M63 Waldquelle Kraftquellenweg - From Kobersdorf to Landsee through the Nature Park Landseer Berge

The starting point of the hike is the old village linden tree opposite the Gasthof zum Dorfwirt in the tranquil nature park community of Kobersdorf. The inn, with a cozy beer garden in summer, invites you to refresh yourself before or after the hike. You follow Theodor-Kery-Straße to the Waldhof, then keep right and leave the village area. After a short stretch on the municipal road, turn left onto the bridge over the Mühlbach. Here you are already greeted by a large information board on the bridge railing about the author Martina Parker and the Kraftquellenweg. The bridge is the entry point to the Waldquelle Kraftquellenweg, which is marked from here with Waldquelle directional arrows.

With a steady ascent, the forest road winds ever deeper into the wooded region of the Landseer Berge. The path leads you higher through the diverse, lush green nature park forest and increasingly offers magnificent views over the wide landscape of Mittelburgenland with its seemingly endless horizon. Along the way, you will find 10 Kraftquellen information boards where Martina Parker lets the characters from her popular garden crime novels tell interesting facts about the origin of mineral water, the geology and nature of the surrounding forests, and other exciting regional facts. And typically, just as in her books, she does not skimp on Burgenland local color and humor.

At times, you hike on wide, sunny forest roads or narrower forest paths until you finally immerse yourself in the dense, shady mixed forest on soft forest and hiking trails. At times, you follow the historic "Judensteig," which Jewish traders used hundreds of years ago to transport their goods from Kobersdorf to Landsee Castle and further into the adjacent present-day Lower Austria. The final stage leads you steeply up a narrow forest path to the castle ruins. After this last strenuous challenge, an extraordinary picnic spot made of massive Pauliberg basalt stones welcomes you and offers a place to rest. And just behind it await the mighty walls of the impressive Landsee castle ruins.

Tip for the return journey:

You can of course hike back the same route to Kobersdorf. The path is signposted in both directions.

Or you can use the BAST (Burgenland call-collective taxi) and have yourself driven to Kobersdorf at the regular bus fare. The BAST ride must be booked at least 60 minutes before the desired departure time. BAST rides can only be booked via the 24/7 hotline 0800 500 805. A BAST stop is located on the state road at the access to the castle ruins.

Good footwear, sporty clothing, rain and sun protection, as well as a bottle of drinking water, should always be with you.

It is recommended to carry a mobile phone.

A2, S31 exit Kobersdorf-Nord

By bus VOR (Eastern Region Transport Association)

BAST (Burgenland call-collective taxi)

Free parking is available in the center of Kobersdorf.

 www.mittelburgenland-rosalia.info

Nature Park Landseer Berge

Landsee Castle Ruins

Schloss-Spiele Kobersdorf

Synagogue Kobersdorf

The community of Kobersdorf is known for the Schloss-Spiele Kobersdorf, held annually in July at Kobersdorf Castle. Also worth seeing is the newly renovated former synagogue, which recalls the community's Jewish roots and today serves as a cultural, scientific, and educational center.

The Landsee castle ruins, one of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe, can be visited from April to mid-November from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for a small admission fee. You should not miss the fantastic view from the former residential tower – Donjon. A beautiful forest path allows for a walk around the castle grounds in any season.

Just a few steps from the castle ruins toward Landstraße lies the enchanting Landsee forest cemetery, where the grave of the Burgenland writer and lyricist Mida Huber (1880-1974) can also be found.