Bürg: Forest Landscape and Hiking

Forest Landscape and Protected Area

Within the municipality of Bürg-Vöstenhof, 85 percent of the area is forested. Bürg-Vöstenhof lies between the Schwarzatal and the Schneeberg; in 1978, the municipal area was included in the Rax–Schneeberg Landscape Conservation Area. The location between the Schwarzatal and the Schneeberg describes the broader landscape setting; the 85 percent figure refers to the proportion of forest within the municipal area. This gives you two different points of reference: the geographical setting and the character of the municipality’s land.

The Gahns is the Schneeberg’s southeastern foothill plateau, located in the municipality of Bürg-Vöstenhof, and covers approximately 2,150 hectares. As a plateau, it is a distinct, extensive landform; its approximate area conveys its scale. For hikers, the Gahns is made more tangible by a specific ascent, with the Bodenwiese as its destination.

Hiking: Circular Route and Ascent

The Gfieder–Vierbrüderbaum–Krampushöhle route is a marked circular hike. Its name combines three names in one tour; together with the trail markings and circular format, this makes the route easy to identify. If you use the type of hike as a criterion, this loop differs from the separately described ascent of the Gahns.

The ascent of the Gahns leads from Bürg-Vöstenhof via the Große Waldwiese to the Bodenwiese. The circular hike is defined by its loop format, while the Gahns ascent has an explicitly named destination. This gives you a concrete basis for distinguishing between the two types of hike by their route.

The Vier-Brüder-Baum is a black pine that began growing as a seedling in the year 980. Its name also appears in the name of the marked circular hike. The route names the tree, while its natural history adds the year it began growing—two different points of reference for the same name. The area around the Vierbrüderbaum was closed for safety reasons. Check before your visit whether the area is currently accessible.

History and Buildings

In the 12th century, Bavarians and Franks settled in what is now the municipality of Bürg-Vöstenhof. In Bürg, the Bürschhof Chapel was consecrated in 1759. The chapel thus provides a specific historical reference point, while the settlement history gives the broader timeframe.

Vöstenhof Castle is privately owned and has a square keep and a chapel. These features give the castle a different architectural character from the Bürschhof Chapel, which was consecrated in 1759. At Vöstenhof Castle, the keep and chapel are the main architectural features; for the Bürschhof Chapel, its dated consecration is the specific historical reference point.

Find a Hotel for Your Stay in Bürg

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Bürg, consider what interests you most: hiking, the forest landscape or local history. The area’s different landscape and historical features can help you assess Bürg as a travel destination in light of your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Breitenau, Otterthal, Neuwald, Grimmenstein, Tratten, Zöbern, Gloggnitz, Kirchberg Am Wechsel.

Return to the main travel overview: Neunkirchen.