Teichkettenweg

Route characteristics: 30% asphalt, 70% grass and gravel paths

The starting point for the hike is the Gmünd train station. From there, head toward the Old Town (center) until you reach the roundabout, then turn right onto Emerich-Berger-Straße. Before the children’s playground, turn left onto Hans-Lenz-Straße; after a short walk, you’ll reach the Teichpromenade. Walk along the dam to circle around the Harabruckteich, then turn right onto Schulgasse. This street leads you directly to the sports field, where you follow the path to the right and reach Fuchsteich. After passing under the Franz-Josefs-Bahn railway and crossing the federal highway (B41), you’ll walk through the forest to Pilzteich and then on to Neunteich. Heading toward Albrechtser Straße (which you’ll cross and walk along for a short distance), you’ll pass the campground and arrive directly at the Sole-Felsen-Bad Gmünd at Aßangteich. Crossing the pond’s dam, you’ll reach the second underpass beneath the federal highway (B41) and turn right onto Eichenallee, which leads into Albrechtser Straße. This street takes you left to the underpass near the train station, and after a walking time of 1 to 1½ hours, you’ll return to your starting point.

As a memento of your hike along the Teichkettenweg in the Waldviertel, you can pick up a hiking badge from the Blockheide Gmünd Nature Park at the shop near the observation tower in Blockheide.

Hiking badges are round plaques, designed and inscribed using pyrography, which serve as both a souvenir and a recognition of outstanding achievements. Dedicated hiking badge collectors are rewarded with a free premium hiking badge. For more information, visit www.wandermarken.at.