About 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive northwest of Vienna, a landscape awaits you that formed over 10,000 years ago after the last Ice Age. Instead of paved paths, you’ll walk here on springy wooden boardwalks, while carnivorous plants grow in the dense moss beside you. If the Viennese asphalt gets too hot for you in the summer, the cool climate of the northern Waldviertel is an excellent option for a day trip.
The History of the Moor
Welcome to the Heidenreichstein Moor Nature Park. The nearly 30-hectare area is a peaceful retreat and a concrete example of nature conservation. In the past, peat was extensively mined here to provide the region with much-needed fuel.
Today, extensive restoration projects ensure that old drainage ditches are being filled in. As a result, the heavily impacted area is slowly returning to its original moisture levels, securing the habitat of rare species.
The Best Hiking Trails
If you’d like to explore the area, the best place to start is at the Haslau Nature Park Center. Here you’ll find an informative exhibition on the formation of the moor as well as the perfect starting point for the network of hiking trails.
You can choose between the 3-kilometer Moor Trail and the Pond Trail (3–4 km). A central highlight along the route is the so-called Prügelsteg, as well as a wooden suspension bridge that takes you directly across the wet areas without getting your feet wet.
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The unique flora and fauna
On your walk, be sure to look closely, as the flora and fauna are strictly protected. With a little luck, you might spot the rare moor frog, dragonflies, or the round-leaved sundew—a native, carnivorous plant. Good news for dog owners: Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a short leash to protect wildlife.
If you want to learn more about the unique vegetation and the thick peat layer, your best bet is to join one of the guided moor tours. These take place regularly from May through September. After the tour, you can refuel at the nature park’s regional partner establishments with tasty Waldviertel specialties like carp, potatoes, and poppy seed strudel.
🌲 Location: Heidenreichstein Moor Nature Park
📍 Address: Waidhofener Straße 80, 3860 Heidenreichstein
💶 Admission: Area freely accessible (guided tours require a fee, approx. 5–7 euros)
⏰ Opening hours: Open year-round (Nature Park Center & guided tours May–September)
