A church nave without supporting pillars, an altar made from a single block of granite and a rocking stone in the middle of the forest give Bad Traunstein a distinctive stone character. There is also a herb garden, marked trails and cross-country ski tracks in winter. When planning your trip, the question is which of these different themes you would like to shape your stay.
Church, sculptures and local history
The parish church combines a traditional building with a modern structure made from local granite. Its distinctive features include a nave without supporting pillars, a wooden folded-ceiling construction, a main altar made from a single block of granite and exceptionally symbolic windows. Architecture enthusiasts will find a variety of structural details here that go beyond the granite alone.
The Josef Elter Exhibition Centre displays stone and wood sculptures by Josef Elter, the former artist-priest. Visitors can also see several of the artist’s sculptures in the sculpture garden. The Tau Circular Trail No. 50 adds a spiritual dimension to this cultural experience with ten “breathing space” stations: set in unusual locations, they invite visitors to pause and reflect. The route details were updated on 3 August 2026.
Wachtstein also connects the landscape with history. It was once part of a medieval beacon chain between Jauerling, Anschau Castle and Arbesbach Castle. The warning fires were used to signal danger at an early stage. Today, on clear days, the 958-metre-high Wachtstein offers hikers views as far as Ă–tscher and Schneeberg. Wiegenstein, meanwhile, is a rocking stone in the middle of the forest on the way to Weidenegg. Another stone relic is the Opferstein: a large prehistoric granite block with a basin that always holds water.
Herb garden and seasonal activities
The Kräutertanten Garden features around 250 labelled medicinal herbs. On request, trained Kräutertanten lead tours of the display and teaching garden and explain the properties and uses of the herbs during a tour lasting around an hour and a half. If you would like to arrange a tour, check availability locally in advance.
The Bad Traunstein Herb Week is held annually. During the event, herb walks take place every day in the surrounding area of Bad Traunstein, each lasting between two and four hours. Check the event dates if you would like to plan your trip around one of these walks. The Herb Week therefore offers a different time commitment from a garden tour: it involves a multi-hour walk during the event, while the garden tour is an approximately hour-and-a-half walk available on request.
Explore on foot, by bike or in winter
The Kremstalweg is a regional circular route with consistent signage and a starting point in Bad Traunstein; it is marked in both directions. Cyclists have another option in the Ottenschlag–Sallingberg–Bad Traunstein Cycle Route: around 30 kilometres long, it follows paved farm roads and side roads through the unspoilt Waldviertel countryside. Information about the Kremstalweg may change, and route lengths and conditions for the cycle route may also be revised. Check the route details before planning your trip.
In winter, Bad Traunstein offers up to four groomed cross-country ski trails for all ability levels. Check snow and trail conditions before you travel. If you are looking for a shorter activity rather than a sporting route, consider the Bad Traunstein Planet Trail: a static model of the solar system at a scale of 1:1 billion. This places marked trails and a model of the solar system alongside the town’s cultural and historical attractions.
The leisure complex with its bathing pond also has two distinct water areas: a deep zone for confident swimmers and a shallow area for children. Swimming and use of the sunbathing lawn are free of charge. As public-use conditions may change seasonally, check them before your visit.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Friedersbach, Bernreith, Ottenschlag, Rosenau Castle, Griesbach, Municipality of GroĂź Gerungs, Rappottenstein, Gutenbrunn.
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