Last updated on October 14th, 2020 at 07:54 pm
The peaceful landscape around three quiet reservoirs in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria is impressive. The artificial lakes are situated between Zwettl monastery and the town of Thurnberg in the deep valley of the Kamptal.
The steep forested shorelines above the lakes are reminiscent of Scandinavia and locals sometimes refer to the area as the ‘fjord region of the Waldviertel’.
Forests and the impressive rock formations typical of the Waldviertel characterise the landscape along the 153 kilometre long Kamp river. The river crosses the region in the north of Lower Austria from west to east before it branches off in a sweeping curve to the south and, lined with vineyards, flows into the Danube.
© Waldviertel Tourismus | Christoph Kerschbaum
Water from the Kamp has been used for energy since the 1950s. Three reservoirs were created along the river to help with power generation.
Today, the threesome of the Ottenstein, Dobra and Thurnberg reservoirs form a popular destination for those seeking to cool down in the summer heat.
Hiking and cycling paths lead through the forested riverside landscape. Beautiful bathing places can be found in quiet bays and on meadows suitable for sunbathing.
Those who are feeling energetic can hike sections of the Kamptal Seenweg – a marked walking trail covering just under 100km which follows the banks of the Kamps river from close to the border with the Czech Republic to the historic town of Rosenburg.
Visitors can rent electric boats, pedalos, rowing boats and canoes at the lakes. The Ottenstein sailing school offers courses and rental boats or windsurfing boards. Round trips with the “MS Ottenstein” are also possible on the Ottenstein reservoir, the largest of the three lakes.
More information: www.waldviertel.at
