The Kleine Krems has its source in a quiet wooded area between Braunegg, Scheib, and Primassen. A family-friendly loop hike leads to this special place of natural beauty and legend.
The source of the Kleine Krems is a peaceful and unspoiled destination for our vacation guests. A small stream begins in the wooded area between Braunegg, Scheib, and Primassen, eventually becoming one of the defining rivers of the southern Waldviertel.
A family-friendly loop hike leads through forests and meadows to the spring. Away from the crowds of tourists, you won’t find any spectacular structures here, but rather a peaceful natural setting where water, the forest, and the Waldviertel landscape take center stage.
Where does the Kleine Krems originate?
The headwaters of the Kleine Krems are located in an area rich in forests and meadows between Braunegg, Scheib, and the scattered settlement of Primassen.
The official description of the „Origins Tour“ mentions the source area near Scheib-Primassen. The shorter “Trail to the Source of the Kleine Krems” begins in Braunegg and leads along forest and meadow paths directly to the source.
The area consists partly of moist wooded areas, small watercourses, and natural meadows. Depending on the season and the amount of rainfall, the water flow may be more or less visible.
From the Source to the Danube
At its source, the Kleine Krems begins as an unremarkable stream. As it flows onward, it is fed by small tributaries and, together with the surrounding landscape, forms a near-natural river valley.
Later, the Kleine Krems joins the Große Krems. From there, the water continues flowing as the Krems toward the Danube.
It is precisely at the source that you can see how a river gradually forms from a small spring area.
An ancient site of legend in the Waldviertel
The source of the Kleine Krems is described in the official tour guide as a place steeped in legend. Stories and folklore surround this quiet spot in the forest.
The official description does not mention any specific legends. The site therefore derives its unique character primarily from its secluded location, the lush forest landscape, and the gentle flow of the water.
Visitors to the source should not expect a staged tourist attraction. The appeal lies in its natural beauty and in the idea that a river begins at this unassuming spot.
Hike from Braunegg to the Spring
The shorter, more direct route to the source begins at the fire station in Braunegg. From there, a loop hike takes you along paved, forest, and meadow trails to the source of the Kleine Krems.
Tour Dates
- Starting point: Braunegg Fire Station
- Destination: Braunegg Fire Station
- Route length: approximately 7.20 kilometers
- Walking time: about 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Difficulty: medium
- Ascent: 44 meters in elevation
- Descent: 44 meters in elevation
- Lowest point: 860 meters
- Highest point: 904 meters
- Circular Hike
- family-friendly
- sections with good prospects
- officially described as an accessible path
The official information sometimes lists a length of 6.6 kilometers in the detailed description, while the tour details specify 7.20 kilometers. To be on the safe side, plan for about seven kilometers.
Route from Braunegg
The hike begins at the fire station in Braunegg. First, walk about one kilometer along a paved road toward Muckendorf.
At the intersection, the route turns left and, shortly afterward, right into the Primassen forest area.
The route goes through
- Asphalt roads
- quiet forest trails
- Meadow Trails
- a short paved farm road
- the headwaters of the Kleine Krems
- the Scheiber Forest
- the observation deck in Braunegg
After visiting the spring, you can choose between an asphalt road through the Scheiber Forest and a meadow path for the return trip.
Finally, the route leads to the observation deck in Braunegg. From there, it’s about 300 meters back to the starting point.
The initial leg starting from Kirchschlag
Another option for visiting the source of the Kleine Krems is the “Ursprungsrunde” trail, marked with trail number 84.
The loop hike begins at the parking lot of the Kirchschlag Elementary School and leads through the varied landscape of the Waldviertel region to the headwaters.
Tour Dates for the Original Tour
- Starting point: Kirchschlag Elementary School parking lot
- Route length: 15.22 kilometers
- Walking time: about 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: medium
- Ascent: 162 meters in elevation
- Descent: 162 meters in elevation
- Circular Hike
- family-friendly
- promising
- A place to stop for refreshments at the end of the route
- described as accessible and stroller-friendly
Sights along the Original Loop
The longer loop trail connects the headwaters with several interesting spots around Kirchschlag.
The path leads to
- St. Hubertus Chapel
- Waldhof Band
- Schmalzau
- Scheib and Primassen
- The Origins of the Kleine Krems
- Kienings and Windhof
- Kirchschlag Municipal Office
- Adam's Inn
- Shrine to the Blue Lord
- Kirchschlag Elementary School
The "Ursprungsrunde" is ideal for guests who want to explore a large part of the countryside around Kirchschlag on foot.
For more information:
St. Hubertus Chapel and Waldhof Chapel
On the loop trail, hikers first come to the Hubertus Chapel. After the first climb, this is a good spot for a short break.
The trail then leads through Schmalzau and along Rohraustraße to the Waldhof Chapel. It is situated in a quiet clearing in the federal forest.
