Schrems – Nature, Trails and Culture

Schrems combines the natural environment of the high moor with marked trails, a nature-oriented outdoor pool and cultural attractions. For planning your trip, the respective starting points and trail lengths are helpful: the cultural trail begins at the main square, while other routes start in Eugenia or at a visitor centre. In addition, museums, a brewery tour and insights into shoe production offer a range of topics for your stay.

High Moor, Water and Nature Watching

The Schrems High Moor Nature Park covers 119 hectares of the approximately 300-hectare moorland area between Langschwarza, Gebharts and Schrems. It is part of the “Waldviertel Ponds, Moors and Rivers” Ramsar site. Along the High Moor Hiking Trail, you may see yellow water lilies, moor frogs and dragonflies, as well as the carnivorous plants sundew and bladderwort. Trail conditions may vary.

From the UnterWasserReich Nature Park Centre, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leads directly into the moor. As its condition may change due to maintenance, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting. UnterWasserReich offers an interactive indoor exhibition and a water garden designed to blend with nature, exploring the world of the Waldviertel’s ponds and moors; the programme may change. The entire site is wheelchair-accessible and is also suitable as an excursion destination in bad weather.

From the UnterWasserReich Visitor Centre, a wide, easy-to-walk, pram-friendly path leads to the Himmelsleiter in about 15 minutes. The barefoot trail next to it was introduced in September 2025. There, visitors can playfully explore materials such as pine cones, moss and stones with the soles of their feet.

Trails of Different Lengths

The 3 km cultural trail passes the city’s attractions. For a longer walk, the 14 km “Moor and Fields” trail starts at the main square, crosses the high moor and the former “peat cutting site”, and returns to the city centre. The two trails therefore differ both in length and in their described focus.

Two shorter trails start in Eugenia: the marked Forest and Wildlife Route is 4.6 km long. The 3.8 km “Leisurely Loop” leads from the forester’s lodge through the forest and back to the starting point. The Forest and Wildlife Route is therefore slightly longer; the leisurely loop explicitly starts and ends at the same point. You can compare the descriptions by length and route to see which one better suits your plans.

There are also different points of reference for cycling tours. The municipality of Schrems is located in the wider Waldviertel Cycle Route region. The Herrenteich route is suitable for families and follows gravel, field and meadow paths. Check current route conditions before setting off.

Moor Pool, Museums and Regional Attractions

The Schrems Moor Pool is a nature-oriented outdoor swimming pool; its moor-infused water comes from the nearby high moor in the nature park. Facilities on the south shore include wooden and grass terraces, a sunbathing lawn, four jetties, a sandy beach and a beach volleyball court. Some facilities may be unavailable seasonally.

The Schrems City Museum documents the city’s history and economic development, with a focus on the stone industry, and displays materials relating to the city’s medical past. The City Museum is currently closed. The Waldviertel Art Museum is located in Schrems on a 12,000 m² site.

If you are interested in regional production, you can arrange an approximately 90-minute guided tour of the Schrems Brewery, including a tasting, by appointment. Arrange the date in advance and check the details again before travelling. The Waldviertler Werkstätten in Schrems also offer guided tours of their shoe production; check the tour dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Eggern, Lauterbach, Sankt Wolfgang, Kirchberg Am Walde, Litschau, Haugschlag, Neunagelberg, Waldenstein.

For the overview of the wider area: Gmünd.