Nature, Energy, Power - Hiking route no. 80 short variant

©Waldviertel Tourismus, sommertage.com

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 11,50 km
Duration: 3:00 h
Ascent: 146 m elevation gain
Descent: 146 m elevation gain

Hiking route no. 80 has the meaningful title "Nature, Energy, Power." No wonder, since it begins at the Ottenstein reservoir, where a lot of energy is produced, and leads through a wonderful landscape. For some time now, the reservoir can be crossed on foot. Above the mighty dam, a breathtaking wood-steel bridge has been built. The curved footbridge is not only an optical enhancement but also serves an important function: it connects the lake restaurant and boat rental on the south shore with the north shore's Ottenstein Castle and the sailing and surfing school almost directly. At the same time, the path provides access to the natural bathing spots at the lake.

Starting point of the tour: Ottenstein reservoir, parking lot

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 11,50 km
Duration: 3:00 h
Ascent: 146 m elevation gain
Descent: 146 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
2/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point485 m
Highest point588 m

Round tour
Nice views
Suitable for families and children

Downloads

nature-energy-power-hiking-route-no-80-short-variant
(GPX)

Description

The Ottenstein reservoir, the third and largest in the region alongside Dobra and Thurnberg, is 14 km long and almost reaches the Cistercian abbey Zwettl. It impresses with its fjord-like, forested shores and bays; it is no coincidence that this part is called the Scandinavia of the Waldviertel. The entire region around the reservoirs has been declared a landscape protection area. Along the Nature Energy Power circular hiking route, you can enjoy peace and beauty of the untouched Waldviertel landscape for a total of 11.5 km. Especially charming and relaxing is the section along the shore with a view of the Lichtenfels ruin. Rest areas invite you to a leisurely picnic in the open air. If you want, you can take an immediate plunge into the cool water on hot summer days – a refreshing cool-down after any hike. There is a diverse range of leisure activities directly at the lake: boat rental, boat restaurant, campsite, surfing and sailing school, etc. Whether you hike or swim immediately in the lake, the Ottenstein reservoir is definitely worth a trip or detour!

Equipment Sturdy footwear, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, map material, if needed telescopic poles, first aid kit (blister plasters), sufficient provisions (snack, muesli bars, fruit, water).
Route description From the info center at the Ottenstein reservoir parking lot, the path goes towards Rastenfeld about 4 kilometers along the reservoir, past the viewpoint "Lichtenfelsblick" to the Prader hunting lodge. Upon arriving at the marketplace in Rastenfeld, turn left into a small alley in front of the Böck butcher shop, which leads to the bridge over the federal highway. Passing meadows, fields and forest edges, you continue through the grounds of the Hotel-Restaurant Ottenstein in Peygarten, then cross the federal highway again and go back up to the Ottenstein reservoir parking lot. Tip: To the right of the parking lot, a path (watch signs) leads to the dam with a view of the Ottenstein power plant.
Getting there A22 and S5 or S33 to Krems - B37 towards Zwettl - turn right onto B 38 in Rastenfeld
Editor’s tip Sights:Ottenstein CastlePope's RoomRomanesque castle chapelRomanesque church in Rastenfeld with stonemasons4-Quarter-tree oak sculptureRastenberg Castle (private property)

Recommended period

Current weather on site

6° to 8°

Today, 11.02.2026

Light rain shower

Wind speed4,8 km/h

2° to 8°

Tomorrow, 12.02.2026

Light rain

Wind speed1,9 km/h

Rastenfeld Municipal Office
3532 Rastenfeld 30
(T) 02826/289
(E) gemeinde@rastenfeld.at
(I) www.rastenfeld.at or www.kampseen.at

Waldviertel Tourism
3910 Zwettl, Sparkassenplatz 1/2/2
(T) +43 2822 54109
(E) info@waldviertel.at
(I) www.waldviertel.at