At BÄRENWALD Arbesbach, encounters with bears take centre stage. The sanctuary run by the animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is there for bears in need and offers bear watching, a visitor trail with information stations, an exhibition and play facilities. Guided tours provide information about bears. BÄRENWALD is also the starting and finishing point of the Bärentrail network of hiking trails. You can therefore discover the place from two perspectives: as a place to learn about bears and as a hub for a network of hiking trails. Before your visit, check the seasonal opening days and confirm tour details before travelling.
Rolling hills, valley and far-reaching views
Kottes-Purk is in the district of Zwettl, amid the wooded hills of the Waldviertel and in the valley of the Kleine Krems. In Waldhausen, Loschberg reaches an elevation of 800 metres. In good weather, panoramic views extend across the Waldviertel landscape to the Jauerling and as far as the Ă–tscher and Schneeberg. The view takes in both the nearby landscape and the explicitly named distant destinations; visibility depends on good weather.
Hiking trails on different scales
The Höllfallweg is a five-kilometre circular hiking trail. It starts in Pretrobruck near Arbesbach, leads through the forest to the Höllfall and then back again. At the Höllfall, small waterfalls make their way over and between thousands of granite boulders. The area around the Höllfall is designated as both a natural monument and a European protected area. The Waldhausen circular hiking trail offers a different time commitment: the five-hour route starts at the sports ground. Conditions may vary seasonally, which is worth considering when planning.
On the longer trails, it is not only the distance that differs, but also the route. The Kremstalweg, which is more than 90 kilometres long, can be started in Kottes. The Waldviertler Kulturpfad 665 is a circular hiking trail of approximately 102 kilometres. It leads from Zwettl via Zwettl Abbey, Friedersbach, the Ottenstein recreation centre, Rastenfeld, Rastenberg and Brand, as well as Loschberg and Waldhausen. Another place to discover in Kottes is the Erz- und Naturlehrpfad, which has been in existence since 1995. It focuses on geology and the human use of the region’s natural resources.
Crafts and history
The Arbesbach Blacksmith Museum features a restored hammer mill. It includes faithfully reconstructed and restored water wheels that are in operation. Schwarzenau Castle is a Renaissance castle; the grounds include a park and a pond. The former castle was first mentioned in documents in 1150. The year refers to that castle, while the current building is described as a Renaissance castle.
Tastings and encounters with animals
In Kottes, Weidenauer Distillery offers tastings and tours of the production process. They focus on fruit brandies and liqueurs made from hand-picked fruit. If you plan to book a tasting or tour, check the specific dates in advance. You can also visit Crooked Creek Ranch in Waldhausen, but only by telephone appointment. The ranch is currently home to nine alpacas, four horses, one dog and two cats. Arrange your visit by phone before travelling.
Travelling on the Waldviertel Railway
The Waldviertel Railway connects GroĂź Gerungs and GmĂĽnd with historic steam and diesel locomotives. During the journey, you can enjoy views of the Waldviertel landscape; the railway also runs between GmĂĽnd and Litschau. If you are planning a trip, check the timetable in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Bärnkopf, Schönbach, Schloss Rosenau, Friedersbach, Ottenschlag, Municipality of Groß Gerungs, Griesbach, Bad Traunstein, Zwettl, Lower Austria, Kottes, Rappottenstein, Schoberhof, Arbesbach, Gutenbrunn, Bernreith, Schwarzenau.
Back to the overview of destinations: Lower Austria.
