4.6
(470)
4,470
hikers
348
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Großer Viehofner Lake offer easily accessible paths through diverse landscapes. The region is characterized by expansive water surfaces, natural flora, and an important bird breeding ground, providing a natural escape near St. Pölten. Trails feature minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for casual strolls and invigorating walks.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
4.2
(72)
373
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(13)
171
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
16
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
115
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
42
hikers
11.8km
03:01
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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The Ratzersdorfer See in St. Pölten was created in the 1970s as a local recreation area and offers numerous leisure activities. It is an artificially created bathing lake. The sports and leisure facilities include beach volleyball courts, a basketball and football pitch, and a mini golf course. There are restaurants to cater for your physical well-being, and you can take a short break here during your tour. The lake is easily accessible by bike via the Traisental cycle path. Admission is free.
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The seat of the Lower Austrian provincial government.
5
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A meditative path on the banks of the Traisen.
6
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Currently still free. From September 1st, 2022 to April 30th, 2023 no fee - FREE 😉
1
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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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The area around Großer Viehofner Lake offers a wide selection of routes suitable for families, with over 220 easy hiking trails to explore. In total, there are nearly 360 routes, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures.
You'll find plenty to discover! The expansive water surfaces of the Great Viehofner Lake itself are a highlight. For panoramic views, climb the 12-meter-high Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes. The picturesque Viehofen Castle also adds a touch of historical charm to the natural scenery. The Viehofner Lakes are also an important bird breeding ground, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails are circular, making them convenient for a day out. For example, the easy Ratzersdorfer See – Großer Viehofner See loop from St. Pölten Traisenpark is a great option, covering nearly 6 km in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For a shorter, easy stroll perfect for families, consider the Kleiner Viehofner Lake – Großer Viehofner See loop from Westbahnbrücke. This route is just over 3 km and can be completed in under an hour.
Many of the paths around Großer Viehofner Lake are well-maintained and relatively flat, making them suitable for strollers. Routes like the Great Viehofner Lake – Großer Viehofner See loop from St. Pölten Traisenpark, which is only 3.4 km with minimal elevation, are ideal for families with young children and strollers.
Parking is conveniently available at the Viehofner Seen Parking Lot. The area is also well-connected and easily accessible.
Absolutely! The area is highly accessible and located directly on the Traisental cycle path, making it easy to reach by bike or public transport. St. Pölten is well-served by public transport options.
The komoot community rates the area highly, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 440 ratings. Reviewers often praise the picturesque landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the serene environment that makes it a perfect escape for families.
Yes, you'll find lakeside restaurants like 'Seedose' which provide opportunities for refreshments and meals. They even offer services such as picnic orders, perfect for enjoying on the lakeshore or during a paddle boat ride from the Paddle Boat Rental at Viehofner See.
For families looking for a bit more of a challenge, the NV Arena – Großer Viehofner See loop from Westbahnbrücke offers a moderate hike of nearly 12 km, taking around 3 hours. It provides a longer exploration of the area while still being manageable.
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant temperatures for hiking, with vibrant flora or colorful foliage. Summer is also popular, especially for enjoying the lake activities, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours.


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