Pöggstall Castle, art and marked hiking trails give a stay in Pöggstall several different focal points. At the castle, you can explore historic architectural features and the Franz Traunfellner exhibition. For hiking, options include a long circular route and a pilgrimage trail ending at Maria Taferl. This lets you consider cultural history and route planning as different parts of your trip.
Pöggstall Castle: moated castle, Renaissance and printmaking
Pöggstall Castle was originally built as a moated castle in the 13th century. Renaissance elements can be found in the courtyard and arcades. The barbican is another distinctive feature of the castle: because of its size and original condition, it is considered unique in Austria and a rarity throughout Europe.
The Franz Traunfellner exhibition presents prints and paintings in four rooms of the castle. Tools, an intaglio press, a lithographic press, a short film and photographs provide insights into printmaking techniques and the environment in which Traunfellner lived. So the focus is not only on the works on display: the exhibition also explains the methods used to create prints and the setting in which Traunfellner worked.
Another cultural and historical highlight is the Museum of Legal History. A visit to the torture chamber has been included as part of a cultural education programme since 2018. Check the current arrangements for guided tours in advance.
Churches with different histories
Near the castle, Caspar von Rogendorf had St Gilgen's Church built around 1480 as the castle church and burial church. A little outside Pöggstall is St Anna im Felde Church: the Gothic building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and stands on a hill surrounded by the Weitenbach. The two churches offer different historical perspectives – one was once associated with the castle, while the other is a Gothic building outside the town.
Hiking trails: circular route or pilgrimage destination
The Wirt'n Weg is an 18.77-kilometre circular hike. It starts at the barbican of Pöggstall Castle and offers cultural, historical and geological highlights. If you prefer a circular route, you can use its course and stated length as a guide. Pöggstall Castle is also the starting point for nine marked hiking trails.
A different route defines the 15-kilometre pilgrimage trail: it leads from Pöggstall via Neukirchen to the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl. Bright yellow signposts bearing a basilica symbol mark the way; check the markings on site. The routes differ in their layout: the Wirt'n Weg is described as a circular hike, while the pilgrimage trail has a specific destination. For both routes, factor current trail conditions into your plans.
Also a stop for a cycling break
As well as for hiking, Pöggstall is worth considering as a stop on a cycling tour: the Southern Waldviertel Cycle Route recommends the town as a place to take a break. This gives you different activities to consider when planning your trip – walking routes with clearly described itineraries and a recommended stop along a cycling route.
Discover more destinations: Persenbeug, Dunkelsteinerwald, Nächst Altenmarkt, Kilb, Bergland, Blindenmarkt, Hessendorf, Yspertal.
For the overview of the wider area: Melk.
