Discover Zelking: Parish Church, Cellar Lane and Hiesberg

Zelking combines a historically shaped townscape with features of its landscape and history. The parish church stands on a hill and is dedicated to Saint Erhard. Together with the historic buildings, it explains why Zelking was once a very popular summer resort. Architectural history, the church’s dedication and the travel culture of the past come together here. When looking for a hotel in Zelking, you can first decide whether your trip will focus mainly on local history, hiking trails, nature or cycling.

Church, Hollow Way and Cellar Lane

West of Zelking, a hollow way cuts through the natural Melk sand and leads to a picturesque cellar lane. The route brings together two aspects: the hollow way draws attention to the terrain and underlying ground, while the cellar lane offers a cultural connection. This passage thus adds a tangible landscape and cultural-landscape dimension to the history of the parish church. For travellers interested not only in historic buildings but also in the interplay of paths, soil and cellar lanes, this hollow way is a vivid example.

Castle Ruin, Hiesberg and Nature

The Zelking castle ruin stands on the slope of the Hiesberg and was first mentioned in 1100. It was once the ancestral seat of the Zelking family. The year refers to its first mention, not its construction date. The castle ruin must not be entered because of the risk of collapse; check the access situation again on site before your visit.

The Hiesberg also brings nature and history together. This wooded area is a hiking destination, with numerous waymarked trails running through it. For hikers, both the trails and the mountain’s history are in focus: the Hiesberg offers a distinct theme alongside the town’s historic attractions.

Another nature attraction is the Zelking Pond, which is classified as a regionally significant waterbird breeding area. Here, the focus is on the habitat of breeding waterbirds. The Rogelstein is a rocking-stone remnant of a mighty group of ancient crystalline rocks. The White Stone is associated with a custom dating back 1,200 years. Geology and local customs offer two different ways to explore these named attractions.

Hiking and Cycling

One specific hiking option is the 38-kilometre Hiesberg-Melktal Circular Trail No. 68. It runs from St. Leonhard am Forst through romantic forests and along the river landscape of the Melk. Its starting point and total length provide a clear framework for planning the route. It complements the numerous waymarked trails on the wooded Hiesberg with a named circular route and a specified distance.

Near Melk, the Melktal Cycle Route joins the Danube Cycle Path and connects with the Pielachtal Trail. This provides a specific reference point for planning cycling routes. While the trails on the Hiesberg are primarily suited to hiking, the Melktal Cycle Route near Melk links to two other routes. Hiking and cycling can therefore be considered as distinct options.

Discover more destinations: Loosdorf, Hessendorf, Persenbeug, Dorfstetten, Pöggstall, Ruprechtshofen, Emmersdorf An Der Donau, Leiben

For the main travel overview: Melk.