Kohlreithberg via Goldfischerl pond, Maria Anzbach

Maria Anzbach is a pilgrimage site with a long history and impressive landscape. The first settlement is evidenced from the Bronze Age; the place was first mentioned in documents in 998. At the renovated market square in the center of Maria Anzbach are the inn "Zum Goldenen Löwen" which has been operating since 1779, the old schoolhouse, and the Goldammer Museum. Karl Goldammer worked at the Academy of Applied Arts in Vienna and has held many exhibitions nationally and internationally. His preferred motifs are city views, especially Venice. A highlight is the pilgrimage church "Maria Anzbach Zur Mutter der Barmherzigkeit". In its cellar room are the bones from the former cemetery. The first church was built in 1456. During the Turkish period, the church was connected by an underground passage to the old smithy. In the south of the community lies the Kohlreithberg, from where you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Anzbachtal at the newly erected Millennium Cross. The ascent to this 516 m high Vienna Woods summit is sometimes challenging but definitely worth it. When hiking around Maria Anzbach, you are mostly in natural forest where the European beech and spruce dominate. Sometimes the path leads over extensive pastures of the region's cattle and horse farms.

Route description:

The route starts at the market square in the center of Maria Anzbach. Here are the inn "Zum Goldenen Löwen," the Goldammer Museum, and the pilgrimage church. A detour to the nearby Schönbeckmill via Schmiedgasse is worthwhile. From here, head east along the main street. After a few meters, follow the blue marking to the right, up into Bahngasse. At the top, pass under the train station towards Kronesstraße. Here begins the green marking towards Götzwiesen/Kohlreithberg; follow this road uphill. After about 300 m, you enter the forest, always following the green marking, with some steep uphill stretches. After a longer hike (about 2 km), you reach a wayside cross where you turn left. Near the village of Götzwiesen, you leave the forest. Here, you find another wayside cross and the Goldfischerl pond. Turn left onto the road and follow the blue marking towards St. Christophen. You pass through the tranquil village of Götzwiesen. In the middle of the village the blue marking points right—ignore this and stay on the road. From here, enjoy a wonderful view of the foothill landscape. After about 500 m, you reach the settlement Kohlreith. Turn right onto a fenced path between horse paddocks, the blue marking shows the way. You are now on the Kohlreithberg nature trail; walk straight ahead until you reach the summit. The last 150 m is a small footpath. At the Millennium Cross you have reached your goal. The view extends from here to the Waldviertel and Weinviertel, but especially Maria Anzbach and Neulengbach with its castle show themselves at their best. After signing the summit book, return the same way to the settlement Kohlreith. At the end of the nature trail, go straight and follow the blue marking towards Maria Anzbach. Descend through beech forest along a narrow forest path. At the foot of the mountain, cross a small stream and return to Maria Anzbach into Josef Schöffelgasse. At its end, turn left onto Schwabstraße, continuing to follow the blue marking, and then pass under the Westbahn. You pass the former hotel "Zur Reichskrone", then turn right up the stairs of the "Schulweg" to the church, walk through its courtyard, and find yourself back at the starting point.

"Market square" Maria Anzbach