Ferdinand-Warte, Wooden observation tower in Bergern im Dunkelsteinerwald, Austria

Ferdinand-Warte is a pavilion-like wooden observation structure built in 1890 by the Austrian Tourist Club, standing at 370 metres above sea level on a rock ledge above the steep drop to the Danube in the Dunkelsteinerwald. From it the view reaches the Wachau from Rossatz over Dürnstein and Loiben to Stein, Krems, Mautern, Stift Göttweig, the Wagram and the western Tullnerfeld. It was fully renovated in 2023.

The tower was built in 1890 by the Austrian Tourist Club and named after Archduke Franz Ferdinand. In 1960, it was transferred to the ownership of Mautern municipality.

The tower's name recalls Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este, eldest son of Archduke Karl Ludwig, after whom the Austrian Tourist Club named it in 1890. From the platform the Wachau opens up from Rossatz past Dürnstein and Loiben to Stein and Krems, with Göttweig Abbey on its hill opposite.

You can reach the tower either via the steep Stickelsteig trail from Rossatzbach requiring several hours of hiking, or via a shorter path from Unterbergern village. Sturdy footwear and a reasonable fitness level are advisable for both routes.

The tower stands on a rock ledge above a steep drop to the Danube, not on the summit of the Dunkelsteinerwald. Since 1960 it has belonged to the municipality of Mautern an der Donau, on the opposite bank, rather than to Bergern, where it stands. It was fully renovated in 2023.