Waitzendorf: Church, Europawarte and walking routes

Waitzendorf brings together church and architectural history, panoramic views, walking routes and leisure facilities as distinct focal points. The leaning tower of the Catholic parish church of the Holy Trinity stands out; the Europawarte St. Benedikt offers a different focal point with its views and dedication. The Urbanusweg, the Marterlweg and the leisure complex each have their own characteristics. If you are looking for a hotel in Waitzendorf, you can first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

Church with a leaning tower

The Catholic parish church of the Holy Trinity in Waitzendorf is listed in the monument protection regulation for the district of Hollabrunn. The regulation came into force on 15 May 2004. The history of its tower is also remarkable: in 1930, it became detached from the church building, sank sideways and has stood at an angle ever since. Its inclination is 1.1 degrees, or about 50 centimetres; the tower is described as Austria’s most leaning church tower. The building also includes the chancel, with a low entrance and a Gothic vault. It was the first phase of the church’s construction.

Europawarte: views and architectural history

The Europawarte St. Benedikt is located on the Schafberg near Waitzendorf at an altitude of 471 metres and offers views of the surrounding landscape. It was built in 1980 to commemorate the 1,500th anniversary of Saint Benedict, the patron saint of Europe, and was fully renovated in 2019. The tower is 26 metres high. The viewing platform is reached by climbing 112 steps; a six-metre-high cross stands on it. These three figures describe different aspects: the tower’s height, the number of steps to the platform and the height of the cross. In terms of choosing what to see, the lookout tower differs from the parish church: here, the views, dedication and tower dimensions take centre stage, while the church is notable for its tilt and architectural history.

Two walking routes, different highlights

The family-friendly Urbanusweg circular route passes through Waitzendorf; a detour to the Europawarte is possible. The Marterlweg Waitzendorf follows paved paths and forest trails to historic roadside shrines and memorial sites. If you are looking for a circular route with the option of a detour to the lookout tower, the Urbanusweg is one option; the Marterlweg focuses on its path types and memorial sites. The routes therefore have different aims: panoramic views on the one hand, historic places of remembrance on the other.

Leisure complex and wine country

The Waitzendorf leisure complex adds further specific facilities to the town’s attractions. Its playground has a climbing frame, swings, a slide, horizontal bars and a zip line. The complex also has a Kneipp facility.

Redl Winery is located at the foot of the Manhartsberg in the wine-growing village of Waitzendorf and is surrounded by vineyards, most of which lie on clay and loess soils. The winery’s residential building was built as early as the late 18th century. The soils shape the wine-growing landscape, while the residential building has its own connection to the winery’s architectural history.

For the broader travel overview: Schrattenthal.