Hohenberg brings together local history, buildings from several centuries and trails of varying lengths and durations. To plan your visit, you can first decide what interests you most: Would you like to learn more about the town’s history, go hiking or mountain biking? Hohenberg offers everything from family hikes to high-altitude trails and a mountain bike route.
History of the lordship and its buildings
Between the 11th and 13th centuries, Dietrich I of the House of Hohenstaufen founded the Lordship of Hohenberg. He had a castle built on what is now Schloßberg as his seat. Set high above the Traisen Valley, the castle offered far-reaching views for monitoring and controlling the valley. At the narrow point in the valley at the foot of Schloßberg, the lord of the castle would check travelers. The castle’s history thus also tells of the valley’s former control.
The parish of Hohenberg was founded in 1325; Hohenberg already had market rights that same year. The parish church of St. James the Greater is an early Baroque hall church dating from around 1630. The house “Zum schwarzen Bären” at Markt 20 has a portal dating from 1604. The Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Jubiläums-Kapelle dates from 1898. Together, these buildings offer different points in time from which to explore Hohenberg’s history.
The Kreativschule also offers a cultural focus, with courses in woodcarving, pottery, painting and writing workshops throughout the year. The Kerbholz cultural trail tells the story of Hohenberg. Those interested in local history can choose between architectural history, the cultural trail and creative courses.
Hiking by duration and trail type
The Hohenberg Kreativwanderweg runs around the creative village of Hohenberg. It is about 8 kilometers long and takes approximately 3.5 hours. The route is partly on asphalt, but mostly follows forest and meadow trails. It is particularly suitable for families with children.
At about 5.5 kilometers and approximately 2.5 hours, the “Nature as Art” route is the shorter of the two hikes described. It follows easy trails to the ruins, the Seebach stream and the waterfalls, and is also particularly suitable for families. The approximate distances and durations help you choose a tour to suit your available time. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.
High-altitude trails, mountain biking and waterfalls
The Hinterberg mountain bike route is 11 kilometers long. Its route description notes beautiful views, steep climbs and fast descents; conditions can vary with the seasons. Hohenberger Gschwendt lies along the Traisenberg–Paulmauer–Hohenberger Gschwendt high-altitude hike. The Hohenberger Gschwendt mountain refuge is at an elevation of 1,072 meters. The area is also used for ski touring in winter; check winter conditions locally. There is also a route up the Reisalpe starting from Hohenberg in the valley.
There are two waterfalls at the foot of Ochsensattel. The small Schleierwasserfall can be seen from the road. A short path leads into the valley to the larger waterfall, where shady picnic spots and shallow water invite you to linger. Conditions may change after weather events.
The Voralpenbad is a heated swimming pool surrounded by woodland, with a buffet, sunbathing lawn, children’s slide, Hoppepuder bouncy cushion and table tennis. As facilities may change, check the current offerings before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Annaberg Bei Mariazell, Sankt Veit An Der Gölsen, Erlaufboden, Eschenau An Der Traisen, Türnitz, Kaumberg, Ramsau Bei Hainfeld, Mitterbach Am Erlaufsee.
Return to the regional travel guide: Lilienfeld.
