Waldviertel Attractions
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The Waldviertel lies between the Danube and the Czech frontier in the northwest of Lower Austria. Its name ("forest quarter") refers to the great expanses of forest which once covered this area.
Kamp River
The River Kamp flows through the Waldviertel from west to east and joins the Danube at Krems. The most beautiful part of the valley is the winding section to the south of Horn. The Ottenstein and Dobra reservoirs, to the east of Zwettl, form an extensive recreation area with excellent facilities for water sports (sailing, boating). Southwest of the old town of Horn stands the Benedictine Altenburg Abbey. Other places worth visiting in the vicinity of Horn are the pretty little town of Eggenburg and Schloss Greillenstein (museum).
Unteres Kamptal
From Horn it is well worth while making an excursion into the winding Unteres Kamptal to the south. In this valley lie the Rosenburg, with its unique tiltyard, and the little resort of Gars am Kamp (251m/824ft; pop. 4,000; peat baths), with a Rathaus of 1593, a ruined castle and an old parish church (originally Romanesque). In the southern part of the valley will be found the little vine growing town of Langenlois (219m/719ft; pop. 5,000), with two Gothic churches and handsome houses of the 16th-18th C. (beautiful arcaded courtyards) and a Plague Column (1713). A visit should also be made to the Local Museum.
Kamptal-Schönberg Nature Park
The nature park is located in the lower Kamp valley and runs along the river between Plank and Schönberg, and along parts of the Manhartsberg
Kamp - Valley Culture Park
The park is set within the breathtaking Kamp Valley, with much more to offer than just natural beauty. The park is often the site of operatic performances, chamber music concerts, historical and artistic exhibitions and other cultural events.
Heidenreichstein, Austria
Situated 20km/12.5mi northeast of Gmünd, the little town of Heidenreichstein (560m/1,838ft; pop. 6,000) has a well-preserved moated castle (13th-15th C.), a massive stronghold with sturdy round towers. Access is by way of a drawbridge (April-September). In the parish church note the Late Gothic choir (15th C.), Baroque altars and three paintings by Schnorr von Carolsfeld.
Peat and Fen Museum
Unique in Austria is the Peat and Fen Museum (Torf und Moormuseum), which documents the economic use of the fens and their fauna and flora; visitors are also given information about the development of fenland throughout Central Europe.
Gemeinde Au-Heidenreichstein Nature Park
The park is made up of 30 hectares of land, of which 20 are high moor.
Gmünd
Blockheide Eibenstein Nature Park
This park northeast of Gmünd has an open air Geological Museum, with giant granite blocks surmounting hills or rising out of the meadows, together with explanations of methods of stoneworking. A number of paths lead through the surrounding heathland with its birch, redwood and heather. An observation tower offers a superb view of the surrounding countryside.
Weitra
10km/6mi southwest of Gmünd lies Weitra, with its interesting parish church (14th-15th C.) and a Schloss (c. 1600).
Weitra - Castle and Museum
The castle museum is filled with exhibits showcasing the rich history of the town. The exhibits document life in Weitra throughout the past eight centuries, as well as trace the history of the Fürstenberg dynasty.Art and other family heirlooms belonging to the Fürstenbergs are on permanent display, as are many other items considered important in the region's development.The museum also holds temporary exhibitions, mainly to illustrate more detailed aspects of the region's history.
Litschau, Austria
12km/7.5mi northwest of Heidenreichstein lies the little town of Litschau (528m/1,732ft; pop. 2,000), picturesquely situated between two, small lakes (fishing) and surrounded by wooded hills. The parish church of St Michael is a Gothic hall church of the 14th-15th C. with beautiful frescos and sculptures (including one of Our Lady). The medieval castle (13th C.), which dominates the town, has a keep 25m/82ft high. The Neues Schloss dates from the 18th C. The town walls and the Fisherman's Gate (Fischertor) should also be noted.
Rosenburg Castle
The Rosenburg is a richly-articulated structure (14th-17th C.) laid out around a fine tiltyard (an area used for tilting; conducted tours in summer; splendid views; restaurant in castle).The Renaissance castle sits on a high cliff overlooking the Kamp River. It is the site of a nicely-furbished museum, as well as an exhibit of splendid period furnishings.The castle often hosts concerts, including candlelit concerts every Whit Saturday.
Gars am Kamp - Operetta and Theater Summer
This annual festival runs between late July and late August, with events being held by the Castle ruins.
Cultural Summer, Raabs, Austria
Kultursommer is an annual festival in Raabs that includes a number of classical concerts between May and August. The performances range from symphony productions to smaller chamber and choral orchestral concerts. The festival also includes an art exhibition.All of the events take place in the medieval Raabs castle.
Law Enforcement Museum, Poggstall, Austria
Pöggstall is located on the edge of the Greinerwald, a vast hilly, wooded area between that runs from north of the Danube to the Czech border. The town is home to a Law Enforcement Museum.
Textile and Weaving Museum, Gross-Siegharts, Austria
Gross-Siegharts is a town located in the northwestern reaches of Lower Austria near the town of Gmünd. It has a textile and weaving museum.
