Nature, Energy, Power - hiking trail no. 80a

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 13,20 km
Duration: 4:00 h
Ascent: 158 m elevation gain
Descent: 158 m elevation gain

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

Starting point of the tour: Ottenstein reservoir, parking lot

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 13,20 km
Duration: 4:00 h
Ascent: 158 m elevation gain
Descent: 158 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
With refreshment stops

Downloads

nature-energy-power-hiking-trail-no-80a
(GPX)

Description

The Ottenstein reservoir, the third and largest in the region after Dobra and Thurnberg, is 14 km long and almost reaches the Cistercian Abbey Zwettl. It impresses with its fjord-like, wooded shores and bays; it is no coincidence that this part is called the Scandinavia of the Waldviertel. The entire area around the reservoirs has been declared a protected landscape area. Along the Nature Energy Power circular hiking trail, one enjoys the peace and beauty of the untouched Waldviertel landscape over a total length 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 cozy picnic in the open nature. On hot summer days, anyone who wants can immediately jump into the cool water — a refreshing cooling down after any hike. Directly at the lake there is a diverse leisure offer: boat rental, boat restaurant, campsite, surfing and sailing school... Whether you hike or swim in the lake right away, the Ottenstein reservoir is definitely worth a trip/detour!

Equipment Sturdy footwear, functional clothing, sun and rain protection, maps, if necessary 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, trail no. 80 leads about 4 kilometers along the reservoir towards Rastenfeld, passing the viewpoint "Lichtenfelsblick" to the Prader hunting lodge. Here, trail 80a continues along the reservoir and the Purzelkamp. At the Schöpfermühle, the path turns towards Rastenfeld and merges back into trail 80. Upon reaching the marketplace in Rastenfeld, you 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 climb back up to the Ottenstein reservoir parking lot. Tip: To the right of the parking lot, a path (follow the 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) +43 2826 289
(E) gemeinde@rastenfeld.at
(I) www.rastenfeld.at
(I) www.kampseen.at

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