Attractions and Places To See around Geras - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Geras, a municipality in Lower Austria, offer a blend of historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural experiences. Situated in the Waldviertel region, Geras provides opportunities to explore ancient monastic sites, observe diverse wildlife, and engage with local arts. The area features a mix of historical fortifications, religious buildings, and nature parks.
Best attractions and places to see around Geras
- The most popular attractions is Ruins of Kollmitz Castle, a castle that stands on a rock high above the Thaya river. This medieval complex was once among the most important in Lower Austria, with meter-high walls, two round towers, and ramparts still visible.
- Another must-see spot is Geras Abbey, a religious building and significant historical site. This Premonstratensian monastery, founded around 1150, features a marble hall with a ceiling fresco by Paul Troger and hosts exhibitions and events.
- Visitors also love Bohemian Wall (Böhmische Mauer) at Kollmitz Castle, a man-made monument and historical site. This 300-meter-long wall, dating from the 15th century, served as a forward defense for Kollmitz Castle, preventing access from the north.
- Geras is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and natural areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to serene monastic grounds and natural parks.
- The attractions around Geras are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 180 upvotes and 484 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ruins of Kollmitz Castle
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Kollmitz Castle was first mentioned in a document in the 12th century, then it was owned by various noble families, the Geras Abbey, and was left to decay around 1800 when the roofs, attics and false ceilings were removed. Many buildings in the area were built partly from stones and shingles from the castle.
Guided tours are carried out by appointment and there is also a snack station. You can find all information at kollmitz.at.
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Bohemian Wall (Böhmische Mauer) at Kollmitz Castle
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Geras Abbey
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Raabser Gate
Highlight • Historical Site
The 1.7 km long town wall encompasses the entire old town of Drosendorf, which is located on a mountain range in a loop of the Thaya. There were two town gates in the wall, the Horner Gate and the Raabser Gate, of which the Raabser Gate is still preserved. The wall also includes the former castle, Drosendorf Castle. A themed hiking trail now leads around the town on the terrace of the walls.
The first town wall was built in the middle of the 13th century. With a wall thickness of 1.5 meters, it was about 8 meters high at the two gates. Between 1260 and 1300, two towers were built at the Horner Gate, which were also habitable. A tower was also built soon afterwards to the west of the Raabser Gate, but it no longer exists today because it was demolished in the 19th century. Only then was the wall reinforced and given the form it still has today. The wall was about 10 meters high and 1.9 meters thick. Construction work lasted until the first decades of the 15th century. The reasons for the reinforcements were, for example, the battles for the city that took place in 1405, but also the subsequent Hussite Wars. The round tower was given 3 meter thick walls so that it could also fend off cannons. A late Gothic moat fortification was built in front of the city wall almost around the entire city, which has numerous loopholes.
As the cannons also became more powerful in the 16th and 17th centuries, the moats had to be further reinforced. However, these outworks built at the southeast corner of the city wall are largely no longer there today. A shooting range was set up to the west of the castle in 1667.
The terraces with the moats were converted into gardens over time.
With this listed wall (list entry), Drosendorf is one of the nine towns in Lower Austria where large parts have also been preserved: Eggenburg, Hainburg an der Donau, Horn, Laa an der Thaya, Retz, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Weitra and Zwettl.
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadtbefestigung_Drosendorf
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Maria-Bründl Spring and the Lourdes Grotto
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A lovingly maintained castle ruin in the middle of the Waldviertel Kamp landscape
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According to legend, the lord of the castle asked the devil for his help to build the Bohemian Wall within seven days. When the devil wanted to drag the client to hell after the construction had been completed on time as agreed, the client refused and clung to the gate so tightly that his fingers left marks in the stone. Until a few years ago, there were actually five depressions that, given their size and position relative to each other, could have been made by fingers. However, these "fingerprints" were destroyed by vehicles that hit the gate and damaged it. Source: Wikipedia
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Great place in the forest
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Hundreds of people came to the Pulkauer Bründl on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 for the traditional Pulkauer Bründlfest - the patron saint's day "Visitation of Mary" and the 300th anniversary of the pilgrimage chapel.
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The Bohemian Wall is a fortification north of the Kollmitz castle ruins. In order to compensate for this location disadvantage after the introduction of heavy firearms, a wall was built around 1450 at a distance of 300 to 400 meters, which cut off the meander of the Thaya on which the castle was built. The Bohemian Wall is over 100 meters long and about 5 meters high. On the side facing the castle there was a battlement, the defenders found protection behind rectangular battlements.
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Museum of the Kollmitz RuinsThe two former castle rooms in the outer bailey to the right of the entrance have been adapted as a museum and snack bar. Exhibits on the history of the castle and various finds are on display here. A documentation on the life and work of the topographer Georg Matthäus Vischer (1628 - 1696) can also be viewed.VisitYou can get the key for the towers and for the museum visit at the snack bar of the Kollmitz Ruins: open daily from May to October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in good weather, July & August until 6 p.m.Admission: adults € 2.00, children € 1.00.Free admission for NÖ-CARD holders! For group registrations please call +43 664 4615881 (Mrs. Martina Rieder).
