The best traffic-free bike rides around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
4.5
(268)
1,832
riders
127
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Zwettl-Niederösterreich traverse the heart of the Waldviertel region, characterized by tranquil river landscapes and diverse natural features. The area features the confluence of the Kamp and Zwettl rivers, with idyllic valleys like Zwettltal offering paths through pine forests and meadows. The landscape also includes the fjord-like Ottenstein Reservoir and distinctive terraces and strip fields typical of the Waldviertel. This varied terrain provides a range of dedicated routes suitable for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4.1
(19)
81
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(16)
57
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
54
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(2)
49
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(2)
24
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Traffic-free bike rides around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
Traffic-free bike rides around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
Other adventures around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
Tips from the Community
The local authorities succeeded in persuading the master artist Hundertwasser to design and construct a fountain in the main square. The presentation of the fountain model met with both widespread approval and vehement opposition from the residents of Zwettl. In 1994, the fountain, consisting of three main elements—the two fountain columns with basins and the pavilion—was unveiled to the public. Since then, it has been a popular meeting place in the heart of the town. Friedensreich Hundertwasser died in February 2000 at the age of 71.
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Until the end of the 19th century, a monumental fountain stood in the middle of the main square, the terminus of Zwettl's oldest water supply system, dating back to the early 17th century; a place where the population gathered, not just to fetch water. A war memorial was erected here in 1925, and from the mid-20th century onward, the square in the heart of the town was primarily used as a park. In the early 1990s, the municipality of Zwettl decided to redesign the main square. The aim was to give the town an attractive central point once again and thus preserve the tradition of the old Zwettl main square for the present and future. Friedensreich Hundertwasser, born Friedrich Stowasser in 1928, had owned an old mill on the banks of the Kamp River above Zwettl since the 1970s.
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Originally, after the town's founding, Trinity Square was part of Zwettl's main square, which at that time stretched as an extensive triangular plaza from the townhouses behind the Hundertwasser Fountain to the level of the Hausleitner house above the "Zur Goldenen Rose" inn. The construction of houses along the lower Landstraße, the so-called "Grätzl," significantly narrowed the main square, and the addition of the cross street eventually divided it into two squares.
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During the Baroque period, people everywhere were eager to express their gratitude for overcoming the plague years and the Turkish Wars by erecting plague or Trinity columns. In 1727, the pillory in the upper square was replaced by the richly sculpted sandstone column created by Kaspar Högl of Eggenburg. During the last renovation in 1998, extensive environmental damage to the figures was repaired, and the entire column was painted a light yellow. The four life-size statues are, in the center at the front, the Immaculate Conception; to her left, St. Sebastian (pierced by five arrows); to her right, St. Roch (pointing to the plague boil on his thigh); and St. Florian (holding a flag in one hand and a bucket of water in the other). The iron fountain in the immediate vicinity of the Trinity Column is a gift from the then-mayor, Eugen Beck, of the twin town of Plochingen near Stuttgart.
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Most beautiful place in Zwettl.
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First glimpse of the Ortenstein Dam. Until you see it the second time, you won't believe it's the same reservoir.
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One of the top excursion destinations in Lower Austria, according to Lower Austria Ticket.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
Zwettl-Niederösterreich offers a wide selection of no-traffic touring cycling routes, with over 120 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring a suitable ride for everyone.
Are there easy, no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy, no-traffic touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. You'll find 9 easy routes that often follow tranquil river valleys like the Zwettltal, offering gentle gradients and picturesque scenery away from traffic. These paths are ideal for a relaxed day out.
What about more challenging no-traffic touring cycling routes in the area?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Zwettl-Niederösterreich provides 61 difficult no-traffic routes. These often feature more significant elevation changes and cover longer distances, such as the Plague Column at the main square in Zwettl – Center of Zwettl loop from Katastralgemeinde Gschwendt, which spans over 39 km with nearly 500 meters of ascent.
Can I find circular no-traffic touring cycling routes around Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Zwettl-Niederösterreich are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Center of Zwettl – Plague Column at the main square in Zwettl loop from Friedersbach, offering a moderate 28 km ride.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along these no-traffic routes?
The no-traffic routes often lead through the serene natural environment of the Waldviertel. You can explore the idyllic Zwettltal with its old trees and rock formations, or cycle near the fjord-like Ottenstein reservoir. The region is also home to the scenic Ottenstein Dam.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks along the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, the region is rich in history. Many routes pass by or near significant landmarks. You might encounter the impressive Burg Rappottenstein, one of the oldest castles in the Waldviertel, or the historic Zwettl Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1138. The town center of Zwettl itself features medieval and baroque architecture, including the Plague Column.
What is the best season for no-traffic touring cycling in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
The best season for no-traffic touring cycling in Zwettl-Niederösterreich is typically from spring to autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the natural landscapes of the Waldviertel are at their most vibrant. The tranquil river valleys and wooded paths are particularly enjoyable in these seasons.
Where can I park my car when starting a no-traffic touring cycling route in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
When starting a no-traffic touring cycling route in Zwettl-Niederösterreich, you can typically find parking in and around the town center of Zwettl. Many routes, such as the Plague Column at the main square in Zwettl – Center of Zwettl loop from Jahrings, are designed to begin from central locations, making parking accessible.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's tranquil river landscapes, the blend of historic charm with natural beauty, and the well-preserved medieval town centers. The variety of routes, from easy to difficult, also receives positive feedback.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots on the no-traffic cycling paths?
Yes, the diverse landscape of Zwettl-Niederösterreich offers numerous scenic spots. Along the Ottenstein reservoir, you can find the Predigtstuhl Peninsula, which provides excellent views. The routes through the Zwettltal also offer picturesque vistas of the river and surrounding forests, often described as paradise-like.
Are there any routes that pass by waterfalls?
While not directly on every route, the region is home to the Lohnbach Waterfall, a scenic highlight where the Lohnbach descends in several stages. Some routes in the broader Waldviertel area might offer access or views of this natural feature, providing a refreshing stop during your ride.
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