The best walks and hikes around Stausee Dobra

Experience camping idyll directly on the banks of the Dobra reservoir. The Dobra reservoir is a real jewel in the Waldviertel and is primarily known for its combination of wild nature, clean water, and magnificent landscape. It is considered the „smaller brother“ of the Ottenstein reservoir and also strongly resembles Scandinavian fjords. The branched bays and the clean water make it one of the most scenic bodies of water in Austria. Here, where the air is clearer and the nights are darker, adventurers, families, and those seeking tranquility, as well as large groups, will find a retreat in nature. Whether with a tent, van, caravan, or motorhome, freedom under the starry sky and an impressive landscape that invites you to linger await you. Away from mass tourism, you will enjoy the Waldviertel in its purest form.

Mystical masonry, excursion destination, haven of peace, picture-book backdrop, wedding location, in short – Dobra Castle ruin is a place for lasting experiences. Just 30 minutes northwest of Krems in Waldviertel, Dobra Castle ruin lies in the middle of the water, on a peninsula in the Dobra reservoir. Almost 750 years old and 100 meters long, its walls tell many stories from distant days. Today, the keep of the former castle is an observation tower and offers an impressive view far over the Kampsee lake.

Mystical masonry, excursion destination, haven of peace, picture-book backdrop, wedding location, in short – the Dobra castle ruins are a place for lasting experiences. Just 30 minutes northwest of Krems in the Waldviertel, the Dobra castle ruins lie in the middle of the water, on a peninsula in the Stausee Dobra. Almost 750 years old and 100 meters long, its walls tell many stories from distant days. Today, the keep of the former castle is an observation tower and offers an impressive view far over the Kampsee.

Mystical walls, excursion destination, haven of peace, picture-book backdrop, wedding location, in short – the Dobra Castle ruins are a place for lasting experiences. Just 30 minutes northwest of Krems in the Waldviertel, the Dobra Castle ruins lie in the middle of the water, on a peninsula in the Dobra reservoir. Almost 750 years old and 100 meters long, its walls tell many stories from days gone by. Today, the keep of the former castle is an observation tower and offers an impressive view far over the Kampsee lake.

A great castle ruin. The keep can be climbed. A small donation is requested. From the tower, a flight on a steel cable to the opposite bank of the Kampsee is even offered. Events also take place here.

No Merlot here — the shelf stands empty, quiet, waiting for a bottle that never comes. Kein Merlot hier — das Regal bleibt leer, still, wartend auf eine Flasche, die nie kommt. Pas de Merlot ici — l'étagère reste vide, silencieuse, attendant une bouteille qui n'arrive jamais. No hay Merlot aquí — el estante queda vacío, silencioso, esperando una botella que nunca llega.

The Ottenstein reservoir, is the largest of the Kamp lakes and is among the richest waters in fish in Austria and at the same time among the best predatory fish waters in Europe. Its water surface is 4.3 km² and extends with its fjord-like, branched side arms, with a length of more than 14 km, up to Zwettl. The deepest point is 69 m.

Schloss Waldreichs was first documented in 1258. Around 1400, Kaspar and Bernhard von Waldreichs are mentioned as feudal lords. After its destruction by an executionary army of the estates in 1446–1448, it was rebuilt as a fortress around 1450 under Hans Harrasser. The present-day ruin in the east wing, the chapel, and the eastern tower date from this period. In 1460, it was enfeoffed to Vinzenz Stodoligk. From 1519–1536, it was united with the Lordship of Ottenstein. Between 1530–1534, it was converted into a moated castle under Eustach Stodoligk. From 1533, it was a free property. In 1536, the complex passed to the Barons of Altena, who expanded it with a zwinger and a manor farm. After its conquest and plundering by imperial troops, the complex was rebuilt again and subsequently changed owners frequently. When it passed to Heinrich von Pereira-Arnstein in 1815, it was united with the Lordship of Wetzlas.