The best walks and hikes 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)

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" 😉

The market linden tree, which is over 700 years old, is an important symbol of the past and community. The linden tree stands for love, peace, protection, loyalty, home and justice. Villagers used to gather under its mighty branches for drinks, singing and dancing, as well as for court hearings and important meetings. The linden tree was the center of public village life. Planted around 1300, this impressive market linden tree is a natural monument with a trunk circumference of over 5 meters. To this day, it is a reminder of the rich history and close community of the village.

Experience the power of water live - visit the historic control room, the impressive machine hall and the mighty ship lock of Austria's oldest Danube power plant and experience electricity production first hand. Interactive stations and bicycle simulators invite you to join in.

The Persenbeug lock has two chambers that raise or lower ships in about 20-30 minutes, depending on whether they are traveling upstream or downstream. With the help of the lock, ships bridge a height difference of around 11 meters. Watching the locking process is definitely worth the time!

The stone relief, the so-called Nibelungenzug, designed by Professor Oskar Thiede, at the lock entrance under Persenbeug Castle is definitely worth a look. You might even have the chance to see a ship entering or leaving the lock!

An impressive, over 600-year-old linden tree, declared a natural monument in 1989. Right next to it is the Café zur Linde, very fitting.