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Höllgrabenweg
Hiking tour Starting from Panorama board at Herrensee/town square
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 8,91 km
- Duration: 2:30 h
- Ascent: 97 m elevation gain
- Descent: 97 m elevation gain
Circular hiking trail no. 16 in Litschau Granite formations, water in many facets, the Natura 2000-protected Reißbach, exciting fauna and flora - the nature experience in the region!
- Starting point of the tour
- Panorama board at Herrensee/town square
- Tour destination
- Panorama board at Herrensee/town square
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 8,91 km
- Duration: 2:30 h
- Ascent: 97 m elevation gain
- Descent: 97 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:4/6
- Overall experience:5/6
- Scenery:6/6
- Lowest point506 m
- Highest point563 m
- Round tour
- With refreshment stops
Description
Past the Föhrenteich pond, the trail leads into a picturesque river valley, the Höllgraben.
The Föhrenbach flows through the quiet little valley, ferns line the tree-lined banks, massive granite formations and several waterfalls, some of which are underground, create a magnificent idyll.
If you follow the path, you will pass the Höllstein, also known as the "Graslstein". The stone formation is often associated with the story of the robber chief Grasel, who once wreaked havoc here and is said to have lived in a cave.
Where the Föhrenbach later flows into the Reißbach, which is bordered by wet meadows and protected by Natura 2000, lies one of the most unspoiled areas of the Waldviertel. The stream flows in small loops towards the larger Lainsitz, home to the marsh grasshopper, numerous dragonfly species, otters and beavers, and the meadows are a paradise for countless butterflies.
Don't let the name put you off and discover a natural paradise!
- safety instructions Route characteristics: 10% asphalt, 90% forest and meadow pathMake sure when choosing the route that it suits your fitness level. Check whether the gastronomy businesses you want to visit along the way are open. Pack your mobile phone and map material in your backpack.
- Equipment Sturdy footwear, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, map material, if necessary telescopic poles, first aid kit (blister plasters), sufficient provisions (snack, muesli bars, fruit, water).
- Route description Starting at Herrensee, the path leads right along the old town wall to the upper town square, after crossing it turn right towards Lagerhaus and district heating plant. Then left onto a path, past the pine pond directly into the wild and romantic Höllgraben.The natural pine brook marks the way through the valley, ferns and trees line the banks. In the upper section, the Höllgraben offers fantastic, probably name-giving sights: massive granite formations and some, partially underground, waterfalls.At the end of the ravine and after crossing Gmünder Street and the railway tracks, you enter the nature reserve of the Reißbach. Always keep right and continue to the village of Schönau, left over the dam of the Schönau pond, then right along its shores to a small bridge, then left across the meadow to Schlossweg. Here turn right again back to the starting point Herrensee.
- Parking Free parking at the town square as well as park & ride facility in immediate vicinity
- Public transport By bus from Göpfritz or Gmünd to Litschau. Especially recommended is the journey from Gmünd to Litschau with the nostalgic Waldviertel railway.Your exact route can be planned with the VOR route planner. www.vor.at
- Editor’s tip A relaxed natural experience: a boat trip on Herrensee!
Recommended period
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Municipality of Litschau
Tourism information
3874 Litschau, town square 25
(T) +43 2865 219-24
(E) gemeinde@litschau.at
(I) www.litschau.at
Waldviertel Tourism
3910 Zwettl, Sparkassenplatz 1/2/2
(T) +43 2822 54109
(E) info@waldviertel.at
(I) www.waldviertel.at
Letzte Änderung: 25 Feb 2026