Schrattenthal combines an early history as a town with striking buildings and hiking trails through varied landscapes. Historical milestones range from its elevation to town status in 1472 to the first printing press in Lower Austria in 1501. The trails vary considerably, from a circular route and a multi-stage trail to a moderately difficult hike—helpful guidance when choosing what to focus on.
Town History and Schrattenthal Castle
On September 18, 1472, Emperor Frederick III elevated Schrattenthal to town status; the town was also granted a coat of arms. The first printing press in Lower Austria was established here in 1501. These two dates mark distinct chapters in the town’s history: its elevation to town status and the early history of printing in the region.
Schrattenthal Castle comprises a Late Gothic castle church, a Baroque granary, and a medieval Hunger Tower with a dungeon. The Hunger Tower is a freestanding circular tower with a diameter of 18.55 meters and walls 5.35 meters thick. These two measurements give a concrete sense of its massive construction. The Late Gothic castle chapel of St. Martin was built in 1436/38 and is considered a fortified church because of its defensive features.
The castle park also has a distinctive feature: a 3.5-hectare lavender field with more than 60,000 plants. The town is also home to a six-meter-high Marian column. Putz Freiherr von Adlersthurm had it erected in 1680 at the intersection of HauptstraĂźe and Kirchengasse in gratitude for the end of the plague. The pillory was erected in 1542 in the Renaissance style as a symbol of the old system of justice and has stood in Schrattenthal since 1960. The so-called sheepfold by the castle dates from the late 15th century. Parts of the old Retz Gate, including a round gate tower, have been preserved.
Hiking Trails with Different Profiles
The Urbanus Trail is a family-friendly circular route connecting sights in the municipality of Schrattenthal. It passes through Obermarkersdorf, Waitzendorf, and the town of Schrattenthal. Along the way, the route goes past meadows and fields and through forests and vineyards. Its description thus provides guidance both on the places it passes through and on the types of landscape along the trail.
The Waitzendorf Marterl Trail is 14.2 kilometers long and divided into three stages. It follows paved roads and forest paths to numerous historic wayside shrines and memorial sites. Hikers can refill their water supplies at the church square and the Johannes Fountain. When planning this trail, you can take into account both the stated division into stages and the two named water stops.
The Europawarte Trail is a moderately difficult hike from Obermarkersdorf to Waitzendorf. At 2.81 kilometers, it is considerably shorter than the Marterl Trail; the listed elevation gain is 139 meters and the descent is 112 meters.
Europawarte and Views of the Landscape
Europawarte St. Benedikt stands on Schafberg near Waitzendorf at an elevation of 471 meters and marks the border with the Waldviertel region. The observation tower was built in 1980 to commemorate the 1,500th anniversary of Saint Benedict. It offers views of the surrounding landscape. Europawarte is therefore a landmark in its own right for anyone interested in the landscape around Waitzendorf; it should not be confused with the route of the Europawarte Trail.
The route information offers several ways to choose a hike: the Urbanus Trail is described as a circular route, the Marterl Trail as a longer route with three stages, and the Europawarte Trail as a short, moderately difficult hike with specified elevation changes. Check current route details and conditions before setting out. This allows you to plan your hike around the specific features of each route while also exploring Schrattenthal’s architectural and town history as a separate focus.
Discover more destinations: Waitzendorf, GroĂźmeiseldorf, Municipality of Retzbach, Zellerndorf, Rafing, GroĂźkadolz, Mailberg, Retz
Go to the main travel overview: Hollabrunn.
