Article Falkenstein

We start the tour by climbing from the city center to the nearest dominant building, the church, which was built in the 17th century (the original building dates back to 1122). After a tour of the Baroque interior, we continue to the left to the slope of the vineyard, from where there is a nice view of the city and the castle.

In the middle of the slope is a wooden shed and seating with a nice view of the city. Ideal for a snack. Or a glass of wine?

From the church, a marked path leads up to the castle ruins. After overcoming the wooden stairs above the fence, it is possible to turn a few meters to the right and again enjoy the view of the surroundings. Pavlovské vrchy are like in the palm of your hand.

The ruins stand on a limestone cliff at an altitude of 299 m. The castle was built in 1050, in 1645 it succumbed to the Swedes and at the end of the 17th century it began to decay. If you just need a view, limited more or less to the north, entry to this part is free. Otherwise, the castle has an interesting exhibition on the history of the Baptist movement, entrance to all premises for 3 EUR (2018).

From the castle there is a beautiful view in all directions. On the Internet, you can easily find the legend of a lost and rediscovered falcon, which allegedly gave the village and the castle its name.

From the castle we continue along the marked northern circuit. The surrounding meadows are full of blooming beauty in spring.

Opposite the castle peak in the NE direction we ascend to the Höllenstein peak. Another point from where you can see, for example, the Little Carpathians from a height of 390 m above sea level.

The most attractive are the local vineyards during August and autumn. The northern circuit around the town will take us directly among the ripening grapes. In some places, individual vine varieties are even described.

The return to the town is the most interesting via Křížový vrch.

We walk through the city center and set out on the southern circuit above Falkenstein. We walk through an alley full of wine cellars. Be careful not to succumb, not to stop, there is an ascent to the next peak in front of us.

She, too, passes Falkenstein. Behind the cellar alley, it rises upwards above the village towards Poysdorf. It is also marked as the Weinviertelweg. We turn right from it and climb through the forest to the highest hill with a transmitter.

From the highest part of the southern roundabout there is again a wonderful view, not only of Falkenstein.

After returning to the village, we finally have time to study the local „Oagossn“ – an alley with wine cellars. These date from the early 19th century. Some of the 65 wine houses with a hollowed-out cellar are open to wine lovers, especially in the high season.

Some cellars can be visited without a guide, choose a tasting sample or an entire bottle, pay according to the price list to the money box and then just enjoy a delicious wine. The local vineyards have an area of 185 ha, the classic varieties include Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt and Blauburger.

Tradition is tradition, so you can meet a few technical period gems and ride on a flatbed behind a tractor.