The "Kamptalwarte" is a lookout tower on a small mountain called "Heiligenstein" between Zöbing and Langenlois in Lower Austria.
Langenlois is a small town with approximately 7.500 inhabitants in the "Kamptal", a valley named after a small river (Kamp) that is widely known for wine-growing.
Our walk starts in a small street called "Mühlstraße" where you can find a parking for hikers and information on the opening times of the lookout tower. When the tower is closed you can get the key at various restaurants that are namend on an information board at the parking as well as website of the ÖTK Langenlois, the operator of the lookout tower.
Some meters after the parking we turn right in the "Kellergasse Am Heiligenstein", a street full of wine cellars and "Heurigen". "Heurigen" are small restaurants that are operated by vintners. They are only allowed to serve their own wines, Schnaps, a limited number of soft drinks as well as cold food. Never, never ever dare to ask for beer at a Heurigen!
After some minutes of walk you already have a nice view on Zöbing. Zöbing has about 750 inhabitants and is a cadastral community of Langenlois.
After approximately 1 kilometers of walking you reach a bench from that you have a wonderful view. Make a short break because now you have to turn sharp left…
…and walk up a very steep and small path up the hill through the vineyards.
Just some meters before the ridge of the Heiligenstein you see the "Fassdaubenkreuz" at your right hand, a crucifix made of wine barrel staves.
After a few more meters you reach a broader and flatter way. Walk this way in left direction!
Some more minutes easy walking and you reach the target of this tour: The lookout tower!
You should definitely walk up this tower because the view is just amazing. You can see all quarters of Lower Austria and when it is not too hazy or cloudy you can even see the Schneeberg, Lower Austria's highest mountain.
The lookout tower is operated by the Langenlois section of the Österreichischer Touristen Klub (Austrian Tourists Club). Please do not forget to take some Euros with you for the Entrance Fee!
For the way back we chose the fastest but also the steepest way.
It leads you directly through the wood and it is very small. Please do not take this path if you are not a good hiker.
As an alternative to the ways I chose you can also take a broader and barrier-free way through the woodland. That's the easiest but also the longest (and most boring) way.
No matter what way you choose, a hike to the "Kamptalwarte" is worth the effort. Depending on the way and your fitness you'll need between one and two hours for this nice walk!
A detailled description in German language with even more images and a more detailled map can be found on my blog schmatz.blog. Please also follow my instagram feed for more inspiration!
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