Arbesbach
Arbesbach is demonstrably the beariest place in the Waldviertel: after all, it is home to the famous Arbesbach Bear Sanctuary, which gives abused animals a new home. There are also wonderful natural attractions and other excursion destinations for the whole family to discover. On extended hikes or on a nature-oriented short break in pristine nature, everyday life, stress and hectic pace are left behind with ease.
The wooded market town in the Zwettl district comprises the twelve villages of Arbesbach, Brunn, Etlas, Haselbach, Kamp, Neumelon, Pretrobruck, Purrath, Rammelhof, Schönfeld, Schwarzau and Wiesensfeld.
Excursion destinations in Arbesbach: from the bear forest to Stockzahn
The Arbesbach bear sanctuary is an unparalleled sanctuary run by the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS. Tortured brown bears from former circus and private holdings find a new, safe and species-appropriate home here. In addition to visits and guided tours, visitors can look forward to a wide range of information - with an exhibition, film room and play facilities for younger guests.
The medieval ruins of Arbesbach - with its neighboring lookout point - rise up to the east of Purrath as the so-called "Stockzahn des Waldviertels". It is easy to hike to and can be visited all year round from 07:00 - 22:00.
Swimming in the pond & hiking to the waterfall
The Arbesbach bathing pond is a spacious and particularly idyllic summer meeting place - with a sunbathing lawn and buffet as well as a sandpit, carousel and cable car. The Höllfall waterfall to the east of Arbesbach is a popular hiking destination all year round and a natural spectacle worth seeing: here, the Große Kamp cascades down a staircase of huge granite boulders and bizarrely shaped rocks.
Other sights in Arbesbach
The Arbesbach Blacksmith Museum shows a revitalized hammer mill - with original replicas and restored water wheels - in action. Real craftsmanship is also on the agenda at wood artist and wood turner Johann Binder: he offers interested guests workshop tours and courses. The baroque, listed parish church of St. Ägidius is also well worth a visit. Finally, a gallows still stands on the Galgenberg southwest of Arbesbach: It was erected on a granite rock and was used for the last time in 1728.
