Raabs an der Thaya: Castle, Thaya and History

Raabs an der Thaya can be planned around different interests: highlights include a castle at the confluence of two rivers, historic landmarks, trails and activities on the water. During your stay, you can focus on architecture and local history, a hike or an activity on the Thaya. The confluence and historic buildings provide two clear points of reference.

Castle and Local History

Raabs an der Thaya Castle stands at the confluence of the Moravian Thaya and the German Thaya and is one of the earliest stone castles built in what is now Austria. The same confluence marks the start and finish of the Wichtel Trail. This family trail passes five activity stations, combining a family-friendly route with a distinctive landscape feature.

The town wall also shapes Raabs’ historic character and is still almost entirely preserved. The Raikahof Round Tower is a corner tower in the wall, which was built in the late 15th century. The oldest part of the parish church features late Romanesque forms dating to the 13th century. The church tower houses Austria’s oldest bell with figurative depictions, dating from 1343. The All Saints’ Church was built in 1511 and has been consecrated as a church again since 1971. Bakers have been working in the Schneider bakery for more than 400 years. Together, these landmarks span a broad period—from medieval architectural forms to a baking tradition carried on for centuries.

Museums with Different Areas of Focus

The Borderland Museum displays Neolithic stone axes, archaeological finds, medieval artifacts and agricultural implements. It also provides information about farming along the Thaya. The Raabs an der Thaya Doll Museum has more than 3,000 exhibits and offers a journey through time from the Biedermeier period to the 1960s. The Borderland Museum focuses on finds and agriculture, while the Doll Museum places its collection within its own historical period.

Hiking in Raabs an der Thaya

The municipality has 80 kilometers of well-marked and maintained hiking trails. The municipal authority describes the Thaya Loop as scenically beautiful; its flat elevation profile is considered particularly suitable for families with children and people aged 50 and over. You can choose between a larger network of trails and a loop whose flat profile is specifically highlighted.

The Thaya, a Ruin and the Vitality Bath

When water levels are favorable, you can travel along the Thaya in touring canoes, provided you comply with nature and environmental protection requirements. The canoe route from Raabs via Kollmitz to Eibenstein is about 13 kilometers long. Since paddling is possible only when water levels are favorable, check water levels and applicable restrictions before setting off. Kollmitz Ruin stands on a promontory on the left bank, around which the Thaya flows. It was built to defend the border against Bohemia.

The Thayatal Vitality Bath offers a sports pool, an adventure and relaxation pool, and a dedicated children’s water world with a slide and children’s pool. Several saunas and a steam bath are located right by the Thaya. Check the latest information about the facilities before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Waldberg, Karlstein an der Thaya, Groß-Siegharts, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Dietmanns, Vitis.

Back to the main travel overview: Waidhofen an der Thaya.