Mostviertel region
Holidays in the Mostviertel
Gentle hills full of pear trees, the quiet Pielachtal, the gorges of the Ötschergräben and a little railway that runs right through it all – the Mostviertel is Lower Austria’s cosy mountain side.
Briefly explained
What can you do in the Mostviertel?
The Mostviertel lies between the Danube and the Ötscher: in the north the Moststraße with its avenues of pear trees and Heurigen, in the south the pre-Alps with the Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer. Right in the middle the Pielachtal – also called Dirndltal because of the red Dirndl fruits – through which the Mariazellerbahn runs from St. Pölten towards Mariazell.
You can hike through the Ötschergräben, ride the Himmelstreppe train, roll down into the valley on a mountain cart on the Gemeindealpe or swim in the Erlaufsee. Each destination below has a link to the official provider and a route planner – also practical if you are already there.
Nature & hiking
Outside there is enough for many days
Four routes we like to walk ourselves – with an honest note on who they suit.
Through the Ötschergräben
On paths and bridges through the deeply carved gorges at the foot of the Ötscher – past waterfalls, rock pools and the Ötscherhias. The best-known hiking classic in the region.
Naturpark Ötscher-Tormäuer
Lower Austria’s largest nature park: quiet paths, Alm meadows and the wild Tormäuer along the Erlauf. If you like it quieter than in the gorges, you will find your way here.
Hiking in the Pielachtal
The Dirndltal is made for leisurely hiking: hill paths from farm to farm, the yellow Dirndl blossom in spring, red fruits in autumn. Many trails start right at the Mariazellerbahn.
The Moststraße and pear tree blossom
200 kilometres of pear tree avenues, Heurige and viewpoint hills in the western Mostviertel. At blossom time at the end of April the whole landscape turns white – an excursion you will not forget.
Family & culture
Some destinations deserve a holiday day of their own
The detailed information stays with the official sources – we tell you honestly what is worthwhile for whom.
Riding the Mariazellerbahn
Austria’s longest narrow-gauge railway runs from St. Pölten through the Pielachtal and the nature park to Mariazell – 84 kilometres, most beautiful in the panorama carriage of the Himmelstreppe. An experience for children, relaxed travelling for parents.
Gemeindealpe: chairlift and mountain carts
By chairlift up to 1,626 metres, with a 360-degree view from the Terzerhaus at the top – and then rolling down the forest road on a mountain cart. The mountain for families with older children.
The Nixhöhle in Frankenfels
Stalactites and the white “Bergmilch” that gave the cave its name – at a constant six degrees, the guided tour is a good idea on hot as well as wet days. There are also special children’s tours.
Stift Melk on the Danube
One of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe, high above the Danube at the edge of the Mostviertel. Abbey church, library and garden – easy to combine with a side trip to the Wachau.
Summits
If today calls for a summit
Up the Ötscher (1,893 m)
The striking local mountain of the Mostviertel: via the Rauher Kamm for experienced hikers or more comfortably from Lackenhof – at the top you stand on the highest viewing balcony far and wide. Start early and take the weather forecast seriously.
Hochkar and the 360° Skytour
Lower Austria’s highest mountain village in the Ybbstal Alps: hiking trails and the 360° Skytour in summer, the most snow-sure ski area in the province in winter.
Bike
Off by bike – and back with a good feeling
Pielachtal cycle path
Along the river through the Dirndltal – leisurely from village to village, with places to stop in and swim. Practical: for the way back you simply take the Mariazellerbahn.
Radberg Hochkar
Altitude metres with panorama: the Radberg Hochkar bundles tours and trails in the Ybbstal Alps – for everyone who prefers pedalling up the mountain to riding up.
By e-bike through the pre-Alps
Hilly loops between the Moststraße and Ötscher views – with an e-bike, steep farm tracks become kilometres of pleasure. Many hosts know where to hire bikes.
