Bernstein Trail

The first advanced civilizations of mankind were accompanied by the development of trade which was the origin of the oldest form of travel. The Romans were already looking for a safe route at the time of Christ's birth to bring one of the greatest treasures of the time, the legendary amber, from the Baltic to the port of Aquileia on the Adriatic coast. A corridor was the perfect solution, avoiding the unprotected plains of the Puszta Pannonia as well as the impassable Alps. Following this border between these two landscapes from north to south, a path was created exactly where Burgenland extends today. The Roman Amber Road "Bernsteinstraße".

Isn't it a fascinating idea to put on your hiking boots and follow in the footsteps of the Romans along the Roman Amber Road wrapped in myths? From the Carnuntum legionary camp in the north to the Roman burial mounds near St. Martin an der Raab in the south. Also to discover Burgenland and its gems step by step in between: The Lake Neusiedler See - Seewinkel National Park, countless cultural monuments, relaxing thermal baths and the charming taverns and cellar lanes in the idyllic vineyards. You'll be staying in authentic, hiker-friendly accommodations and can take advantage of the award-winning Trail Angels' long-distance hiking services in the "Official Bernstein Trail Info & Booking Center". The two side trips to neighbouring Hungary make this exciting trip a borderless pleasure. It’s an enjoyable hike between the Alps and Puszta - along the new Bernstein Trail.

The Bernstein Trail is aimed at the connoisseurs among the long-distance hikers who face the hustle and bustle of everyday life with the intention to slow down. The focus is not on breaking records or best performances, but on consciously discovering Burgenland: insights into its beguiling diversity of nature and culture. Staying in enchanting places, wine, typical Burgenland cuisine and inspiring encounters with cordial people. All this makes the Bernstein Trail a fascinating and sustainable hiking trip off the beaten track. Ideally in spring or late autumn, when the mild, Pannonian influenced climate of Burgenland already or still provides the best hiking conditions.

The best season for a Trail journey on the Bernstein Trail is from the beginning of March to the end of November and depends on the general weather conditions.


Suitable:

• Spring (March, April, May, June): Due to the mild Pannonian climate, the Bernstein Trail is probably the earliest hikable long-distance trail in Austria. Snow is also not to be expected in March in the higher altitudes, e.g. on the Geschriebenstein, and by the beginning of April at the latest nature blossoms beautifully. The temperatures are also very pleasant at this time of year.


• Autumn (September, October, November): clear air, discolouring woods and pleasant temperatures - and the grape harvest on top. Hiking in autumn is beautiful on the Bernstein Trail. In November, however, the fog can be quite persistent.

• Midsummer (July, August): To be honest, even July and August are good months for hiking - but heat waves should not be underestimated: On some stages there are few shady forests and the stages are often long enough that you can't avoid the midday heat.

• Winter (December, January, February): In general you can hike along the Bernstein Trail almost the whole year (snow usually remains only for a few days), but temperatures and frequent fog are not that inviting,

From a technical point of view, the Bernstein Trail has few difficulties. A certain sure-footedness on rooted hiking trails in the forest is nevertheless a prerequisite, we are not talking about walks but about hikes at some stages. According to the trail concept of the Austrian Alpine Club, all stages are "valley trails" (which equals long walks) or simple mountain trails (marked with a blue dot) (see https://www.alpenverein.at/portal_wAssets/docs/berg-aktiv/wege_touren/wegehandbuch_digital.pdf p. 30ff). However, a certain hiking experience including orientation skills is recommended due to the length of the stages.

In terms of fitness, the Bernstein Trail is moderate to somewhat more demanding: individual stages have ascents of up to 800 meters or 27 km in length. This means pure walking times up to about 7 hours a day (measured as always with us in the ambitious Outdooractive calculation). The Bernstein Trail is a full-grown long-distance hike in terms of fitness requirements. We therefore recommend that you prepare yourself accordingly.
The Bernstein Trail is suitable for children aged 12 and over with good physical condition.
Due to their requirements, long-distance hiking trails and trekking routes are not suitable for persons with reduced mobility. In order to clarify individual cases (degree of limited mobility), it is recommended to contact the Trail Info & Booking Center before booking.
More information about the classification of the hiking trails and the technical and physical preparation of the tour can be found
here.

