Vitis: History, Nature and Trails

Vitis offers several different starting points for planning a stay: local history and church architecture, nature along the Thaya, and activities on foot, by bike and in the indoor pool. You can organize these themes around your own interests: history and architecture, wildlife and landscape, trails, and swimming and sauna.

Local History and Parish Church

Vitis was first mentioned in a document in 1150. The present-day settlement was established as a planned market town around 1200. The written reference and the approximate date of the market’s establishment are two distinct points of reference in the town’s history.

The parish church of Vitis was probably built as a late Romanesque east-tower church. Its nave is a two-aisled late Gothic hall church dating from the first half of the 15th century. This classification distinguishes between the church’s presumed late Romanesque origins and the later date of its nave. The church thus offers a tangible insight into the town’s architectural history.

The cattle and horse market is also part of the town’s history. It had regional importance beyond the local area from 1782 and was held on 9 and 10 August. The market’s establishment, church architecture and market tradition offer different historical perspectives on Vitis.

The Thaya and Its Natural Environment

The Thaya near Vitis is part of the “Waldviertel Pond, Heath and Moor Landscape” Natura 2000 site. The kingfisher and large blue butterfly are also found in the immediate surroundings. This brings together two distinct aspects of nature: the Thaya’s inclusion in a protected area and the presence of these two species near the town. For nature enthusiasts, both the landscape and local wildlife are part of the experience.

On Foot and by Bike

The “Tut gut!” walking trail is suitable for sturdy strollers, but only partially suitable for wheelchair users. Check local accessibility information before setting out. The trail is linked to the playground in Sonnensiedlung, 3902 Vitis, near the bus stop. This information can help you check in advance whether the trail meets your accessibility needs.

The Teiche cycling route is a circular route that passes through Vitis. This means that cycling, as well as the walking trail, is an option when planning your stay. The two options differ in their mode of travel; for the walking trail, specific information about suitability for strollers and wheelchair users is also relevant.

Swimming, Sauna and Courses

The Vitis indoor pool offers swimming and a sauna; opening hours vary by season. Swimming courses are also available for beginners and advanced swimmers of all ages, led by Gregor Holzinger, a state-certified instructor. Course availability may vary by season. For a specific visit, it is advisable to check seasonal opening hours and course availability in advance.

Children’s birthday parties can be held at the indoor pool by prior arrangement. This offers different reasons to visit: swimming and sauna, a seasonal swimming course, or a party arranged in advance.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Waidhofen An Der Thaya.