Kohlreithberg via Goldfischerl pond, Maria Anzbach

Maria Anzbach is a place of pilgrimage with a long history and an impressive landscape. The pilgrimage church "Maria Anzbach Zur Mutter der Barmherzigkeit" is an eye-catcher. In the south of the municipality lies the Kohlreithberg, from where you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Anzbach valley from the newly erected Millennium Cross.

Maria Anzbach is a pilgrimage site with a long history and stunning scenery. Evidence of early settlement dates back to the Bronze Age, and the town was first mentioned in a historical document in 998. On the renovated market square in the center of Maria Anzbach are the “Zum Goldenen Löwen” inn—which has been in operation since 1779—the old schoolhouse, and the Goldammer Museum. Karl Goldammer studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Vienna and has held numerous exhibitions both in Austria and abroad. His preferred subjects are cityscapes, particularly those of Venice. A major attraction is the pilgrimage church “Maria Anzbach Zur Mutter der Barmherzigkeit.” The remains from the former cemetery are housed in its basement. The first church was built in 1456. During the Ottoman period, the church was connected to the old smithy via an underground passage. To the south of the municipality lies the Kohlreithberg, from where you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Anzbach Valley from the newly erected Millennium Cross. The ascent to this 516-meter-high peak in the Vienna Woods is challenging in places, but it’s definitely worth the effort. When hiking around Maria Anzbach, you’ll spend most of your time in a near-pristine forest dominated by European beech and spruce trees. In some places, the trail leads through the expansive pastures of the region’s cattle and horse farms.

Directions:

The tour begins at the market square in the center of Maria Anzbach. Here you’ll find the “Zum Goldenen Löwen” inn, the Goldammer Museum, and the pilgrimage church. A detour to the nearby Schönbeckmühle via Schmiedgasse is well worth it. From here, head east along the main street. After a few meters, follow the blue trail markers to the right, up into Bahngasse. Once at the top, pass under the train station toward Kronesstraße. This is where the green trail markers for Götzwiesen/Kohlreithberg begin; follow them up the road. After about 300 meters, you’ll find yourself in the forest; continue to follow the green trail markers. The path climbs steeply in places. After a longer hike (about 2 km), you’ll reach a wayside cross; turn left here. Finally, you’ll emerge from the forest near the village of Götzwiesen. Here you’ll find another wayside cross and the Goldfischerl Pond. Turn left onto the road and follow the blue trail markers toward St. Christophen. You’ll pass through the tranquil village of Götzwiesen. In the center of the village, the blue trail marker points to the right—ignore this and stay on the road. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Alpine foothills. After about 500 meters, you’ll reach the settlement of Kohlreith. Here, turn right onto a fenced-in path between horse paddocks; the blue trail markers indicate the way. You are now on the Kohlreithberg Nature Trail; continue straight ahead until you reach the summit. The final 150 meters consist of a small footpath. You’ve reached your destination at the Millennium Cross. From here, the view extends all the way to the Waldviertel and Weinviertel regions, but Maria Anzbach and Neulengbach—especially Neulengbach with its castle—are particularly stunning. After signing the summit logbook, turn around and head back to the village of Kohlreith. At the end of the nature trail, continue straight ahead, following the blue trail markers toward Maria Anzbach. Hike downhill through a beech forest along a narrow forest path. At the foot of the mountain, you cross a small stream and, back in Maria Anzbach, arrive at Josef Schöffelgasse. At the end of this street, turn left onto Schwabstraße, continuing to follow the blue trail markers, and then pass under the Westbahn railway line. You’ll pass the former “Zur Reichskrone” hotel, then turn right up the steps of the “Schulweg” toward the church, walk through its courtyard, and find yourself back at the starting point.

Kohlreithberg via Goldfischerl pond, Maria Anzbach

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