A raised bog, handmade rag paper and trails with very different characteristics give Bad Großpertholz several distinct sides. Nature, craftsmanship and historical landmarks each have their own focus. When planning, it is worth keeping these differences in mind: a circular route can be assessed by its length and duration, while the Paper Mill Trail is described by its stops and the partly steep return climb.
Moorland and Views
The Pertholz Moor is in the market town of Bad Großpertholz and covers around 2.8 hectares. The raised bog consists mainly of Scots pine bog woodland typical of the site; smaller areas of open transitional mire add to the vegetation. Those interested in different types of moorland will find a specific description of the landscape and its plant life here.
Nordwald Nature Park lies on the western edge of the Waldviertel Highlands between Bad Großpertholz and Karlstift and has a Nordic-Scandinavian character. Its destinations include the “Große Haide” raised bog. Other sights in the nature park include the “Exhibition Room on the Lives of Lumberjacks” and the reconstructed timber-floating canal. The Schwarzenberg lookout tower near Bad Großpertholz offers panoramic views across the Nordwald Nature Park landscape.
The Großpertholz healing moor is another distinctive feature of the town: it was the first therapeutic peloid to be recognized under the provisions of the 1958 Federal Act in accordance with the Lower Austrian Healing Springs and Health Resorts Act.
Trails with Different Highlights
The Steinbach Trail is a moderately difficult circular route covering 3.93 kilometers. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, with 93 meters of elevation gain and 93 meters of descent. The starting point and finish are at the Bad Großpertholz spa hotel. This provides specific details on the route, time required and elevation gain.
The Paper Mill Trail follows a different route: the trail to the “Brother Conrad” wayside shrine begins at the Trinity Column in Bad Großpertholz. It descends through the forest to the paper mill, then climbs back to Bad Großpertholz through the forest, with some steep sections. If you want to include the paper mill in a hike, take this climb on the return journey into account when choosing your route.
Instead of focusing on moorland or craftsmanship, the Vision Trail offers exercises for the sense of sight and eye coordination. This eye-walking trail starts at the Kurhotel Moorbad Bad Großpertholz and offers exercises at various stations. As route details may change, check the information on the Vision Trail before your visit.
Paper Craft and Special Tours
At the Waldviertel Mörzinger Paper Mill, the finest handmade rag paper is produced at Europe’s last “rag” paper mill. Visitors can also make a sheet of paper themselves. Tours can be booked from March to October by prior arrangement. Keep the seasonal period and the need to book in advance in mind when planning.
The Edermühle, which is over 400 years old, offers another distinctive experience. It offers an exclusive tour where visitors can meet the animals living on the farm and see the fishponds. Find out in advance how to arrange the tour. Trekking tours with alpacas are available at Sonnseitnhof by prior arrangement.
Museum, Monument and Railway
The Bad Großpertholz Local History Museum displays a local collection. It includes agricultural and household equipment, historical legal artifacts, documents on local history, religious folk art, and the region’s geology, flora and fauna. A special feature is the extensive lichen collection, which is considered the largest in Austria. The Trinity Column, also known as the “Plague Column,” was erected in Bad Großpertholz in 1715. The sandstone column is a fine example of the traditional Baroque style.
The Waldviertel Narrow-Gauge Railway also offers a different perspective on the area: steam and diesel locomotives travel between Gmünd, Groß Gerungs and Litschau through forests and fields, passing ponds and striking granite boulders. Steinbach-Bad Großpertholz station is on the southern branch of the railway; heritage trains run from there to Gmünd and Groß Gerungs. Check the timetable for your travel date before setting out, as operating days may change.
Discover more destinations: Sankt Martin, Neunagelberg, Heidenreichstein, Waldenstein, Weitra, Hoheneich, Hirschenwies, Eggern.
For the broader travel overview: Gmünd.
