Nebelstein, Mountain summit in Waldviertel, Austria
Nebelstein is a mountain summit in the Waldviertel region of Austria, rising to 1,017 meters and set within dense forest with large granite rock formations near the top. A mountain refuge sits at the base of a prominent granite cliff face, offering shelter and food for walkers.
The Nebelstein was a known hiking destination before World War II, but it was in the postwar years that the Austrian Alpine Club built its first hut in the Waldviertel here. This marked the beginning of organized mountain tourism in the region after a long period of disruption.
The name Nebelstein, meaning fog stone in German, hints at the misty conditions that often settle over the summit. Walkers who reach the top on a clear day sometimes find themselves above a layer of low cloud, looking out over the treetops of the Waldviertel.
The refuge is open from April through October and is a good place to stop for a rest or a meal. Trails to the summit are well marked, though the granite rocks can become slippery in wet conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Along the trails around the summit there are scattered granite boulders known locally as Restlinge, a word that refers to leftover rock pieces. These formations were left behind as softer surrounding rock slowly wore away over thousands of years, leaving the harder granite in place.
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