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Hardegg: the smallest town in Austria

Hardegg: the smallest town in Austria

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Hardegg: Austria's smallest town in the Thaya Valley

Hardegg, the smallest town in Austria, is idyllically situated in the Thaya Valley on the border with the Czech Republic. The historic town is dominated by the imposing Hardegg Castle and is surrounded by the forests of the Thayatal National Park Although the town itself offers few attractions, it is an ideal starting point for nature and cultural experiences in the region.

Short info:

Location: Lower Austria, in the Thaya Valley on the border with the Czech Republic.
Population: Around 80 residents in the city center.
Sightseeing attractions: Hardegg Castle (rarely open), Thayatal National Park, Peep Show Museum.
Activities: Hiking, cycling, bird watching.
Best time to travel: Spring to autumn.
Arrival: By car via the B30 or by bus from Retz.

Hardegg Castle: History and current use

Hardegg Castle sits perched on a rock above the town and was first documented in 1145. It served as a fortified and residential castle and was an important administrative center for the County of Hardegg. Today, the castle is owned by the Khevenhüller family and is only rarely open to the public. The next opening is planned for August 11–24, 2025. During this time, visitors can admire the medieval architecture and the Kaiser Maximilian Museum.

The village of Hardegg: A quiet town with traditional crafts

With about 80 inhabitants in the town center, Hardegg is one of the smallest towns in Europe. Apart from the impressive castle, there are few tourist attractions here. A small museum is the Peep Show Museum, which exhibits historical peep-show pictures. The town itself impresses with its tranquil atmosphere and its location in the heart of the Thayatal National Park, making it an ideal starting point for hikes and bike tours.

A worthwhile detour leads to Felling, a district of Hardegg, where the Mother-of-pearl manufactory, which is considered the last of its kind in Austria. Visitors can experience the traditional processing of mother-of-pearl and purchase handmade jewelry.

But there isn't much to see here.

Nature experiences in the Thayatal National Park

The Thayatal National Park surrounds Hardegg and offers an impressive diversity of flora and fauna. With its steep hillside forests, rock formations, and the meandering course of the Thaya River, it is one of Austria's most beautiful valleys. Rare animal species such as the otter, black stork, and dice snake can be found here. Numerous hiking and biking trails crisscross the park, allowing visitors to experience untouched nature up close.

Hike to the Hardegger Warte

A worthwhile excursion leads to the Hardegger Warte, a vantage point on the Czech side of the Podyjí National Park. From here, you can enjoy an excellent view of the town of Hardegg and the Thaya Valley. The hike starts at the Thaya Bridge in Hardegg, crosses the bridge into the Czech Republic, and leads uphill along a marked trail through the forest to the paved road. After about one kilometer, a 200-meter-long branch path leads to the Hardegger Warte. Plan on about two hours for the round trip.

Other hiking trails

Thayatalweg

Length: 6 km (with loop 9.5 km)
Duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Highlight: Umlaufberg, impressive viewpoint over the Thayatal

Merkersdorf circular hiking trail

Length: 3.5 km
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Highlight: Granitzsteig, beautiful view

Kayak Trail

Length: approx. 20 min
Highlight: Kaja ruins, historic castle ruins

Hermit's Trail with Wildcat Hike

Length:
3.5 km (from the Thaya Bridge to the Einsiedler Suspension Bridge and back)
5 km (variant via the Hermitage Suspension Bridge and the Czech Republic)
6 km (variant within Austria)
Highlight: Hermit Rock (Poustevnická skála)

Hennerweg

Length: 1.8 km
Duration: approx. 40 min
Highlight: View of Hardegg

Hardegger circular hiking trail

Length:
5 km (via the Christmas tree trail from the Max Plateau)
7 km (via the forest path)
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Highlights: Hardegg Castle, Hardegger Warte (viewpoint)

Hardegger Warte

Length: 2 km
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Highlight: Hardegger Warte lookout point

Ice skating | Ledové sluje

Length: 11.5 km
Duration: approx. 3 hours 45 minutes
Highlight: Obelisk

Ruin Neuhäusl | New Hrádek

Length: 21 km
Duration: approx. 7 hours
Highlight: View of the river meanders of the Thaya Valley

Hardegg-Vranov circular hiking trail

Length: 23 km
Duration: approx. 8 hours
Highlight: Ancient forests and impressive rock formations

These hiking trails offer varying levels of difficulty, from short walks to challenging full-day tours with impressive natural and cultural landscapes