For the Bernstein Trail a "normal" equipment for hikes on unpaved paths in low mountain regions is completely sufficient. However, comfortable yet sufficiently sturdy footwear with a good sole for unpaved paths is a "must", especially as the stages up to 27 km long demand a lot from the feet. Since some stages offer little shade, good sun protection and enough water are very important in summer ( not all stages offer refreshment possibilities). And don't forget your valid passport for the border crossings between Austria and Hungary! Click here to the detailed equipment list of your trail trip.

For a closer look, check out the detailed information for each stage along the trail here. The times are average values and may vary depending on personal fitness, number and length of breaks, weather conditions, etc.

Feel free to load map material from Google maps.

Along the trail three different accommodation categories - regional evaluation - are offered:

Basic: clean, functional – inn or B&B
Classic: good-quality, mid-range accommodation – 2 or 3-star inn or hotel
Comfort: high-end accommodation – 4-star hotel (some with spa area)

Children (ages 6 to 14) staying in their parents’ room are charged at a 35% discount (provided both adults pay full price).

On the Bernstein Trail your dog can be on the way with you. The costs for the dog (per night, without food) are between € 5,00 and € 20,00 and will be collected directly on site.

Basic

Classic

Comfort

Three different types of catering are available to you in the partner establishments:

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet or hearty breakfast served at the table
Half board: breakfast plus dinner (mostly 3-course menu in the hotel or by voucher in a nearby restaurant)
Regional half board: half board with special local dinner

Please enter special wishes for the catering (vegetarian, vegan, intolerances ...) in the field "Comments". The Trail Info & Booking Center will try to fulfill your non-binding customer request.

Bed and breakfast

Half board

Regional half board

For an especially carefree Trail journey, you might like to take advantage of our comprehensive transport service:

Luggage service: hiking with a light-weight day backpack, while your main luggage (max. 20 kg) is transported from one accommodation to the next. We recommend luggage insurance for peace of mind.

Return Transfer: A collective transport service takes you from your final Trail destination back to your departure point.

Shuttle Service: All shuttle transfers that are essential for the completion of your Trail journey are included in the package price. Additional shuttle services (i.e. in the event of bad weather, illness etc.) can simply be requested at the Trail Information & Booking Center, and will be charged separately.

Luggage service

Back transfer

Shuttle service

The Trail Info & Booking Center offers a comprehensive range of services to make your Trail adventure run as smoothly as possible:


Trail Hotline: Our team is at your service with advice and practical support for the duration of your Trail journey. Even outside our normal office hours, you can reach us daily from 8:00 to 20:00.

Trail Guide: Our certified and authorized hiking guides are well trained and have an excellent knowledge of the area. In addition, they have a great knowledge of Burgenland's nature and culture, which makes a hike with our guides a varied and safe trail trip. All costs incurred by the guide (overnight stay, meals, travel costs) are included in the Guide package price.


Comprehensive Travel Information: an expertly compiled folder (PDF, print@home) with detailed, in-depth information will be sent to you in time for you to prepare your Trail journey.

You have three travel options (not included in the price) to reach the starting point of your Lynx Trail journey:

By car: Parking is available at the beginning of each stage of the Trail (please note that the parking facilities in Johnsbach are very limited). Further details can be found in your booking documents. The majority of car parks are free of charge, and unmonitored (parking at your own risk). At the end of your Trail journey, our return transfer takes you back to your vehicle.

By train: The following stations are at your disposal: Stations: Vienna Central Station, Parndorf, Neusiedl am See, Deutschkreuz Jennersdorf and Köszeg. The Bernstein Trail is therefore very suitable for travelling by train.

By plane: The following international airports can be recommended for arriving by plane - Vienna, Bratislava and Graz.

Arrival shuttle service - not included in the price: Brings you to the starting point of your trail journey and at the end of the tour back to the ideal train station or airport. The Trail Info & Booking Center will be happy to organise this shuttle service for you.

This is where Trail travellers find an especially warm welcome: ranging from 4 star spa hotels to simple B&Bs, our partner establishments have been hand-picked, and actively contribute to the development of the Trail.

Here you will find all relevant information about your travel destination such as currency, entry requirements, food & drink, health and vaccinations and literature tips.

Trail Information & Booking center, Travel Agent
Trail Angels GmbH
9821 Obervellach 15
Austria

We arrange your tour operator
Trail Angels GmbH
Obervellach 15, 9821 Obervellach, Österreich
Eintragungs-NR. Veranstalterverz. des bmwfi: 2016/0005
Tel: +43 4782 93093
Email: info@bookyourtrail.com

Here you will find the travel terms of your trail operator: