THINGS TO DO AROUND WAIDHOFEN
Discover the Mostviertel Region in Lower Austria
The Mostviertel region lies between the Danube and the Ötscher, right in the heart of beautiful Lower Austria. Here, you can relax and unwind while discovering beautiful hiking trails and excellent bike routes. All around the hotel—whether by bike, on foot, or by water—you’ll find a wide variety of family-friendly destinations to suit every taste and age group.
The Ybbstal Valley's Wide Range of Summer Activities
Explore the area…
Waidhofen is surrounded by unique natural scenery, where numerous hiking trails can be easily explored on foot. Particularly popular with locals and visitors alike is Waidhofen’s local mountain—the Buchenberg, which is also suitable for families with children.
Here at the Buchenberg Wildlife Park, experience wild animals in their natural habitat or explore the 3D archery course.
Enjoy nature right in the heart of the city and explore the idyllic Ybbsuferweg, which is just a few minutes from the city center.
Where the Moststraße and Eisenstraße meet, you’ll find the Panorama Trail. It winds along the ridge from the Sonntagberg through St. Leonhard am Walde to the Hochkogelberg above Randegg, offering unique views from the Danube Valley all the way to the Limestone Alps.
A dip in the clear water...
Swimming fun, games, and sports for young and old—that’s the Waidhofner Parkbad.
But it doesn’t always have to be a swimming pool—on the contrary: anyone looking to cool off will find numerous natural river beaches along the Ybbs where they can swim and relax. The natural river swimming spots along the Ybbs, from the Schwarzbach area in Waidhofen all the way to the Seebachbad Lunz am See.
Out and about on a bike …
Along the route that follows the Ybbs River, the Ybbstal Bike Trail connects the gentle and rugged sides of the Mostviertel region. It offers magnificent nature and cycling experiences, plenty of places to stop for refreshments and swimming, and is ideal for families. Its 55-kilometer-long main section between Waidhofen and Lunz am See, in particular, is sure to set hearts racing.
For cyclists and e-bike riders, the The Mostviertel cycling network offers numerous hiking or mountain biking tours, including the challenging Bellevue Route. MTB enthusiasts can find a pure adrenaline rush around Waidhofen, such as on the trail at Rabenberg, the challenging Schnabelberg Trail or in Hollenstein an der Ybbs, 20 km away, at the Königsberg Bike Park.
A Paradise for Anglers
The crystal-clear waters of the Ybbs are home to brook trout, rainbow trout, and grayling—a paradise for anglers. For all the details and to purchase a day pass, click here.
The Ybbs River is a fly fisherman’s paradise—the fly fishing club is happy to provide information about this great sport, as well as courses and equipment.
Indoor Climbing Centre 6a
Just 15 minutes away, all climbing and bouldering enthusiasts will find everything a climber’s heart desires on 1,000 m² of climbing walls. From lead climbing to top-rope climbing to bouldering—it’s all available at the 6a indoor climbing gym.
Discover Waidhofen's History
At the 5e Museum, you’ll discover the town’s history in a somewhat different way. The five elements—fire, water, earth, wood, and metal—are the thematic areas that guide you through the museum, where you’ll learn many more interesting facts about Waidhofen.
The Schwellöd Hydroelectric Demonstration Plant, and Rothschild Castle also impresses with both its architecture and its 700-year-old history.
The stories told during an exciting night watchman tour that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the city and its history.
The Sonntagberg
The Baroque pilgrimage basilica on the 712-meter-high Sonntagberg is one of the most beautiful vantage points in the Mostviertel region, offering an incredible panoramic view. The basilica is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and is one of Lower Austria’s most important pilgrimage sites.
It serves as a starting point for exploring the famous Panorama Trail, which offers magnificent panoramic views of the Alpine foothills in many places.
FERRUM & the Ybbsitz Blacksmiths' Trail
Ybbsitz is the region’s center for blacksmithing. Iron is forged at the FeRRUM Experience Center on the market square in Ybbsitz, where visitors can experience iron firsthand through various themed exhibits. State-of-the-art technology, combined with an architectural masterpiece, takes visitors on an entertaining and educational journey through the past, present, and future.
If you’d like to learn more about the blacksmiths’ daily lives and leisure activities, we recommend the three-kilometer-long Ybbsitz Blacksmiths’ Trail with its eight milestones.
Seitenstetten Abbey
The Baroque Seitenstetten Abbey, with its historic courtyard garden, is also known as the “God’s Quadrangle” because of its magnificent grounds. And rightly so, as you’ll discover when you visit.
For more than 900 years, Benedictine monks have lived and worked at Seitenstetten Abbey, which impresses visitors with its Baroque art treasures, a unique gallery, and extensive gardens.
Winter Activities in the Ybbstal Valley
A Skier's Paradise
The Mostviertel region is home to 13 ski resorts. The four nearest ski resorts are less than an hour away from us. For families and beginners—but especially for ski tourers—the Forsteralm on the border between Lower Austria and Upper Austria—just 15 minutes away—offers ideal conditions. You’ll find pure skiing fun at Königsberg in Hollenstein, at the Hochkar in Göstling, and on the imposing Ötscher in Lackenhof.
Gliding along the cross-country trails …
Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon outing, a strenuous skating workout, a family trip, or a chance to experience nature: Cross-country skiing is suitable for all ages and experience levels. Enjoy Nordic skiing—whether classic or skating—in the beautiful high valley Prolling in Ybbsitz, as well as in Hochreith in Göstling and in Lackenhof am Ötscher.
Enjoying the mountains in winter …
Beyond the ski resorts mentioned above, ski touring routes attract ambitious mountaineers. The nearby Forsteralm Nature Reserve, just 15 minutes away, offers excellent ski touring opportunities. But even off the slopes, there are ski touring routes around Waidhofen and in the Mostviertel —slopes where you can leave your own tracks.
Ice Skating in Waidhofen …
In the indoor artificial ice rink , families, curling enthusiasts, ice dancers, and anyone looking to get active are welcome in any weather.
Fun in the water for the whole family …
Enjoy a relaxing time at the Ybbstaler Solebad. You can relax wonderfully in the pleasant 32–34°C water, both indoors and outdoors. This saltwater and sauna paradise features saltwater adventure pools, a lap pool, an exercise pool, a children’s pool, and a sauna area.
When the snowflakes dance...
Fresh mountain air and glistening snow invite you to take a winter hike or snowshoe hike through the idyllic landscape. In Göstling and Lackenhof, winter enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors and get a workout on a snowshoe hike. If you’re willing to drive an hour from here, you’ll find beautiful (guided) snowshoe tours set against a stunning backdrop in the Gesäuse in Styria.
Indoor Climbing Centre 6a
Just 15 minutes away, all climbing and bouldering enthusiasts will find everything a climber’s heart desires on 1,000 m² of climbing walls. From lead climbing to top-rope climbing to bouldering—it’s all available at the 6a indoor climbing gym .
There's plenty to marvel at in Waidhofen …
At the 5e Museum , you’ll discover the town’s history in a somewhat different way. The five elements—fire, water, earth, wood, and metal—are the thematic areas that guide you through the museum, where you’ll learn many more interesting facts about Waidhofen.
The Schwellöd Hydroelectric Demonstration Plant, and Rothschild Castle also impresses with both its architecture and its 700-year-old history.
The stories told during an exciting night watchman tour that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the city and its history.
The Sonntagberg
The Baroque pilgrimage basilica on the 712-meter-high Sonntagberg is one of the most beautiful vantage points in the Mostviertel region, offering an incredible panoramic view. The basilica is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and is one of Lower Austria’s most important pilgrimage sites.
It serves as a starting point for exploring the famous Panorama Trail, which offers magnificent panoramic views of the Alpine foothills in many places.
FERRUM & the Ybbsitz Blacksmiths'Trail
Ybbsitz is the region’s center for blacksmithing. Iron is forged at the FeRRUM Experience Center on the market square in Ybbsitz, where visitors can experience iron firsthand through various themed exhibits. State-of-the-art technology, combined with an architectural masterpiece, takes visitors on an entertaining and educational journey through the past, present, and future.
If you’d like to learn more about the blacksmiths’ daily lives and leisure activities, we recommend the three-kilometer-long Ybbsitz Blacksmiths’ Trail with its eight milestones.
Seitenstetten Abbey
The Baroque Seitenstetten Abbey , with its historic courtyard garden, is also known as the “God’s Quadrangle” because of its magnificent grounds. And rightly so, as you’ll discover when you visit.
For more than 900 years, Benedictine monks have lived and worked at Seitenstetten Abbey, which impresses visitors with its Baroque art treasures, a unique gallery, and extensive gardens.
Ready for your winter getaway?
Then send us your non-binding enquiry now. We’ll respond as soon as possible and provide you with a personalised offer.
Of course, you can also submit your enquiry or make a reservation directly by phone at +43 7442 / 540 18
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
LEARN MORE
Discover attractive packages for your holiday in the Mostviertel – from relaxing wellness breaks to active holidays, there’s something for everyone.
Our stylish and comfortable rooms and suites offer the perfect retreat for a relaxing stay in picturesque Waidhofen an der Ybbs.
Enjoy regional specialities prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in our restaurant in the heart of the Mostviertel.
Give the gift of unforgettable moments with our gift vouchers for overnight stays, wellness experiences or culinary delights.