Riverside cycle paths and the Ötschergräben

Our carefully curated travel tips

1 | Lunz am See

At Lake Lunz, a genuine natural lake, water and mountains meet: situated right on the shore, surrounded by mountain peaks – a setting that feels just right whatever the season. In summer, the lake shimmers emerald green; the lido and small coves invite you to swim and go boating, whilst the floating stage on the lake hosts cultural events at the‘wellenklaenge’ festival. 

Hiking trails around the lake and into the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area lead to spots with stunning views. An excursion explores the protected wilderness within the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, whilst an interactive exhibition at theHaus der Wildnis bridges the gap to the wilderness area. 

2 | Riverside cycle paths and bathing spots

The section of the Ybbstal Cycle Route from Waidhofen an der Ybbs to Lunz am See is considered one of the most beautiful cycle routes in Lower Austria. The route runs for around 55 kilometres alongside the river, which is at times gentle and at times bubbling. The Radtramper bus and the Ybbstal cycle taxi are available to take you back to the starting point. 

If you fancy more cycling, you can tackle the remaining stages of the Ybbstal Cycle Route and then link it up with the Erlauftal Cycle Route to create a three-day loop. Be sure to make some stops along the way! For example, at the lido Strandbad Hollenstein for a real ‘old-fashioned summer’ feel, or at the ‘Ochsenloch’ natural swimming cove near Opponitz for a swim. A short hike into the Erlauf Gorge near Purgstall is also highly recommended.
 

The most beautiful hikes around the Ötscher

The Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park stretches out around the 1,893-metre-high Ötscher. Covering almost 170 square kilometres, it is the largest – and, some would say, the most impressive – nature park in Lower Austria. Here, you can hike along paths, bridges and footbridges through a stunning landscape, past the Lassingfall waterfall and turquoise-blue stretches of white water. 

You can get even closer to the landscape on guided tours led by nature guides, who share stories along the way of woodcutters, yodellers and the delicate natural environment in the ‘Grand Canyon of Austria’. 

Tip: If you would like to spend a night under the stars, we highly recommend the Vorderötscher mountain hut.

The most beautiful places to stay

Local products, restaurants & inn culture

Nestled between gently rolling orchard meadows and the Alpine ranges surrounding the Ötscher, the Mostviertel has two distinct sides, both in terms of its landscape and its cuisine: In local inns, single-variety pear ciders are paired with regional breeds of beef and sheep, complemented by fish freshly caught from clear mountain streams. A cuisine centred on artisanally produced ingredients.