Discover Ottenschlag

Ottenschlag lies at an altitude of around 850 metres amid lush green, densely wooded hills. A range of themes can shape your travel plans: hiking trails with clearly stated distances, a mountain bike route, Ottenschlag Castle, the Upper Village Pond and—when there is enough natural snow—cross-country ski trails. This gives you the chance to decide in advance whether your stay should focus more on outdoor activity, architectural history, a destination by the water or a seasonal winter activity.

Choose hiking trails by duration and difficulty

The 5,000 Steps Trail is a 3.5-kilometre circular hiking trail starting at the motorhome parking area in Ottenschlag. The stated walking time is one hour. The Hubertus Trail is an easy 4.3-kilometre hiking trail with 42 metres of elevation gain. At 9.9 kilometres and 189 metres of elevation gain, the Pond Trail is considerably longer and is classified as moderately difficult. This gives you different points of comparison: a walking time is provided for the 5,000 Steps Trail, an easy rating for the Hubertus Trail, and both a moderate difficulty rating and the elevation gain for the Pond Trail. When comparing the routes, you can take distance, elevation gain and—where stated—walking time into account. Check the latest trail information before setting out.

Explore by bike or on foot

The Hochland Route is a 20.2-kilometre family/trekking mountain bike route with 293 metres of elevation gain. In terms of figures, it is longer than the hiking trails mentioned; however, the distances relate to different types of activity. For your planning, it therefore makes sense to first choose between a cycling and a hiking tour, then compare the length and elevation gain of the relevant route.

Ottenschlag Castle and its architectural history

Ottenschlag Castle dates back to the 16th century. Construction of the present-day castle building began in 1523 around an early medieval stronghold. Three striking round towers and a splendidly decorated Renaissance portal are among the castle’s architectural features. For those interested in cultural history, the site brings together a specific period of construction and an older historical connection: the stronghold dates back to the early Middle Ages, while the present-day castle building was constructed in the 16th century. The towers and portal each give the building their own distinct character.

The Upper Village Pond

The Upper Village Pond has a central island accessible via a footbridge, as well as small coves. Facilities include a water slide for toddlers and a diving board. If you are travelling with toddlers, the slide designed for them is a specific feature of the pond; the diving board adds to the facilities mentioned. The island, footbridge and coves also describe the pond’s layout and set it apart from the hiking and cycling routes or the historic castle.

Cross-country ski trails when there is enough natural snow

When there is enough natural snow, three cross-country ski trails are available in Ottenschlag. The trails start at Florianiplatz, behind the fire station; free parking is also available there. Snow conditions are crucial when planning a cross-country skiing tour, as the trails are explicitly dependent on there being enough natural snow. Check conditions before you travel.

Airfield with a grass runway

Ottenschlag Airfield is a small airfield with a grass runway and has been delighting aviation enthusiasts for more than 60 years. For those interested in aviation, it adds a distinct theme to the hiking, cycling and cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Zwettl-Niederösterreich, Rappottenstein, Bärnkopf, Schönbach, Bernreith, Friedersbach, Kottes, Gutenbrunn

Go to the overview of the wider area: Zwettl.