In front of the chapel in Waldberg stands a stone statue of Felix of Cantalice; a section of the Felix Pilgrim Route No. 10, named after him, also passes through Waldberg. These two points of reference connect local history with the pilgrimage tradition. For hiking enthusiasts, there is also a circular hike and a nature trail, which differ in length and focus.
The Chapel and Felix of Cantalice
The Waldberg Chapel was built in 1834. In front of it stands a stone statue of Felix of Cantalice, erected in 1739. Franz Adam Count Polheim, the owner of Schwarzenau Castle at the time, erected the monument. It is therefore 95 years older than the chapel. The dates refer to two different structures and give each its own point of reference in time.
The Felix Pilgrim Route No. 10 is named after Felix of Cantalice; a section of the route passes through Waldberg. The same namesake can thus be found both at the monument in front of the chapel and in the name of a route through the village. Those interested in pilgrim routes will find a specific local connection here, distinct from the chapel’s construction history.
Hikes with Different Focuses
The Schmankerlrunde is a moderately challenging circular hike starting at the market square in Windigsteig. It covers 8.66 kilometres and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Both the distance and duration of this hike are specified. The Meister Lampe's forest and meadow nature trail starts at Waldberg near Windigsteig and is about three kilometres long. By distance, the Schmankerlrunde is almost three times as long as the nature trail.
When choosing, the route type matters as well as the length: the Schmankerlrunde is described as a moderately challenging circular hike and has a specific time estimate. The shorter nature trail has a different focus. It includes a station where the language of bees is explained. This puts a circular route of a set length alongside a nature trail focused on a specific topic.
Another playful point of interest is by the fire station in Waldberg. There, visitors can play games including “Fox and Hen” and “Mill” on oversized game boards. The bee station is on the nature trail; the game boards are by the fire station. This makes it possible to consider learning about nature along the way and the games mentioned as distinct local themes.
After passing through Waldberg, a path leads to a viewpoint with a magnificent panoramic view. The viewpoint adds a landscape-related destination to the themes of pilgrimage, nature knowledge and play.
Regional Specialities
One local culinary attraction is the Schmankerlhof Dangl in Waldberg, where guests can enjoy various regional specialities. If you plan to stop there, check in advance whether a visit is possible at your preferred time.
Discover more destinations: Raabs An Der Thaya, Karlstein An Der Thaya, Dietmanns, GroĂź-Siegharts, Vitis, Waidhofen An Der Thaya.
Return to the higher-level travel overview: Waidhofen An Der Thaya.
