9 things you should know about the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park

view to the Ötscher from the lake Erlaufstausee, © weinfranz.at

What is a nature park?

A nature park is a cultural landscape shaped by human activity. Careful and sustainable forms of land use and landscaping shape the appearance of that landscape and offer special incentives for recreational activities in nature.

Hiking in the Nature Park, © weinfranz.at

Where is the nature park and how do I get there?

With its roughly 170 km², Lower Austria's biggest nature park located in the alpine Mostviertel region extends over the municipalities of Gaming, St. Anton an der Jeßnitz, Puchenstuben, Annaberg and Mitterbach. We recommend you travel by public transport, which – coming from St. Pölten – is particularly comfortable with the Mariazell Railway. In addition, there are several regional and national bus lines running directly to the nature park.

Hiking through gorge, © Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer

What are the most beautiful hikes?

Thanks to the vastness of the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park, the region offers a great variety of hikes. It is a well-known fact that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we still want to present a selection of hikes that we consider particularly beautiful.

Why is there an entrance fee here?

The Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park is maintaining around 300 kilometres of hiking trails and various hiking infrastructure. Weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow cause damages to the trail system amounting to tens of thousands of euros every year. In order to preserve the trail system for future generations, we ask our visitors to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of the trails by means of the nature park admission fee. Tickets can be purchased at the Ötscher Base in Wienerbruck, directly on the trains of the Mariazell Railway or at individual sales points such as the tavern at the Erlauf River reservoir or the “Zum Sessellift” inn.

Ötscher-Basis Wienerbruck, © weinfranz.at

What do I do with my rubbish?

Littering in the landscape is a crucial issue. Left behind litter not only affects ecosystems, animals and plants but also has a negative impact on the human perception of the landscape. But what to do with your waste?

the lady's slipper orchid, © Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer

What animals and plants are here?

In addition to the close-to-nature ecosystem, the landscape around Mt. Ötscher has been shaped by centuries of human use. This also has a great influence on the local fauna and flora. The variety of available habitats also results in a high biodiversity of species.

bathing place, © Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer

Can I bathe or camp here?

In the nature park, one can find several artificial as well as beautiful near-natural bodies of water. The reservoir in Wienerbruck with its inviting lawn is perfect for sunbathing. If you would like to pitch up a tent, you can do so in the garden of the Ötscher Base or at the Schutzhaus Vorderötscher refuge. Outside of these designated areas, camping in nature is prohibited.

May I barbecue here?

If you get hungry after hiking, you can prepare your own food on one of the impressive Ötscher:Barbecue sets. Additionally, there are several fire pits for a cosy campfire.

9 things you should know about the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park

Interesting facts about the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park.