Langau combines a swimming area at the mining lake with water sports, trails and local history. The lake lies outside the village towards the national border, making it a destination in its own right alongside the sights in the village. When planning your stay, you can choose between activities on the water, walking or cycling tours, and historical sites.
Mining Lake: Swimming and Water Sports
The swimming area at the mining lake has a large sunbathing lawn, two showers and a non-swimmer area. These facilities may operate seasonally. The beach volleyball court by the lake can be used at any time. At the Langau Recreation Centre, you can sunbathe, swim, bathe and play; the centre also has changing rooms.
Langau is also a destination for water sports: In cooperation with WSC Tulln-Langau, the water-ski centre offers courses for all age groups and skill levels. The programme ranges from beginner courses to specialist training for experienced participants. Anglers who practise “Catch & Release” will also find the mining lake particularly appealing. The swimming and water sports facilities offer a different focus from the trails and sights in the village.
Quiet Trails, Cycle Routes and Other Destinations
The “Quiet Trails” network is suitable for walks, family cycling trips and sports cycling. This network of hiking and cycling trails connects Langau with all neighbouring municipalities and nearly the entire district of Horn. “Tut gut” hiking trails also run along the mining lake; check their conditions locally before setting out.
Another destination can be reached via the Langau leisure trail, which leads to a plant maze and towards the large mining lake. Lignite was mined in an open pit at the mining lake during the last century. The route thus brings together a present-day excursion destination and the area’s industrial past, while the hiking and cycling options remain varied.
The Langau leisure climbing garden has a 60-metre-long route that is intended to be climbed without touching the ground.
The bee educational trail by the Langau mining lake includes a demonstration beehouse. It is home to numerous bee colonies and also features a wild bee stand. The trail adds an insight into the world of bees to the routes around the lake. If you would rather plan a cycling tour, you can use Langau as a starting point for the Waldviertel leisure tour.
Mining History and Buildings in the Village
Since May 2016, the Langau Leisure Museum has displayed a diorama of the former lignite mine. It shows the mine at its peak in the 1950s. The museum also shows how people celebrated festivals in the past. The history of mining and everyday life provides a cultural counterpoint to activities at the lake and on the trails.
The Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary brings together several historical periods: it was first mentioned in the first half of the 13th century and features medieval and Late Gothic architectural elements. Another landmark is the Baroque Saint John of Nepomuk Column, dating from 1728. The museum, church and column form a distinct focus on local history alongside swimming and outdoor activities.
Getting Here and Choosing the Focus of Your Stay
The Reblaus-Express runs from Retz to Drosendorf and stops in Langau. Check operating days and the timetable before travelling. When choosing a hotel in Langau, first decide what you want your stay to focus on: the swimming area and water sports, trails and cycling tours, or local history. The different locations can also help you decide: the mining lake lies outside the village, while the museum and historic buildings are in Langau.
Discover more destinations: Eggenburg, Röschitz, Maria Dreieichen, Geras, Sigmundsherberg, Messern, Klein-Reinprechtsdorf, Straning-Grafenberg.
Go to the main travel overview: Horn.
