Discover Rastenfeld: Reservoir, Culture and Gardens

Rastenfeld combines nature-based activities at the Ottenstein Reservoir with historic buildings and garden attractions. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: hiking and walking, cycling, gardens or cultural history. This helps you assess the destination based on your specific interests before searching for a hotel.

Hiking, Cycling and Water

The wooded shores of the Ottenstein Reservoir are ideal for hiking and walking. The short version of the “Nature, Energy, Power” hiking trail No. 80 runs for about four kilometres alongside the reservoir, from the information centre by the Ottenstein Reservoir car park to the market square in Rastenfeld. It provides access to natural swimming spots; swimming conditions may vary seasonally.

Pedal boats, rowing boats and electric boats can be rented at the Ottenstein Reservoir from early May to the end of September. As the season dates may change, check them before your trip. The Kampseen “Volt” cycling loop starts and ends in Rastenfeld. This gives you a choice of different ways to get active: a short hiking trail with an approximate distance, a cycling loop that starts and finishes in town, and seasonal boat hire.

Church, Castle and History

The Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary preserves parts of an earlier Romanesque building. They show that a church already existed in Rastenfeld in the 12th century. The church also houses two Rococo altarpieces by the Viennese painter Maulpertsch: “The Assumption of Mary” and “The Apostles at the Empty Tomb”, both created in 1757.

Despite undergoing several alterations, Rastenberg Castle has retained much of its medieval character and is one of Lower Austria’s most significant Romanesque architectural monuments. It is privately owned; guided tours and visits are not possible. Ottenstein Castle has a Romanesque castle chapel with frescoes that are now considered among the most significant in Austria. The Popes’ Room contains 241 portraits of popes, from Peter to Innocent XI.

The name of the “Sheep Pasture Dispute” trail, No. 81, also has a historical connection: it refers to peasant uprisings at the beginning of the 19th century, when unrest repeatedly broke out, partly over the sheep pasture dispute.

Gardens and Local Sights

The Ökokreis 4/4 Landscape Garden and arboretum are free to visit and open at all times. Every year, the Ökokreis display gardens feature 18 new, naturally designed gardens, each covering 20 m². The focus is therefore not only on individual plants, but also on the design of the garden plots.

A striking work of art is the 4-Viertel-Baum: this 5.60-metre-high oak sculpture is made up of upright, intertwined wooden strands. They symbolise the four regions of Lower Austria. The Ökokreis farm shop offers vegetable, fruit and herb products made from heritage varieties; the range may vary.

Every Thursday during the Lower Austrian summer holidays, free tours for individuals are held at the Ottenstein pumped-storage power station. No advance booking is required. If you plan to visit, check the current dates before your trip.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

Rastenfeld can be reached directly via federal highway 37. When searching for a hotel, you can use the focus of your stay as a guide: local attractions range from lakeside paths and cycling to gardens, sacred art and architectural history. This helps you choose Rastenfeld to suit the activities and interests you want your trip to centre on.

Discover more destinations: Schwallenbach, Willendorf In Der Wachau, Gedersdorf, Schönberg Am Kamp, Oberarnsdorf, Straß Im Straßertale, Langenlois, Droß.

Go to the overview of the wider region: Krems-Land.