Senftenberg Castle Ruins overlook the vineyards of the Kremstal, where the region’s characteristic Urgesteinsriesling grows. Here, the history of the castle and the wine-growing landscape come together in a single view. The former monastery church in Imbach is another of the area’s cultural highlights; outdoors, several named rock formations and viewpoints offer different routes and perspectives.
Castle and Church Architecture
The stone hilltop castle was probably built in the 11th century. Swedish troops under General Torstenson later captured the castle and burned it to the ground; it has been a ruin ever since. Its construction and destruction mark different stages in its history, while its elevated position opens up views across the vineyards of the Kremstal.
The former monastery church in Imbach, in the municipality of Senftenberg, dates from the 13th century. It is considered Austria’s oldest surviving two-aisled hall church. Its distinctive architectural form is a cultural and historical landmark in its own right, in addition to its age. Visitors interested in historic architecture will find several points of interest in Senftenberg: the stone hilltop castle and the church in Imbach.
Rock Formations, Viewpoints and Trails
The striking rock formations at Schatzwand–12 Aposteln can be reached from the town center in about ten minutes via the hiking trail on long-distance trail 606. From there, they offer views of Senftenberg and the ruins. In the cadastral municipality of Imbach, there is also a small, adventurous playground on the grounds of the former monastery garden.
Other viewpoints differ in elevation and in their described access routes. Schanzriedel is a 508-meter-high rocky peak and viewpoint, accessible via the Poberkreuz–Herzogentisch hiking trail. A hiking trail dotted with rocks leads from the Senftenberg sports field in the Reichaubachtal to the “Heimliches Gericht” at an elevation of 585 meters. The Hiesbergwarte is located 427 meters above sea level on a large granite tower on the steeply sloping Hiesbergwand. The ascent starts in the Hiesberg district of Senftenberg, near the campsite.
Cycling Loop and Wine
The Rieden-Runde Kremstal also passes through Senftenberg. The cycling loop runs through vineyards and deciduous forests, offering a different way to experience the landscape than the individual viewpoints. When planning your trip, you can consider the cycling tour as a separate way to explore the landscape, alongside the trails to the rock formations and high points.
Wine can also be planned as an experience in its own right. The association for the preservation of Senftenberg Castle Ruins organizes guided tours and wine tastings by prior arrangement. The Weingut Hotel Restaurant Nigl in Senftenberg offers tastings at the winery. The restaurant serves wines from the Kremstal, including GrĂĽner Veltliner, Riesling and Blauer Zweigelt.
Getting There
Senftenberg can be reached by train and bus. The cultural and natural attractions described above offer various ways to plan a stay around your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Krumau am Kamp, Rossatz, Stratzing, Straß Im Straßertale, Rohrendorf Bei Krems, Furth Bei Göttweig, Rastenfeld, Krustetten
See the full travel guide: Krems-Land.