Water
An afternoon by the water is almost always possible
Swimming in the Erlaufsee
Turquoise-green and clear, the Erlaufsee lies at the foot of the Gemeindealpe: sunbathing lawn, gravel beach and mountain views. The most beautiful way to end a gorge hike.
The Pielach and natural bathing spots
The Pielach forms rock pools and shallow gravel banks – perfect for hot afternoons with children. Your hosts on site will tell you where swimming is best.
Winter
When winter begins right outside the hut
Skiing: Gemeindealpe
The Gemeindealpe in Mitterbach is the mountain for ambitious skiers – steep slopes, open runs and no hustle and bustle.
Skiing: Hochkar
The highest ski area in Lower Austria – snow-sure, manageable and with its own children’s area. The classic for families from the region.
Cross-country skiing and winter hiking
Cross-country trails around Mitterbach and quiet winter paths through the Pielachtal – winter at your own pace, even entirely without skis.
Food & regional shopping
Shopping regionally in the Mostviertel
Most, Dirndl products, cheese, bread and fine brandies are available here directly from the farmers, at the Heuriger and in small farm shops. We show you what you can get where.
Dirndl & co from the Pielachtal
Jam, juice, schnapps and more from the red Dirndl fruit – the Pielachtal is its valley. Directly from the producers or in the village shops along the railway.
Mostheurige on the Moststraße
Pear cider, juice and a proper Heurigen Jause with views over the hills – the Mostheurigen in the western Mostviertel are an excursion destination in themselves.
Farm shops and direct marketers
Eggs, honey, cheese, bread and meat directly from the farm – on your ways through the Mostviertel there is almost always a farm shop. Ask your hosts for their favourite addresses.
Our tip: We sort by your accommodation.
From the Mühlenhütte by the private pond and the Abenteurer-Hütte on the Geißenberg you quickly reach the Dirndl producers and the Mariazellerbahn; towards the west, the Mostheurigen await. For every accommodation we show you the nearest shops.
Please always check current opening hours with the business
Stopping in: our inn tips
If nobody feels like cooking today – four addresses where we ourselves like to sit.
Gasthof KalteisAward-winning Lower Austrian inn cuisine in Kirchberg an der Pielach – regional, seasonal and with a toque.To the website ↗
SteinschalerhofWild herb cuisine from their own natural gardens in the Dirndltal – natural, regional and surprising.To the website ↗
ÖtscherhiasA rustic snack station in the middle of the Ötschergräben – the place to stop in on the region’s most beautiful hike.To the profile at the TVB ↗
All Pielachtal innkeepersFrom the village inn to the Mostheuriger – the overview of all innkeepers in the valley at the tourist association.To the overview ↗
Farming in the Mostviertel
Most, pear trees, farm shops: the Mostviertel has always lived from farms selling their own produce.
- Direct marketingWhy around 30,000 farms sell directly and what still counts as a primary product (Urprodukt).
- One farm, several sources of incomeWhy hardly any mountain farm lives from one thing alone.
In between
Today we simply stay at the hut.
That, too, is a good Mostviertel day: stove on, book open, Jause on the table – and outside, mist or sun drifts over the hills. If you are still looking for a place like this, here are our accommodations in the area.
Staying in the Mostviertel
Here you can stay in the Mostviertel
The region is the inspiration – the accommodation turns it into your holiday. We know every one of these houses personally.
Getting here
How to get to the Mostviertel
By trainWith the Westbahn to St. Pölten, then with the Mariazellerbahn into the Pielachtal – the stations lie right in the villages. Whether the last stretch to your specific hut makes sense without a car is stated honestly right at the accommodation.
On siteIn the valley, the Mariazellerbahn is your best friend – for cycling tours, hikes and excursions towards Mariazell. For the Moststraße and the Hochkar a car is practical.
By carVia the A1 Westautobahn, exits St. Pölten or Ybbs, then via the B39 into the Pielachtal or the B25 towards the Ötscher. From Vienna you are there in about an hour and a half.
All information at Mostviertel Tourismus ↗
For dreaming on
Two more regions for a next holiday
Together for the region
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