In Rastenfeld, nature experiences at the Ottenstein Reservoir meet a rich architectural history and distinctive garden art. There are different ways to plan your visit: explore the wooded shores on foot, choose a cycling route that starts and ends in town, or discover Romanesque buildings and works of art.
Hiking, Cycling and Water
The wooded shores of the Ottenstein Reservoir are ideal for hiking and walking. One option is the shorter version of the “Nature, Energy, Strength” hiking trail No. 80: it starts at the information centre by the Ottenstein Reservoir car park and follows the lake for about 4 kilometres to the market square in Rastenfeld. Along the way, the trail leads to natural swimming spots. Swimming conditions may vary by season.
If you prefer to explore by bike, the Kampseen “Volt” cycling route starts and ends in Rastenfeld. Knowing the start and finish location gives you a clear reference point for planning; no other route details are assumed here. A lakeside hike and a cycling route that returns to Rastenfeld offer different ways to explore the area.
Water activities are also seasonal: from early May to the end of September, pedal boats, rowboats and electric boats can be hired at the Ottenstein Reservoir; the season dates may change. During the Lower Austrian summer holidays, free tours for individuals are held every Thursday at the Ottenstein pumped-storage power plant. No advance booking is required. Check the dates before travelling if you would like to plan a tour.
Architectural History and Art
The parish church of the Assumption of Mary preserves parts of an earlier Romanesque building. These remains show that a church already stood in Rastenfeld in the 12th century. The church also contains two Rococo altarpieces dating from 1757: “The Assumption of Mary” and “The Apostles at the Empty Tomb” are by the Viennese painter Maulpertsch.
Despite undergoing several alterations, Rastenberg Castle has retained much of its medieval character and is one of Lower Austria’s most significant Romanesque monuments. It is privately owned; tours and visits are not possible. Ottenstein Castle is a separate site: its Romanesque castle chapel features frescoes that are now considered among the most significant in Austria. The castle also has a Popes’ Room containing 241 portraits, from Saint Peter to Innocent XI.
The name of the “Sheep Pasture Dispute, No. 81” trail also points to the area’s history: it refers to peasant uprisings in the early 19th century. These disturbances repeatedly involved unrest over disputes about sheep pastures.
Gardens, Sculpture and Regional Products
The 4/4 landscape garden and the Ökokreis arboretum are free to visit and open at all times. Each year, the Ökokreis display gardens feature 18 new nature-inspired gardens, each covering 20 m². Alongside the lakeside paths, these landscaped garden spaces offer another focus for your visit.
A striking work of art is the 4-Viertel-Baum: the 5.60-metre-high oak sculpture is made up of upright, intertwined strands of wood. They symbolise the four regions of Lower Austria. The Ă–kokreis farm shop offers products made from heritage varieties of vegetables, fruit and herbs; the selection may vary.
Getting There
Rastenfeld is directly accessible via federal highway 37. When deciding what to visit, you can first consider whether the reservoir and its hiking and water activities, the cultural monuments or the gardens are your main priority.
Discover more destinations: Senftenberg, MĂĽhldorf, Mautern An Der Donau, Krems An Der Donau, Neuweidling, WeiĂźenkirchen In Der Wachau, Bergern Im Dunkelsteinerwald, Aggsbach Markt.
Back to the regional travel overview: Krems-Land.
