residence for centuries. Today the castle is used for cultural events and is maintained by an association. The complex includes a tavern room, a theater hall with a stage and a picturesque courtyard that is ideal for celebrations. A contribution to the maintenance of the castle is charged for use. Since the castle is privately owned, you should find out about accessibility and events in advance.