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This old city gate is a beautiful sight, especially for the bikers that had to get there from the Thaya bridge. It's a rather steep way up. 😅
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Old city gates are always a nice sight. Especially if you have to pedal uphills to reach them, like here. 😅
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Geras?
Geras is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Ruins of Kollmitz Castle, perched high above the Thaya river, which was once a significant medieval complex. Another must-see is Geras Abbey, a Premonstratensian monastery founded around 1150, known for its spiritual and cultural importance. Don't miss the Drosendorf Town Fortification, particularly the well-preserved Raabser Gate, which is part of a 1.7 km long town wall encircling the old town of Drosendorf-Zissersdorf.
Are there any natural parks or outdoor areas for wildlife observation?
Yes, the Geras region offers excellent opportunities for nature lovers. The Geras Nature Park, spanning 132 hectares right next to Geras Abbey, is an ideal destination. Here you can observe diverse flora and fauna, including fallow deer, red deer, aurochs, lynxes, and storks. The park also features themed trails and a lookout point. It is typically open from Palm Sunday to October 31st.
What activities are available for families with children?
Families will enjoy the Geras Nature Park, which includes a petting zoo, themed trails, and a bat nature trail. During the summer, Edlersee Lake provides a recreational spot with a sunbathing lawn, sandy gravel shore, and a playground. Additionally, the Geras Abbey and Maria-Bründl Spring and the Lourdes Grotto are tagged as family-friendly attractions.
Can I go hiking or running near Geras's attractions?
Absolutely! The Geras area offers numerous trails for hiking and running. You can find easy hikes like the 'Geras Nature Park – Naturpark CEFAS Entrance loop' or the 'Adrian Zach Memorial Stone – Fenz Cross loop'. For running, options include the 'Langer Teich loop' or the 'Fugnitzberg loop'. You can explore more routes in the Easy hikes around Geras and Running Trails around Geras guides.
Are there any unique cultural experiences in the Geras region?
Beyond its historical sites, Geras is home to akademie.GERAS, an internationally renowned art and course center. It offers numerous art courses annually, covering painting, music, sculpture, and photography, fostering dialogue between artists and participants. Geras Abbey also hosts regular events and seminars, often including classical music recitals in its basilica.
Where can I find well-preserved medieval fortifications?
The Ruins of Kollmitz Castle are an excellent example, featuring meter-high walls, two round towers, and ramparts. Additionally, the Bohemian Wall (Böhmische Mauer) at Kollmitz Castle, a 300-meter-long defensive wall from the 15th century, served as a forward defense for the castle. The Drosendorf Town Fortification, with its 1.7 km long preserved town wall and the Raabser Gate, also offers a glimpse into medieval defense structures.
Is there a place for swimming or water activities in Geras?
Yes, during the summer months, Edlersee Lake is a popular spot for swimming and relaxation. It features a sunbathing lawn and a sandy gravel shore, making it a pleasant destination for water activities.
What is the best time of year to visit Geras for outdoor activities?
The Geras Nature Park is typically open from Palm Sunday to October 31st, making spring, summer, and early autumn ideal for exploring its trails and wildlife. Summer is best for swimming at Edlersee Lake. For hiking and cycling, the milder temperatures of spring and autumn are often preferred.
Are there any pilgrimage sites or religious landmarks worth visiting?
The Geras Abbey is a significant Premonstratensian monastery with a rich spiritual history. Another notable site is the Maria-Bründl Spring and the Lourdes Grotto, known for its baroque chapel and supposedly miraculous healing spring, surrounded by Stations of the Cross.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in Geras?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The Ruins of Kollmitz Castle are praised for their impressive scale and historical significance. Geras Abbey is admired for its beautiful architecture and cultural events. The Geras Nature Park is a favorite for its diverse wildlife and family-friendly amenities. The overall appeal lies in the opportunity to explore ancient sites, enjoy serene landscapes, and engage with local culture.
Are there options for cycling around Geras?
Yes, the Geras region offers various cycling routes for different skill levels. You can find moderate routes like the 'Reblaus Express – Geras Abbey loop' or more challenging ones such as the 'Uherčice Castle – Langau Recreation Center loop'. For a comprehensive overview, check out the Cycling around Geras guide.
What are some lesser-known but interesting places to visit in the Geras area?
Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting the Roman Catholic Parish Church of Harth hl. Rochus, a listed church dating back to 1835. The Maria-Bründl Spring and the Lourdes Grotto, while a pilgrimage site, also offers a peaceful and picturesque setting often overlooked by general tourists. For fishing enthusiasts, Anglerparadies Hessendorf provides a dedicated spot.
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