Top 6 Lakes around Großer Viehofner Lake
Best lakes around Großer Viehofner Lake are part of the St. Pöltner Seen-Erlebnis, a recreational and natural area near St. Pölten, Austria. This system includes the Großer Viehofner See, Kleiner Viehofner See, and Ratzersdorfer See. The area offers diverse landscapes, from active recreational waters with boating and swimming to protected nature reserves and dedicated bathing lakes. Well-maintained paths provide access to scenic views and connect to the Traisental cycle path.
Best lakes around Großer Viehofner Lake
- The most popular lakes…
Last updated: October 2, 2026
Great Viehofner Lake
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Großer Viehofner See
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Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes
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Information Board at Viehofner Seen
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Paddle Boat Rental at Viehofner See
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The Viehofner Lakes in St. Pölten consist of the Großer Viehofner See and the Kleiner Viehofner See, and together form a popular local recreation area. The lakes are connected by a canal and offer a variety of opportunities for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, walking, and cycling. Well-developed cycling and hiking trails run along the shores, offering magnificent views of the water and the surrounding nature. While the Großer Viehofner See invites you to linger with its lawns, swimming areas, and restaurants, the Kleiner Viehofner See, with its reed beds and breeding grounds, is a nature reserve and provides a habitat for numerous bird species. The area thus combines recreation, sports, and nature experiences in the immediate vicinity of the city.
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Free swimming, parking is subject to a fee, except in winter
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Great view over the lakes to St. Pölten and the mountains.
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A beautiful view over the water to Viehofen Castle, a short detour from the Traisental cycle path.
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Located directly on the Traisental cycle path - perfect for swimming. No entrance fee. Beautiful meadows!
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This viewing platform is located between the big and small Viehofner lakes and offers a beautiful view from above over the lakes, over St. Pölten and up to the mountains. It is not far from the Traisental cycle path. You can easily push your bike the short stretch to the platform.
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There are beautiful bathing opportunities in the lake in front of the castle
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This observation tower is located between the Large and Small Viehhofner Lakes, which offers a beautiful all-round view at any time of the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes make up the St. Pölten Lake Experience?
The St. Pölten Lake Experience includes three distinct bodies of water: the Großer Viehofner See, which is a vibrant hub for recreational activities; the Kleiner Viehofner See, designated as a nature reserve; and the Ratzersdorfer See, an artificial bathing lake with extensive sports facilities.
What activities can I enjoy at Großer Viehofner See?
The Großer Viehofner See is ideal for swimming, rowing, surfing, and pedal boating, with rental services available. You can also find lakeside restaurants like "Seedose" and enjoy picturesque cycling and walking paths around the lake.
Are there any nature reserves among the lakes?
Yes, the Kleiner Viehofner See is designated as a nature reserve. It's an important bird breeding ground with natural reed beds, providing a vital habitat for numerous bird species. To protect its ecological significance, swimming, boating, and events are prohibited there.
What facilities does Ratzersdorfer See offer for visitors?
The Ratzersdorfer See is an artificial bathing lake offering extensive sports and leisure options. It features beach volleyball courts, a basketball court, a football pitch, and a mini-golf course, along with restaurants. It's easily accessible via the Traisental cycle path.
Where can I get panoramic views of the lake landscape?
You can get a wonderful panoramic view from the Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes. This 12-meter high tower offers views of both the Viehofner and Ratzersdorfer Seen and the surrounding landscape.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around the lakes. For example, you can explore routes like the 'Ratzersdorfer See – Großer Viehofner See loop' or the 'Großer Viehofner See – Kleiner Viehofner Lake loop'. You can find more details on these and other easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Großer Viehofner Lake guide.
Can I cycle around the lakes?
Absolutely! The lakes are encircled by well-developed cycling paths, including direct links to the Traisental cycle path. You can find various cycling routes, such as the 'Great Viehofner Lake – Traisental Cycle Path loop', in the Cycling around Großer Viehofner Lake guide.
Are the lakes suitable for families?
Yes, the St. Pölten Lake Experience is very family-friendly. The Großer Viehofner See and Ratzersdorfer See offer swimming, boat rentals, and sports facilities. The area also has picnic spots and easy walking paths, making it enjoyable for all ages.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Großer Viehofner See?
Visitors appreciate the Großer Viehofner See for its excellent swimming opportunities in summer and the relaxing atmosphere. The lakeside restaurant "Seedose" is also popular for its meals and unique picnic service, which can be enjoyed on the shore or during a pedal boat ride.
Is there an entry fee for the lakes?
Entry to the lakes themselves is free. However, parking may incur a fee during peak seasons, typically from May to September.
Are there options for boat rentals?
Yes, boat rental services are available at the Paddle Boat Rental at Viehofner See, offering various types of boats for a relaxing or active day on the water.
What is the historical background of the Viehofner Seen?
The Viehofner Seen were created between the 1970s and 1980s through sand and gravel extraction. Since 2003, the city of St. Pölten has managed the area, balancing its natural environment with recreational uses.
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