Unusually shaped granite boulders define Haugschlag’s natural landscape. Cultural features include the Hutstein, a Stations of the Cross and the parish church, as well as two outdoor activities: golf and the Meridian Trail circular walk. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus primarily on natural formations, local history or outdoor activity.
Granite Landscape and Protected Areas
Haugschlag’s connection with nature is evident on several levels. The municipality lies in a region designated as the “Waldviertel Pond, Heath and Moor Landscape” European protected area under the Habitats Directive. It also lies in a region designated as the “Waldviertel” bird protection area under the Birds Directive. The granite boulders shape Haugschlag’s natural landscape; the two protected-area designations define the regional context. This makes it possible to view the distinctive rock formations and the region’s natural features as different aspects of the destination.
Hutstein, Stations of the Cross and Parish Church
At the Hutstein, a striking rock formation and a historical function come together. The Hutstein is a granite erratic that rises five metres above the ground. It once served as a meeting point before major battles. This single stone is notable both for its precise form and its former role. The Stations of the Cross offer a different cultural connection: they include a stone cross on a granite boulder. While the Hutstein is described as an erratic and a historic meeting point, the stone cross belongs to the Stations of the Cross.
Haugschlag Parish Church is dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and was completed in 1787. Its high altar comes from the former Dominican monastery in Krems and was created in the second half of the 18th century. The details refer to two different points in time: a specific year is given for the completion of the church, while the altar’s creation is dated to a period within the same century. Its origin adds a specific connection to Krems to this timeline. Together, the dedication, completion year and origin of the high altar offer several distinct points of connection to the church’s history.
Golf and the Meridian Trail
Haugschlag Golf Club offers two multi-award-winning 18-hole championship courses. They are set in a landscape of water, large boulders and heathland. For your planning, this describes both the sporting focus and key features of the landscape: there are two courses with 18 holes each, in surroundings that include water, boulders and heathland.
The Meridian Trail circular walk starts in the centre of Haugschlag, passes the Meridian Stone on its way to Rottal, and runs mostly through shady forests. Its starting point, landmark and named destination give the route a clearly described course; the predominantly wooded section adds to the character of the walk. If you are choosing between hiking and golf, you will find different planning details: the Meridian Trail focuses on its connection to the village, its route and the forest, while the golf club offers two championship courses in the landscape described above.
Discover more destinations: GmĂĽnd, Schrems, Sankt Wolfgang, Weitra, Sankt Martin, Lauterbach, Bad GroĂźpertholz, Ullrichs
Back to the overview of the wider travel area: GmĂĽnd.
