Two Countries, Two Castles & a Winter Landscape: A Social Hike to Břeclav

Hi everyone!

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, I am planning a beautiful winter hike from Bernhardsthal (AUT) to Břeclav (CZ).
Join for a unique journey as we walk from the northernmost tip of Lower Austria across the "green border" into South Moravia in Czech Republic. This trail offers a beautiful mix of tranquil wetlands, historic architecture (Pohansko castle), and the rare experience of crossing an international border on foot. Fortunately we are able to do this nowadays, it used to be the iron curtain. The wire is gone, but we can still track down the surviving remains of the border's former defences as we cross into South Moravia.
I also plan a short walk through the city so we can do a bit of sightseeing in Břeclav (especially Břeclav Castle).

Hike Details
Duration: Approx. 5,5 hours (pure walking time including some sightseeing in Břeclav)
Distance: Approx. 17 km (since I plan to prolong the hike to Břeclav Castle and back)
Elevation: ↗️ 25m / ↘️ 25m (mostly flat)
Difficulty: Easy (technically) since it's mostly flat and medium fitness due to the distance.
Pace: We’ll walk at a comfortable, social pace and take short breaks as needed.
More information on the trail: https://www.bahn-zum-berg.at/weinviertel/bernhardsthal-breclav/

Depending on our arrival time and the group’s mood, we might stay a bit longer in Břeclav. After exploring the town's sights, we’ll look for a cozy spot for a well-earned hot chocolate or tea and a chat before catching the train back to Vienna. The most suitable trains back from Břeclav to Vienna are likely 16:28 and 18:28.

📍Meeting Point & Travel

• Meeting Time: 07:45 at Praterstern station (Ground floor near ticket machines, exit to platforms 1 & 2). Please arrive early so we can buy the group tickets!
• Departure: Train REX1 leaves at 08:14 (presumably Platform 4).
• Arrival: Bernhardsthal at 09:25.

⚠️Since we are crossing an international border on foot, please don't forget your Passport or Personalausweis. Even though there usually aren't border controls between Austria and Czechia, you are legally required to have a valid travel document on you. Each person is responsible for their own documents and entry requirements!

The "Einfach-raus" Group Ticket
We will use a group ticket for the Austrian part of the trip. It is much cheaper, but it requires some coordination:

• How it works: It is one ticket for a group of 2–5 people. We will form these groups who then have to travel together both directions at the meeting point at 07:45 - please be on time if you want to participate. You must travel together for both the departure and the return journey. You cannot split off and take a different train home if you are on a group ticket.
• The Cost: The more people in a group, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay between €10 and €19 per person. To be fair, we can either pay by specific group size or pool all money and split it equally.

Cash is Mandatory: Please bring physical cash and coins for the ticket. We need to collect the money before buying the tickets to make sure everyone gets their change back quickly.
Information regardingt this ticket: https://www.oebb.at/en/tickets-kundenkarten/freizeit-urlaub/einfach-raus-ticket

If you prefer not to be tied to a group, or if you aren't sure when you want to head back to Vienna, do not join the group ticket. Instead, buy the VOR Freizeitticket, it costs €19,90 for the day in lower Austria. This will also be your option to still join if you arrive too late for the group ticket. Information regarding this ticket: https://www.vor.at/en/tickets/ticket-overview/leisure-ticket

Please note that the Einfach-raus ticket, VOR Freizeitticket and the Klimaticket Ostregion/Österreich are only valid until Bernhardsthal. You must buy your own ticket for the section between Břeclav to Bernhardsthal on the way back, this is possible in Břeclav. Be careful when buying the ticket! Prices differ between regional trains and fast trains (Railjet/EC), buying the ticket in Břeclav with the Czech railway company is usually slightly cheaper - with ÖBB it's €4,60. The Einfach-raus ticket and VOR Freizeitticket are only valid for regional trains. Make sure your ticket matches the train we are taking.

If you’re unsure about ticket options, don’t worry — just message me directly.
And if this sounds complicated: it isn’t. I’ll help coordinate everything at the meeting point so we can start the hike relaxed.

Please indicate on this link if you are interested in a Einfach-raus ticket when joining, this helps me with the coordination:
https://nuudel.digitalcourage.de/CZbsc2rp5VbUo3qv

We’ll walk together at a relaxed, social pace, staying as a group throughout the day. This is not a race or performance hike — the focus is on shared experience, conversation, and enjoying the winter landscape at an unhurried rhythm. We’ll take regular short breaks whenever useful. There are no huts or restaurants along the way, so please bring your own snacks and drinks (at least 1 liter of water or tea).
It will be cold, so dress warmly and wear sturdy winter-appropriate shoes. Some sections may be muddy or slightly icy, depending on the weather. While the path is flat and easy, trekking poles can be a great help for extra stability if we encounter any muddy or icy patches. Don't worry about microspikes (Grödel) unless you really prefer using them; the poles will be more than enough for this terrain.

Disclaimer: As always, this is a free, private leisure activity. I’m not a certified hiking guide, and participation is at your own responsibility and risk.

I will send a weather update to everyone registered on Thursday evening. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you for this winter hike!
Jörg

ℹ️Essential logistics

• This trip crosses an international border. All participants must carry valid travel documents and are responsible for ensuring they meet the legal requirements to leave Austria and enter the Czech Republic.
• Money: Card payments are widely accepted in Czech Republic (often more than in Austria!). The currency is Czech Koruna (CZK), but many places take Euros. 1 Euro is currently approx 24 CZK, check exchange rates here.
• Phone Data: EU roaming rules apply; your Austrian data plan should work at no extra cost (check your provider if using a prepaid/non-EU SIM).