Discover Bad Traunstein

Bad Traunstein combines hiking and regional nature with herb-related activities and cultural attractions. When planning a stay, you can choose from a range of options: signposted trails and cycling routes, distinctive rock formations in the forest, herb tours or the architecture of the parish church. There are also cross-country ski trails in winter and a leisure complex with a bathing pond.

Hiking, cycling and winter activities

The Kremstal Trail is a regional circular route with consistent signage and a starting point in Bad Traunstein. Its markings apply in both directions. As route details can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out. The Ottenschlag–Sallingberg–Bad Traunstein cycle route is about 30 kilometres long and runs along paved farm roads and side roads through the Waldviertel countryside.

The Tau Circular Trail No. 50 has its own distinctive character: ten “breathing space” stations invite visitors to pause for reflection at unusual locations. In winter, Bad Traunstein has up to four groomed cross-country ski trails for all ability levels. Check snow and trail conditions before travelling, as they vary by season.

Wachtstein and distinctive rock formations

Wachtstein stands at an altitude of 958 metres. On clear days, hikers can see as far as the Ötscher and Schneeberg. At the same time, its former role recalls the medieval Kreidfeuer signal-fire chain between Jauerling, Anschau Castle and Arbesbach Castle. The warning fires in this chain were used to signal danger at an early stage; this function is part of the site’s history.

Other distinctive rock formations include Wiegenstein, a rocking stone in the middle of the forest in the direction of Weidenegg, and Opferstein. The latter is a relic from the Stone Age: a single large granite block with a large basin that always contains water. A stay therefore offers the chance to discover a range of local nature and history topics side by side, without combining them into a single route.

Herb garden and Herb Week

The Herb Aunts’ Garden features around 250 labelled medicinal herbs. On request, trained herb guides lead visitors through the medicinal herb display and educational garden and explain the properties and uses of the herbs. The tour lasts about an hour and a half; check its availability locally before your visit.

Bad Traunstein Herb Week is held annually. During the week, herb walks take place every day in the area around Bad Traunstein, each lasting between two and four hours. The garden tour and the herb walks therefore differ both in duration and format: the tour takes place in the garden on request, while the longer walks are part of the Herb Week programme.

Church, sculpture and Planet Trail

Bad Traunstein Parish Church combines a traditional building with a modern structure made from local granite. In the pillar-free nave, a wooden folded-ceiling structure defines the interior. Other features include a main altar made from a block of granite and exceptionally symbolic windows. The architecture, materials and furnishings offer several distinct points of interest for a cultural visit.

The Josef Elter Exhibition Centre displays stone and wood sculptures by Josef Elter, a former artist-priest. Visitors can view several sculptures in the sculpture garden. The Bad Traunstein Planet Trail is a static model of the solar system at a scale of 1:1 billion (1:1,000,000,000); the scale indicates the ratio between the model and the solar system.

Leisure complex and bathing pond

The leisure complex and bathing pond have a deep area for confident swimmers and a shallow-water area for children. Swimming and use of the sunbathing lawn are free. Public access conditions may vary by season; check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Schönbach, Ottenschlag, Griesbach, Arbesbach, Bernreith, Gutenbrunn, Kottes, Schoberhof

To the higher-level travel overview: Zwettl.