power source bike tour
Kraftquell cycling route
Cycling tour Starting from Zwettl
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 65,11 km
- Duration: 4:50 h
- Ascent: 807 m elevation gain
- Descent: 807 m elevation gain
Zwettl - Schweiggers - Großschönau - Groß Gerungs
- Starting point of the tour
- Zwettl
- Tour destination
- Zwettl
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 65,11 km
- Duration: 4:50 h
- Ascent: 807 m elevation gain
- Descent: 807 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:6/6
- Overall experience:5/6
- Scenery:5/6
- Lowest point513 m
- Highest point789 m
- Round tour
- Nice views
Description
The Kraftquell cycle route leads through the middle of the Waldviertel and connects the Thaya spring near Schweiggers with the district capital Zwettl. At the same time, it closes an important gap in the cycle path network between Groß Gerungs and Zwettl.
There are numerous places of power along the route - including the source of the Thaya, the power arena in Groß Gerungs and impressive rock formations near Großschönau. The tour scores points for its scenic diversity, cultural highlights and tangible natural power. Due to the typical hilly landscape of the Waldviertel, a good level of fitness is recommended - but you will be rewarded with magnificent views and unforgettable impressions.
- safety instructions Make sure when choosing the route that it matches your fitness level. Check whether the gastronomy businesses you want to visit on the way are open. Pack your mobile phone and maps in your backpack.
- Equipment We recommend: helmet, appropriate clothing and footwear, rain and sun protection, first aid kit (blister plasters), sufficient provisions (snack, muesli bars, fruit, water).
- Route description With about 65 kilometers in total length, the Kraftquell cycling route is a versatile route through the heart of the Waldviertel. Because of the typical hilly landscape, good basic fitness is recommended.The start and end point of the circular route is Zwettl. From the historic district capital, the route leads through varied landscapes over gentle climbs to the source of the Thaya at Schweiggers – the origin of the Thaya. It continues through idyllic villages, past powerful natural spots and quiet forests. Impressive rock formations await you near Großschönau, before the route leads towards Groß Gerungs, where the Kraftarena invites you to take a final break. After that, it goes back through the typical hilly landscapes of the Waldviertel to Zwettl, where cultural highlights and cozy restaurants invite you to stop for a break.
- Public transport All information about all bus and train lines to the Waldviertel can be found at www.vor.at or at www.oebb.at.
- Editor’s tip Visit the Baroque Rosenau Palace along the way, which houses the world's only Freemason museum - located in an original lodge from the 18th century.
Recommended period
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Waldviertel Tourism
3910 Zwettl, Sparkassenplatz 1/2/2
(T) +43 2822 54109
(E) info@waldviertel.at
(I) www.waldviertel.at
Letzte Änderung: 16 Mar 2026