nature-energy-power-hiking-path-no-80-short-variant
Nature, Energy, Power - Hiking route no. 80 short variant
Hiking tour Starting from Ottenstein reservoir, parking lot
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 11,50 km
- Duration: 3:00 h
- Ascent: 146 m elevation gain
- Descent: 146 m elevation gain
Hiking trail no. 80 has the evocative title "Nature, Energy, Power". No wonder, as it starts at the Ottenstein reservoir, where a lot of energy is produced - and leads through a wonderful landscape. For some time now, it has been possible to cross the reservoir on foot. A breathtaking wooden and steel bridge has been built over the mighty dam wall. The curved footbridge is not just a visual embellishment, but also has an important function: it connects the lakeside restaurant and boat rental on the south bank with Ottenstein Castle on the north bank and the sailing and surfing school almost directly. At the same time, the path provides access to the natural bathing spots on the lake.
- Starting point of the tour
- Ottenstein reservoir, parking lot
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 11,50 km
- Duration: 3:00 h
- Ascent: 146 m elevation gain
- Descent: 146 m elevation gain
- Fitness level required:2/6
- Overall experience:5/6
- Scenery:5/6
- Lowest point485 m
- Highest point588 m
- Round tour
- Nice views
- Suitable for families and children
Description
The Ottenstein reservoir, the third and largest in the region after Dobra and Thurnberg, is 14 km long and stretches almost as far as the Cistercian monastery in Zwettl. It captivates with its fjord-like, wooded shores and bays; it is not for nothing that this part is known as the Scandinavia of the Waldviertel. The entire region around the reservoirs has been declared a nature reserve. Along the Natur Energie Kraft circular hiking trail, you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the untouched Waldviertel landscape over a total length of 11.5 km. The section along the riverbank with a view of the Lichtenfels ruins is particularly attractive and relaxing. Rest areas invite you to enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors. On hot summer days, you can of course take a dip in the cool water - a refreshing way to cool down after any hike. There is a wide range of leisure activities right by the lake: boat rental, boat restaurant, campsite, surfing and sailing school, etc. Whether you hike or swim in the lake, the Ottenstein reservoir is definitely worth a visit!
- safety instructions Make sure your chosen route suits your fitness. Check if the gastronomy establishments you want to visit are open. Pack your charged mobile phone and map material in your backpack. For cross-border routes, always carry a passport or ID card.
- Equipment Sturdy footwear, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, map material, if needed telescopic poles, first aid kit (blister plasters), sufficient provisions (snack, muesli bars, fruit, water).
- Route description From the info center at the Ottenstein reservoir parking lot, the path goes towards Rastenfeld about 4 kilometers along the reservoir, past the viewpoint "Lichtenfelsblick" to the Prader hunting lodge. Upon arriving at the marketplace in Rastenfeld, turn left into a small alley in front of the Böck butcher shop, which leads to the bridge over the federal highway. Passing meadows, fields and forest edges, you continue through the grounds of the Hotel-Restaurant Ottenstein in Peygarten, then cross the federal highway again and go back up to the Ottenstein reservoir parking lot. Tip: To the right of the parking lot, a path (watch signs) leads to the dam with a view of the Ottenstein power plant.
- Getting there A22 and S5 or S33 to Krems - B37 towards Zwettl - turn right onto B 38 in Rastenfeld
- Editor’s tip Sights:Ottenstein CastlePope's RoomRomanesque castle chapelRomanesque church in Rastenfeld with stonemasons4-Quarter-tree oak sculptureRastenberg Castle (private property)
Recommended period
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Rastenfeld Municipal Office
3532 Rastenfeld 30
(T) 02826/289
(E) gemeinde@rastenfeld.at
(I) www.rastenfeld.at or www.kampseen.at
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