The Viehofen Lakes give Viehofen a strong connection to nature: covering 53 hectares, they offer recreation in the heart of the city and are an important bird-breeding area in the Central Lower Austrian region. A twelve-metre-high observation tower by the lakes offers panoramic views of the St. Pölten lakes experience. Viehofen Castle and the Gothic chapel next to the castle are another historical focal point. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Viehofen, you can first consider whether the lakeside landscape and nature or the town’s history should play a greater part in your trip.

Lakeside Landscape and Birdlife

The lakes can be considered from three perspectives. Their 53 hectares describe the extent of the recreational area; their importance as a major bird-breeding area places them in the context of the Central Lower Austrian region. The twelve-metre-high tower adds a distinct feature, offering panoramic views of the St. Pölten lakes experience. The area, regional importance for breeding birds and the view are different aspects of the same subject. When choosing your destination, it helps to distinguish the expansive recreational area from the specific observation point, while also bearing in mind the lakes’ importance as a breeding area.

District and Recreational Area

Viehofen also has a wider geographical role as a district: the Traisen River and the landscape around Lake Viehofen form its western boundary. The district serves an important function for the whole city as a local recreation area. The lakes are therefore a specific part of the nature theme, while the recreational function also applies to Viehofen as a district. This distinction puts the landscape into context without equating the lakes’ 53 hectares with the entire district.

Castle and Chapel

Viehofen Castle was first mentioned in 1130. Next to the castle stands a Gothic chapel dedicated to Saint James; it was first mentioned in 1248. The two first mentions are 118 years apart and refer to different buildings. Along with its date, the chapel adds an architectural detail and a specific dedication: it is Gothic and dedicated to Saint James. Viehofen’s cultural heritage thus encompasses not only the castle’s history, but also the history of a neighbouring chapel.

Visits and Water Activities

Viehofen Castle was first opened to the public in 2021. A guided tour takes place at the castle once a month, on Saturdays at 2 pm. The opening and the tour schedule serve different purposes: 2021 marks the first public access, while the monthly schedule provides a specific reference point for planning. Check the current tour date before travelling if you would like to plan your visit around it.

At Seedose, four pedal boats, two rowing boats, two canoes and picnic boats are available to rent; stand-up paddleboarding is also offered. This gives you a choice of several types of boats and another water activity. If you would like to use a particular option, check its availability before travelling. For planning purposes, this is a different consideration from visiting the castle: there, the monthly tour date is key; at Seedose, it is the availability of the activity you want.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Karlstetten, Altlengbach, Neusiedl, Brunnrotte, Municipality of Markersdorf-Haindorf, Oberwölbling, Frankenfels, Rabenstein an der Pielach.

Back to the main travel overview: Sankt Pölten.