Pfaffstätten brings together a variety of travel interests: protected nature, a lookout tower, wine experiences and a long local history. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding first which of these you’d like to focus on during your stay.
Nature, caves and views
The Glaslauterriegel-Heferlberg-Fluxberg nature reserve is located in Pfaffstätten. Downy oak forests grow within the protected area, interspersed with flower-rich woodland edges and dry grasslands. These forests provide a habitat for reptiles such as the non-venomous smooth snake and the European green lizard, as well as thousands of insect species. The Einödhöhle, also known as the Bat Cave, is also a protected area and serves as a winter roost for endangered bats. The Elfenhöhle is also protected.
Visitor access to the Einödhöhle is scheduled seasonally, from 1 May to the end of August; check access before your visit. The inner chamber may only be visited as part of a guided cave tour. Check tour availability in advance as well.
Another prominent landmark is the Klesheimwarte on the Pfaffstättner Kogel. The iron lookout tower opened on 12 July 1914 during a severe thunderstorm with torrential rain. Its platform is 550 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views. The unusual opening day is part of the tower’s history; its height and views describe what visitors will find there today.
Local history and buildings
According to M. Knoll, the Lilienfelderhof was established in 1216 as an agricultural estate, known as a grange, belonging to Lilienfeld Abbey, a Cistercian monastery. It was first mentioned in a document in 1261. Pfaffstätten parish church is dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul. It was built at the end of the 12th century; the present-day choir is Romanesque.
The Pfaffstätten local history museum is housed in a converted former winegrower’s house. The museum includes an old wine cellar and collections on viticulture and tree resin extraction, as well as objects relating to church and local history. The museum is currently closed; guided tours are available on request. The Leutgebhaus now serves as an annex of the neighbouring local history museum and as a tourist information office; it also houses reception rooms. If you’d like to use the tourist information office, check the latest visitor information before you arrive.
Wine, music and activities
Every year on the first two weekends of September, the Genussmeile opens along the hiking trail on the Vienna Alpine Water Pipeline. It is billed as the world’s longest open-air wine bar. If you’re planning to visit in a particular year, check the event dates.
At “Wine – Then & Now,” wine tastings are offered with historical and modern glasses, ranging from traditional short-stemmed glasses to stemmed wine glasses. There’s also a “Hauerjause” featuring local delicacies from past and present, served on a special board. Confirm that you can take part before your visit.
The bat adventure trail is an educational trail with play and learning stations about bats. Along this route, the “Follow the Sounds” cultural trail focuses on music. Information boards with QR codes and short music videos for children complement the trail’s theme. Lamasté offers llama trekking, yoga brunches, qigong, pottery and spinning courses, as well as circus arts for children and adults. Check the current programme before booking.
Cycling is another option: EuroVelo 9 follows a flat route that is also suitable for children. Just under 1.8 kilometres of the route pass through Pfaffstätten municipality. This figure describes the section within the municipality, not the length of the entire cycle route.
Plan a stay to suit you
Whether you’re thinking first of nature, local history, wine or outdoor activities when planning your trip, Pfaffstätten offers something to explore in each area. Look for a holiday apartment based on the focus you’ve chosen. For seasonal events such as the Genussmeile, and activities with participation or tour requirements, it’s worth confirming the dates and availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Siegenfeld, Reisenberg, Tattendorf, Kottingbrunn, Hernstein, Sooß, Mayerling, Neuhaus.
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