Discover Pfaffstätten

Pfaffstätten combines protected natural areas with traces of local and wine-growing history. When planning a stay, you can choose from nature, historic buildings and wine-related experiences. The sights offer a variety of highlights: bat conservation and woodland landscapes alongside architecture, views and cultural attractions.

Nature and views

The Glaslauterriegel-Heferlberg-Fluxberg nature reserve is located within the municipality. Pfaffstätten downy oak forests grow there, interspersed with flower-rich woodland margins and dry grasslands. These forests provide a habitat for reptiles such as the non-venomous smooth snake and the European green lizard, as well as thousands of insect species.

Two protected caves add to the area’s natural attractions. Einödhöhle, also known as Bat Cave, is a nature reserve and serves as a winter roost for endangered bats. The seasonal visitor period runs from 1 May to the end of August; check access before your visit. The rear chamber may only be visited as part of a guided cave tour. Check tour options in advance as well. Elfenhöhle is also protected.

Klesheimwarte is an iron observation tower on Pfaffstättner Kogel. Its platform is 550 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views. The tower opened on 12 July 1914, during a severe thunderstorm with torrential rain. The precise date and unusual circumstances give the viewpoint a distinctive place in local history.

History and local culture

Pfaffstätten Local History Museum is currently closed; guided tours are available on request. It is housed in a converted former vintner’s home. The museum includes an old wine cellar, collections on wine-growing and tree resin extraction, and objects relating to church and local history. Its subjects therefore range from local crafts to the history of the town.

Lilienfelderhof takes visitors further back in time: according to M. Knoll, it was built in 1216 as a grange, or farmstead, belonging to Lilienfeld Cistercian Abbey; it was first mentioned in a document in 1261. The construction date and first documentary mention mark separate milestones. Pfaffstätten Parish Church is dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul and was built at the end of the 12th century; its present-day choir is Romanesque.

Today, Leutgebhaus serves as an outpost of the neighbouring local history museum and as a tourist information centre; it also houses reception rooms. Check the current visitor services before you arrive.

Activities and things to do

The Bat Adventure Trail is an educational trail with play and learning stations about bats. Along the way, the “Follow the Sounds” cultural trail explores music. Information boards with QR codes and short music videos for children bring the two themes of nature and music together on the trail.

Lamasté offers llama trekking, yoga brunches, qigong, pottery and spinning classes. Circus skills activities for children and adults are also available. Check the current programme before booking.

EuroVelo 9 also passes through Pfaffstätten municipality: just under 1.8 kilometres of the route run through the municipal area. The route is flat and suitable for children. The flat stretch of EuroVelo 9 in Pfaffstätten is an option for a cycling trip with children.

Wine and events

Every year, on the first two weekends in September, the Genussmeile opens as the world’s longest open-air wine tavern along the hiking trail above the Vienna Mountain Spring Water Pipeline. Check the dates for your travel year before making firm plans to attend.

“Wine – Then & Now” features wine tastings served in historic and modern glasses, from traditional beakers to stemmed glasses. It also includes a “Hauerjause”, a platter of traditional and contemporary delicacies served on a special board. Confirm your participation before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Oberwaltersdorf, Teesdorf, Neuhaus, Hernstein, Traiskirchen, Bad Vöslau, Reisenberg, Tattendorf.

Return to the main travel overview: Baden.