The best hikes from bus stations around Hofamt Priel

To the wanderer lingering before this small, sacred monument with its special dedication as a "Peace Cross"—what more could the world possibly need in these times?—I would like to offer, as a small personal encouragement for peace, the words of greeting from Pope Leo XIV. Immediately after his election, before bestowing the traditional blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) upon the waiting faithful, he addressed those gathered in St. Peter's Square, as well as those participating via radio, television, and internet media, with these moving words: "Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd... I, too, wish that this greeting of peace may enter your hearts, reach your families, all people, wherever they may be, all nations, the whole earth. Peace be with you! This is the peace of the risen Christ, an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and steadfast." He comes from God, the God who loves us all unconditionally. (Robert Francis Prevost / Pope Leo XIV)

From the Danube Cycle Path, there is an impressive view of Maria Taferl, picturesquely perched on a hill overlooking the Danube. The pilgrimage basilica, visible from afar, dominates the landscape and serves as a prominent landmark for cyclists. The view is particularly beautiful when approaching the area around Marbach or Pöchlarn: the church rises above the river valley, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, offering a harmonious interplay of nature, culture, and spirituality along the Danube Cycle Path.

From the opposite bank of the Danube, there is an impressive view of Maria Taferl, perched on a hill above the Danube. The pilgrimage church, with its striking baroque tower, is visible from afar and dominates the skyline of the Wachau region. The view is particularly charming from the Danube Cycle Path or from vantage points on the northern bank: you can see the church towering above the wooded slopes and terraced vineyards, while the wide river meanders peacefully below. The combination of historic architecture, picturesque landscape, and the Danube panorama makes this view a popular destination for cyclists and photographers.

The Gottsdorf Parish Church, dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, is a late Gothic church with an early Gothic core and dominates the townscape of Gottsdorf an der Donau. Its origins date back to the 12th century, and it was first documented in 1268. After several renovations and consecrations in the 15th century, it acquired its present appearance with a Baroque-style west tower and characteristic onion dome. The choir and sacristy still feature Gothic elements such as pointed arch windows and cross-ribbed vaults. The high altar dates from the 16th century and was erected around 1710; the altarpiece by Paul Troger (around 1741/42) depicts the farewell of the princely apostles Peter and Paul. The interior was restored in the 1950s, carefully preserving the historic structure and furnishings.

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According to the description on the stone, this stone originates from the confluence of the Enns and Danube. The rest area offers a wonderful view of the Danube near Persenbeug-Gottsdorf and the striking Ötscher peak on the southern horizon.

The small alleys ("Hauptstraße") around the town hall square already have a "Wachau flair" 😉

Great view of Maria Taferl on the hill above Danube