Nature Reserve
Ötscher – Tormäuer

The Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park maintains around 300 kilometres of footpaths and various hiking facilities. Every year, weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow cause damage to the footpath network amounting to tens of thousands of euros. To ensure that the footpath network is preserved for future generations, we ask our visitors to contribute to the restoration of the paths through the nature park entrance fee. Tickets can be purchased at the Ötscher Base in Wienerbruck or at the donation boxes directly at the nature park entrances.

Children will find a real adventure playground in the nature reserve and can simply be children in the great outdoors! A little stream and some stones, or a woodland full of trees and bushes – that’s all it takes for an exciting day out. But as well as the varied natural surroundings, there’s plenty more to discover!

It is important to have the right equipment for every hike. Many of the hikes take you through alpine terrain. Sturdy footwear, weatherproof clothing, and plenty of water and provisions should be an essential part of every outing. If you happen to have forgotten anything, there is a small shop at the Ötscher base in Wienerbruck where you can buy essential equipment, good coffee and something to eat.

The nature park features a number of artificial lakes, as well as some beautiful natural ones. The reservoir in Wienerbruck, with its sunbathing lawn, is the perfect spot for sunbathing. Those wishing to pitch a tent can do so in the garden of the Ötscher-Basis or at the Vorderötscher mountain hut. Camping in the wild is prohibited outside these designated areas.

The landscape has been shaped by human activity and intervention. This naturally has a significant impact on the flora and fauna within the nature reserve. With its varying altitudes and diverse habitats, the Ötscher region is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.