The best MTB trails around Emmersdorf an der Donau

The subsidiary church of Schwallenbach belonged to the large complex of property of the Niederaltaich monastery in the Wachau, which was allegedly founded by Charlemagne. This resulted in close ties to the monastery administration and the parish in Spitz. Thus, a small noble family from Spitz directly founded and endowed this church. Above the north gate, two interesting coat of arms reliefs with a chain and lock have been preserved. They refer to the mutual dependence of liege lord and vassal knight. Since the end of the 13th century, the monastery has enfeebled its dominion to the Dukes of Bavaria, who ceded it to King Maximilian I in 1504. The subsidiary church is first mentioned in 1419 and shows strikingly pronounced features of its Gothic period of origin. For example, the brick-built pointed helmet of the tower is a building form from the late Gothic period, which is particularly characteristic of the Wachau. The church is dedicated to St. Sigismund, the legendary King of Burgundy - he lived around 500.

Seyfried der Ritzendorfer sought permission from Pope Martin V to rebuild the church, and received permission in 1420. In 1421, Seyfried Ritzendorfer and his wife Anna issued the deed of foundation for the chapel. The new church, dedicated to St. Sigmund, was to be subordinate to the parish church of Spitz as a daughter church, along with the cemetery. The two shields above the entrance are the coats of arms of the founding couple (right: coat of arms of the Knights of Schwallenbach; left: coat of arms of the Ritzendorfers). Seyfried Ritzendorfer is buried in the church.

Branch church of St. Sigismund - Typical of Wachau Gothic The branch church of Schwallenbach belonged to the large property complex of the Niederaltaich Monastery in the Wachau region, which was allegedly donated by Charlemagne himself. This resulted in close ties to the monastery administration and the parish in Spitz. A small noble family from Spitz directly endowed and endowed this church. Two interesting coat of arms reliefs with chain and lock have been preserved above the north gate. They refer to the mutual dependence of feudal lord and feudal knight. Since the end of the 13th century, the monastery has enfeoffed its dominion to the Dukes of Bavaria, which they ceded to King Maximilian I in 1504. The branch church is first mentioned in 1419 and shows strikingly pronounced features of its Gothic period of origin. For example, the brick-built pointed helmet of the tower is a building form from the late Gothic period that is particularly characteristic of the Wachau region. The church is dedicated to St. Sigismund, the legendary king

The church of Schwallenbach dates back to a chapel from 1420, which was dedicated to Saint Sigismund. Buttresses and vault ribs indicate the late Gothic style. A statue of the Virgin Mary from the church, dating from 1515, has been preserved, the baroque altar was consecrated in 1724 by the bishop of Passau. The altarpiece dedicated to Saint Sigismund by Martin Johann Schmidt dates from 1767.

Beautiful view from the weir onto the castle and the proverbial blue Danube. Very good cycle paths on both sides, but beware, no protection against sun and wind over the entire route

A great Danube crossing for cyclists, the left-bank ascent/descent is very elaborate. Perfect for all types of bicycles to get onto the bridge.

Of course, the observation deck next to the transmitter is more interesting.

The Counts of Beroldingen owned the castle until 1929, when they sold it to Count Oswald Seilern-Aspang. The family still owns the castle today.