Trip to the Dyje River and Hardegg Castle in Podyjí

Trip in N.P. Podyjí to Hardegg Castle

Starting point

Čížov village, parking is at the entrance to the village, there is no parking in the village.

Description of the hike

We chose the village of Čížov for the beginning of this trip because it is home to the best preserved border barriers from the Iron Curtain era. We left our car in the free parking lot in front of the village. After passing through the village, we stopped for a while at the roadblock and explained to our descendants what those times were like.

Then we followed the blue tourist trail towards Dyje. The road is on asphalt and it went by so fast. At the forest part we turned onto the trail and followed it to the viewpoint at Hardegg. This viewpoint has also been there for more than 150 years and the view is really beautiful. The calm Thaya River flowed below us and on the opposite bank Hardegg Castle stood above the town of the same name.

After a longer rest we returned to the asphalt road and walked down to the river. After exploring the pre-war bunkers, we popped over the bridge into Austria for a minute. We then returned and followed the green trail along the beautiful river. The views across the river to the castle are really beautiful. Eventually we left the banks of the river and started climbing back up through the forest. We joined the asphalt road leading to Čížov again and followed it back to the car.

 

Difficulty

A simple trip, ideal for families with children. The whole time you walk along forest paths or asphalt roads. The descent to the river is very gradual, as is the ascent through the forest from the river. The route is ideal for dogs, strollers should be on the trail around the Dyje. This part is slightly rocky and narrow.
 

Water availability

It is possible to replenish liquids in the village of Čížov, where there is a self-service buffet and in season probably also a restaurant. There is probably also a possibility to get a drink in the village of Hardegg, but we didn't try that. We had our own drinks.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not go over any peak. However, the Hardegg lookout offers a beautiful view.
 

Danger

The route is easy on wide roads or trails. The only problem in the summer season are cyclists, because the road from Čížov to Dyje is very popular among cyclists and it is necessary to avoid them.
 

Food

During our trip, only a self-service buffet was open in the village of Čížov, where you can buy some goodies. The pub was closed, I have no idea if it is open in high season.
 

Attractions

The route of this trip leads to the river Dyje, on the other bank of which is the town of Hardegg with its castle of the same name. The town itself is interesting because it is the smallest town in Austria. The castle itself was founded in the 12th century by the von Plein family. For a long time, the castle remained without major structural alterations. In 1731, the castle was acquired by the Khevenhūller family, who still own it today. The castle was significantly damaged in 1754 when an earthquake struck the area. Repairs lasted until 1905. The castle is open all year round.