Ottensheim: Danube backwater, trails and market square

When looking for a hotel in Ottensheim, you can choose where to stay based on your interests. Regattas and outdoor activities take centre stage at the Danube backwater, while houses, narrow lanes and a weekly market shape a visit to the historic market centre. The surrounding area also has hiking trails, car-free cycling routes along the Danube, and orchards with regional produce. When planning your trip, consider whether you are more interested in activities on the water, exploring trails or visiting the town centre.

Danube backwater: regattas and outdoor activities

The Danube backwater was created by the construction of the Ottensheim-Wilhering power station and hosts international rowing and kayaking regattas. The regatta course also offers opportunities for walking, cycling, skating, running and fishing. There are also plenty of opportunities for swimming in natural waters. The Danube backwater thus offers both land-based activities and places to swim.

Hiking, cycling and travel connections on the Danube

The Donausteig trail between Passau and Grein passes through Ottensheim and offers scenic views. The surrounding hiking area also has 55 km of marked trails. These figures cover different areas: the Donausteig runs through Ottensheim between the towns named, while the 55 km refers to trails in the surrounding area.

For cycling, there are car-free routes along the Danube, including the Danube Cycle Path. The cable ferry bridge is also on the Danube Cycle Path. The Danube bus connects Ottensheim and Linz/Urfahr along the river. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable.

Market square, narrow lanes and weekly market

Ottensheim’s historic market centre includes charming narrow lanes. Historic townhouses stand around the market square, which was redesigned by Boris Podrecca in 2001. The town centre therefore brings together historic buildings and a more recent redesign of the square—a distinction of interest to anyone drawn to both old houses and the design of public spaces.

A market is held at the market square every Friday. At certain intervals, a so-called “open market” is also held as part of the weekly market. If you would like to time your visit to coincide with the market, check the latest market information in advance.

Orchards and local produce

Ottensheim’s orchards are known for their old fruit trees and provide important habitats for numerous animal and plant species. Their fruit is used to make Ottensheim orchard apple juice and, occasionally, orchard chocolate. Both products are sold under the name “Ottensheim Products.” The orchards bring landscape and produce together: they provide a habitat and also yield fruit for juice and, occasionally, chocolate.

At 549 metres, Dürnberg is Ottensheim’s local mountain and a production site for fine distillates. Together with the orchards, it shows two distinct facets of local character: the landscape with its old fruit trees, and regional products made from fruit or distilled spirits. If, when choosing where to stay, you would like to consider these connections to the landscape and local products as well as trails and the town centre, they offer another point of reference.

Discover more destinations

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