The historic centre of Waidhofen an der Thaya sits on a rocky plateau above the Thaya and is surrounded by old town walls. The walls are three kilometres long and up to two metres thick in places. Waidhofen was first mentioned in 1171; the town’s history can also be read in its distinctive buildings. At the highest point in the town, the Baroque parish church stands at an altitude of 510 metres. Until the early 18th century, a Gothic church stood on this site; construction of the new church began in 1713. The town walls and church offer different ways to discover the historic character of the town.
Town History, Weaving and Woodworking
The town museum houses an extensive collection on the town’s history and economic history. The adjoining Waldviertel Weaving Museum focuses on the former importance of weaving to the region. Here, the history of the town meets a craft shaped by the region.
The AnnoLIGNUM Wood Experience World offers another perspective. There you can see historic planes, tools and machines, as well as traditional cabinetmaking. Visitors can also try traditional woodworking for themselves and take part in a range of craft courses. If you want to learn about a craft through more than just its tools, this hands-on experience offers a different focus from the collections on the town’s history and economy.
Waidhofen Leisure Centre also offers a range of activities: mini golf, Pit Pat, table tennis and beach volleyball. Alongside historical and craft-related attractions, there are also practical opportunities for exercise and play.
Routes Through the Landscape
The 111-kilometre cross-border Thayarunde route passes through Waidhofen an der Thaya. The Thayatalweg 630 offers a different route: its sixth stage starts at the town hall and follows the Thaya through open fields and small towns to Dobersberg Nature Park. The Thayarunde’s total length is given, while the starting point and destination of the described stage of the Thayatalweg are specified. This lets you compare the two options based on their different route details, without assuming a particular duration.
Visitors aged 12 and over can rent e-bikes in the Thayaland region through the THEO rental system. As availability may change, it is best to check before making plans. It is also a good idea to check current route conditions before setting out.
Beer, Sweets and Music
Hopfenspinnerei produces unfiltered, handcrafted organic beers. The brewery offers shopping, tastings, brewing workshops and brewery tours; dates may change. If you plan to take part in one of these activities, check the current times in advance.
The handmade Waidhofen chocolate from the Thayatal Chocolate Manufactory combines potatoes and grey poppy seeds from the Waldviertel. You can also try the original Waidhofen ice cream at Konditorei Schützner on Böhmgasse. As the product’s availability may change, it is advisable to enquire in advance. The two examples offer different highlights: one combines potatoes and grey poppy seeds, while the other is a local ice cream speciality.
The International Music Festival is an annual fixture in Waidhofen an der Thaya. On the Warming-Up Day at the end of the school year, the entire town centre becomes a musical stage. If you would like to plan your trip around the music festival, check the event dates. The range of things to discover extends from town walls and museums to crafts and routes, as well as regional specialities and music.
Discover more destinations: Raabs an der Thaya, Waldberg, Vitis, Karlstein an der Thaya, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Dietmanns, GroĂź-Siegharts, Neunkirchen.
Return to the overarching travel overview: Lower Austria.
