Höllfall

Geographical names often have a meaning - but why the Höllfall bears its name remains a mystery. The lush green landscape with moss-covered granite boulders and numerous small waterfalls is far too beautiful to appear gloomy. The best way to reach the Höllfall is on foot via Arbesbach or along the Bärentrail.

A visit is particularly worthwhile because of the impressive natural spectacle of small waterfalls that make their way over and between thousands of granite boulders. In places, the Große Kamp even flows under the rocks - you can't see it, but you can hear it. The gorge forest through which the Höllfall flows lends additional flair to the scenery: old giant trees look even more majestic next to the waterfalls.

The area around the Höllfall is designated both as a natural monument and a European nature reserve - an indication of its scenic and ecological importance. To protect the vegetation and the safety of hikers, the slippery granite blocks in the riverbed should not be walked on. An insider tip: at the end of the waterfall is a shrine that was once a stop on the old Zellerweg pilgrimage route to Mariazell.

Visitors can only reach this natural paradise on foot. The five-kilometre Höllfallweg, a circular hiking trail, starts in Pretrobruck near Arbesbach and leads through the forest to the Höllfall and back. The shortest access point is at the small parking lot on the Pretrobruck-Haselbach goods road. Since 2016, the natural monument has also been part of the Great Bear Trail, a four-day hike that combines some of the most beautiful nature experiences in the Waldviertel.

Waterfall fans can combine the Höllfall with a trip to the nearby Lohnbachfall, both of which are easily accessible via a shared hiking trail.