Waidhofen an der Thaya: City Walls, Museums and Woodworking

On the upper reaches of the German Thaya River, Waidhofen an der Thaya combines urban history with craftsmanship and activities for active days. The historic centre sits on a rocky plateau above the river and is surrounded by old city walls. Waidhofen was first mentioned in 1171. Here, you can discover its history in the townscape as well as in collections and workshops.

City Walls and Urban History

The historic city walls are three kilometres long in total and up to two metres thick in places. They surround the historic centre and shape its historic character. The Baroque parish church adds a different note: it stands at an elevation of 510 metres, at the highest point in the town. A Gothic church stood on this site until the early 18th century; construction of the new church began in 1713. Together, the walls and church offer a glimpse into different chapters of the town’s history.

The extensive collection at the Waidhofen an der Thaya Town Museum focuses on the town’s history and economic development. The Waldviertel Weaving Museum, housed in the same building, highlights the former importance of weaving to the region. Together, the two museums offer complementary perspectives: the history of the town and that of a craft that once shaped the region.

Woodworking and Leisure

The AnnoLIGNUM Wood Experience World showcases historic planes, tools and machines and introduces visitors to traditional carpentry. If you are interested not only in the finished pieces but also in the techniques used to make them, you can try traditional woodworking for yourself and take part in a variety of craft courses. This makes a visit an opportunity to experience the craft itself, not just its tools.

For more leisure ideas, the Waidhofen Leisure Centre offers minigolf, Pit Pat, table tennis and beach volleyball. The four activities cater to different interests, from skill-based games to ball sports. The Waldrapp aviary offers a special perspective on nature, providing a safe home for the endangered ibis species.

Thaya Trails and Cycling Tours

The cross-border Thayarunde route is 111 kilometres long and passes through Waidhofen an der Thaya. In the Thayaland region, visitors aged 12 and over can hire e-bikes through the THEO rental system. As availability can change, we recommend checking it before setting off. Another route option is the sixth stage of the Thayatalweg 630, which starts at Waidhofen’s town hall. It follows the Thaya through open fields and small villages to Dobersberg Nature Park. The starting point and route make this stage a distinct way to explore the landscape along the river.

Beer, Sweets and Music

Hopfenspinnerei produces unfiltered, handcrafted organic beers; the selection may change. The brewery itself offers shopping, tastings, brewing workshops and brewery tours. Dates for these activities may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest times in advance.

Regional sweets also have their own distinctive flavours: hand-poured Waidhofen chocolate from Thayataler Schokoladen-Manufaktur combines potatoes with Waldviertel grey poppy seeds. Andreas Müssauer’s chocolates are also made with ingredients from the Waldviertel, including elderflower, plums, whisky, hemp, cornel cherries, poppy seeds and potatoes. At Schützner confectionery on Böhmgasse, you can try the original Waidhofen ice cream; please check its current availability.

The International Music Festival is an annual highlight in Waidhofen an der Thaya. During the Warming-Up Day at the end of the school year, the entire town centre becomes a musical stage. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the latest event dates.

Discover more destinations: Waldberg, Raabs An Der Thaya, Vitis, Karlstein An Der Thaya, Waidhofen An Der Thaya, Dietmanns, Groß-Siegharts, Gmünd.

Go to the main travel overview: Lower Austria.