Hohenberg: Castle History and Trails in the Traisen Valley

When planning a stay in Hohenberg, you can choose what to focus on based on a wide range of interests: local history, cultural offerings, or trails through forests and meadows. The places and routes described here give you specific ideas to help plan your trip.

History and Culture in Hohenberg

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, Dietrich the First of the Hohenstaufen dynasty founded the Lordship of Hohenberg. He had a castle built on what is now Schloßberg to serve as his seat. Its elevated position above the Traisen Valley made it possible to monitor and control the valley over a wide area. At the narrow point in the valley at the foot of Schloßberg, the castle lord of the time checked travelers. The castle site and the valley narrows therefore together tell the story of the historical importance of this location in the valley.

The history of the church and the market can also be placed in context: Hohenberg parish was founded in 1325, and Hohenberg already held market rights that same year. The Catholic parish church of St. James the Elder is an early Baroque hall church dating from around 1630 and is protected as an immovable monument by ordinance. The Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Jubiläums-Kapelle dates from 1898. A portal dating from 1604 is located at the house “Zum schwarzen Bären” at Markt 20. These dates represent different periods in the town’s history and refer to different buildings.

If you prefer to explore history along a trail, you can include the Kerbholz cultural trail, which tells the story of Hohenberg. The Kreativschule offers a different focus, with year-round courses in woodcarving, pottery, painting, and creative writing workshops. This gives you a choice between a cultural history theme and a range of practical and artistic activities.

Compare Hikes and Trails

The Hohenberg Kreativwanderweg is about 8 km long and takes approximately 3.5 hours. It loops around the creative village of Hohenberg, following partly paved paths and mostly forest and meadow trails. The route is particularly suitable for families with children. The “Nature as Art” route is also family-friendly, but shorter at about 5.5 km and approximately 2.5 hours. Its easy trails lead to the ruins, Seebach, and the waterfalls. If you are comparing how much time to allow, the approximate duration is a helpful distinction between the two hikes. Check local conditions for the respective route before setting out.

Trails and destinations at higher elevations offer further options. The Hohenberger Gschwendt refuge is at an elevation of 1,072 meters. Hohenberger Gschwendt lies along the Traisenberg–Paulmauer–Hohenberger Gschwendt high-altitude hike; the area is also used for ski touring in winter. There is a route to the Reisalpe that starts in the valley at Hohenberg. For mountain biking, the 11 km Hinterberg route offers a different focus, with views, steep climbs, and fast descents.

Waterfalls and Other Leisure Activities

Two waterfalls are located at the foot of Ochsensattel. The small Schleierwasserfall is visible from the road; a short path leads into the valley to the larger one. Shady picnic spots and shallow water invite you to linger there. Conditions may change after weather events, so it is a good idea to check the situation locally.

The Voralpenbad is a heated swimming pool surrounded by forest. Its described facilities include a buffet, a sunbathing lawn, a children’s slide, a Hoppepuder bouncy cushion, and table tennis. If you are planning a visit to the pool, check the latest information about the facilities beforehand. The pump track replaced the former skate park and was completed in October 2022. Together, these offerings provide different options for planning your day; they do not replace checking the details of the activity you want to do yourself.

Discover more destinations: Ramsau Bei Hainfeld, Traisen, Wienerbruck, Eschenau An Der Traisen, Mitterbach Am Erlaufsee, Sankt Veit An Der Gölsen, Kleinzell, Kaumberg.

Go to the main travel overview: Lilienfeld.