Standing 20 meters high on a massive wooden structure and letting your gaze wander over the treetops and a glistening peat bog, you quickly realize how rugged and fascinating nature is in northern Lower Austria. The 108-hectare Hochmoor Nature Park in Schrems protects a total of 300 hectares of peat bog, which is one of the region’s most important wetlands.
The undisputed highlight for animal lovers is the large, naturally designed outdoor enclosure. This is where the otter pair Otto and Lotti live. Both are former wildlife orphans who would not have survived without human help, as young otters must learn everything about hunting and swimming from their mother for about 13 months. During the daily feeding demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., you can see these nimble hunters in action.
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Rare reptiles and live microscope shows
Since summer 2025, there has been a new attraction in the indoor area: a specialized facility houses European pond turtles, the only turtle species native to Austria that is listed as critically endangered on the Red List. Those who want to delve even deeper into the animal world can visit the live microscope shows at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During these shows, tiny plankton organisms are captured from the pond and projected live onto a screen for the audience.
At the interactive station, you can also get hands-on and examine the fine structures of a carp scale, for example. This fits perfectly with the region: The Waldviertel is home to 1,800 of Lower Austria’s total 1,900 man-made ponds, which is why a separate section of the exhibition is dedicated to the region’s traditional carp farming.
Barefoot through the bog and botanical highlights
Outside, a wooden path—known as the Prügelsteg—runs directly across the sensitive bog area. Here, highly specialized plants grow, such as the carnivorous sundew, bushy cottongrass, marsh marigold, and thick peat mosses. Those who want to experience nature firsthand should follow the path to the bog wading pool. Wading in the deep bog water stimulates blood circulation and is a must-do—but be sure to pack an old towel and bathing slippers for this.
Throughout the year, the Nature Park Association also organizes specific events. In spring and summer, guided themed hikes focusing on the plant world are on the program, while autumn is all about traditional pond fishing. Right next door, you can even bathe for free in real moor water at the adjacent Moorbad Schrems, where showers and changing rooms are available.
📍 Location: UnterWasserReich Nature Park Center & Schrems Raised Bog
🗺️ Address: Moorbadstraße 4, 3943 Schrems
💶 Admission: Adults: €13.00 | Children (ages 6–15): €8.00 | Family ticket: €33.00 (Nature Park & Himmelsleiter freely accessible)
⏰ Opening hours: 2026 season: March 28 to November 1, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Nature park accessible year-round)
