LOWER AUSTRIA: THESE ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINTER HIKES
Top 6 destinations.
15 January 2021
Even in the cold season you can really relax in Lower Austria. A refreshing change for a deceleration in the fresh air, offer the numerous meadows and forests that lead to a Winter hike invite.
The Great Outdoors
Outdoor exercise is important for mental and physical well-being, especially in times of pandemic. "The landscape and its wide paths invite winter hikers to recharge their batteries here with us in nature," knows Jochen Danninger, Lower Austria's tourism provincial councillor. A trip to the countryside is both decelerating and refreshing. Michael Duscher, Managing Director of Niederösterreich Werbung says: "Whether along rivers, on the mountain, in the forest or in the city - Lower Austria's hiking trails are very versatile." So take your time and explore the beautiful winter landscape.
Vienna Alps
The Vienna Alps in Lower Austria offer many quiet places to go for a walk. Here you can relax in peace and enjoy the distant view from lookouts. A wide view over the country can be enjoyed from the lookout at Hutwisch in the Bucklige Welt region. Around the Rax there is a villa walk where you can discover impressive villas, castles and the historic spa gardens.
Waldviertel
Perfect for young and old is the forest adventure trail Zwettltal, which is easy to reach and hike. If you like to go on a historical voyage of discovery, the Druidsweg, Stein-Gigantenweg, or the Ritterweg Ruine Kollmitz are recommended. These lead past Celtic paths, imposing granite blocks and beautiful castle ruins.
Mostviertel
Whether for a short walk or longer hikes, there is the right route for everyone in the Ybbstaler Alps. During the winter hike on the Hochreit plateau to the high moor you can learn a lot of exciting information about the moor. For water lovers, the winter hike in the Steinbachtal is recommended, here you walk along the water in the side valley of Göstling/Ybbs. The Sonnenweg in Lackenhof is a good hike for children. This trail scores with its wonderful view into the village centre of Lackenhof.
Weinviertel
A hotspot is the National Park Thayatal, where you can admire the river landscape of the Thaya from two vantage points on the Einsiedlerweg. In the Leiser Berge Nature Park, the hiking trail "Steppenrasen mit Aussicht" (Steppe grass with a view) is recommended and the Bisamberg Rundwanderweg (Bisamberg circular hiking trail) provides plenty of views including themed stations. A beautiful hiking tour can be made in Falkenstein. The "Kleiner Falkenflug" trail leads to many vineyard huts, picnic areas and a vineyard labyrinth.
Vienna Woods
The Troppberg panorama trail, which is about 15 km long, offers a magnificent view of Vienna, Tulln, towards the Wachau and into the Alpine foothills. Starting from the thermal spa Bad Vöslau, a circular hiking trail leads around the Harzberg, where a kangaroo farm awaits young hikers. An equally easy and therefore family-friendly trail is the Elsbeerweg Laaben.
Danube Region
Especially beautiful: Walk through the Danube Floodplains National Park in winter and explore the diversity of flora and fauna there. Another experience is section between Krems and Dürnstein on the Wachau World Heritage Trail, which is especially beautiful in the wintertime. If you prefer a short city walk, the best route is in Tulln, namely the Altstadtrunde Tulln an der Donau. It leads into the past of a city and shows its beauty.
You can find more inspiration for winter hiking under www.niederösterreich.at/winterwanderungen
Picture Credits: Waldviertel Tourism, Studio Kerschbaum