The two chapels enhance the nature hike with small cultural and historical stops and offer lovely spots for a short rest.
Being Mindful of Nature
The source of the Kleine Krems is a great place to experience the Waldviertel with all your senses.
Take some time to
- the gentle flow of the water
- the various shades of green in the forest
- the scent of forest floor and damp meadows
- Birdsong and the sounds of nature
- the unique atmosphere of the spring area
- a quiet break without any time pressure
- Nature and Landscape Photography
Precisely because this area isn't a crowded tourist destination, visitors can experience the authentic side of the Waldviertel in a particularly immersive way.
Respect for the sensitive headwaters
Spring areas are ecologically sensitive habitats. Plants, moist soil, and small watercourses should therefore be treated with special care.
Please note
- Stay on the designated paths
- Do not dig up or damage any plants
- Do not place rocks or branches in the watercourse
- Don't leave any trash behind
- Dogs walk on a leash
- Do Not Disturb Wild Animals
- Do not smoke or start fires in the forest
- Do not drink spring water without testing it first
Even clear spring water is not automatically tested for potability. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking directly from the spring.
Is the path to the spring accessible?
The route from Braunegg to the spring is described in the official tour guide as barrier-free referred to as.
However, parts of the route run along forest and meadow trails. Their condition may change due to rain, forestry work, snow, or soft ground.
"Accessible" does not, therefore, automatically mean that every section can be navigated by any wheelchair without assistance.
Check the following before the trip
- Current condition of the forest trails
- Condition of the meadow trails
- Possible obstacles after rain
- Uphill and Downhill Sections
- Width of the paths
- Individual range and fitness
- Need for an escort
Visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, or with limited mobility should check with the market town of Raxendorf regarding the current condition of the route before visiting.
Contact
Market Town of Raxendorf
Raxendorf 10
3654 Raxendorf
Phone: +43 2758 7232
E-Mail: marktgemeinde@raxendorf.at
Website: https://www.raxendorf.at/
Suitable for families
At about seven kilometers, the hike starting in Braunegg is also suitable for families who enjoy hiking.
Children can discover where a river begins, what plants grow in moist forest areas, and how water finds its way through the landscape.
Tips for Families
- Plan for enough breaks
- Bring drinks and snacks
- Pack a change of clothes for younger children
- Watch out for slippery spots after it rains
- Supervise children near the spring
- Bring binoculars or a magnifying glass
- Recognizing Sounds of Nature Together
Please explain to children that the spring area is a sensitive habitat and not a water playground.
What equipment is recommended?
You don't need any alpine gear for the hike. However, good shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are still important.
Recommended Equipment
- sturdy hiking or casual shoes
- weather-appropriate clothing
- Rain or Sun Protection
- enough drinking water
- Snack
- cell phone
- Hiking map or GPX data
- hiking poles, if needed
- maybe a small seat cushion
Since there are no places to stop for a bite to eat right at the trailhead, you should bring plenty of food with you.
Best time for a visit
The source of the Kleine Krems can generally be visited at any time of year. Spring, summer, and fall are particularly pleasant.
Spring
After the snow melts and following days of heavy rain, there may be a particularly large amount of water visible in the headwaters. However, the trails may be damp and soft.
Summer
The forest provides pleasant shade on warm days. Still, be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen for the open stretches of the trail.
Fall
The colorful foliage and the peaceful forest atmosphere make this hike especially charming. Wet leaves can make the trails slippery.
Winter
Access may be limited in snow and ice. Check the current conditions before going on a winter hike.
Our tip for vacation guests
If you prefer a shorter hike, we recommend the direct loop trail starting in Braunegg.
The "Ursprungsrunde" trail starting in Kirchschlag is ideal for a long day of hiking. It connects the spring with chapels, forests, meadows, and the pilgrimage church dedicated to the Blue Lord.
It's best to set out in the morning and bring plenty of food and drinks. That way, you'll have enough time to relax at the source.
You can find the current tour dates and a GPX file for the shorter route here:
Vacation in Gutenbrunn and Discover Nature
Our vacation rentals in Gutenbrunn are a cozy starting point for hikes, springs, forests, and special natural sites in the Waldviertel.
After your trip to the source of the Kleine Krems, you'll return to your vacation rental and can wind down the day in peace.
Here's what you can expect from us
- Cozy vacation rentals for couples and families
- a wheelchair-accessible vacation rental
- Personal attention from Anna and Herbert
- Quiet location in Gutenbrunn
- Numerous hiking trails and nature experiences
- Relaxation and Waldviertel Hospitality
Request a vacation rental in Gutenbrunn now
Would you like to discover the source of the Kleine Krems and other special natural sites in the Waldviertel?
You can request your vacation rental directly here:
https://tbooking.toubiz.de/AUT00020100515644705/tbooking/?globalReset=1&lang=de
We look forward to welcoming you here in Gutenbrunn!
Anna and Herbert
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