The best walks and hikes around Gföhl
4.6
(6036)
31,704
hikers
40
hikes
Hiking around Gföhl offers diverse landscapes within the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria. The area is characterized by rolling hills, mixed forests, and the Große Krems river, which carves deep views into the Kremstal. Notable natural features include dramatic rock formations like Wotansfelsen and Teufelskirche, providing varied terrain for exploration. This region provides a network of trails suitable for different preferences and fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Gföhl
- The most popular hiking route is Gföhl – Steinberg Viewpoint loop…
Last updated: November 1, 2026
4.4
(7)
30
hikers
12.9km
03:39
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.6
(7)
21
hikers
13.7km
03:58
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.9
(11)
23
hikers
9.69km
02:42
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.5
(17)
34
hikers
5.96km
01:35
60m
60m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.5
(6)
14
hikers
12.2km
03:26
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Other adventures around Gföhl
Tips from the Community
In front of the church there is a rest area and a fountain.
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Built in 1889 under pastor Franz Ettenauer.
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Awards Edit ● Großer Österreichischer Staatspreis für Literatur (1958) ● Kulturpreis des Landes Niederösterreich (1965) ● Österreichisches Ehrenkreuz für Wissenschaft und Kunst I. Klasse (1969) ● Preis der Stadt Wien für Literatur (1969) https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imma_Bodmershof
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She was engaged to the Hölderlin scholar Norbert von Hellingrath, through whom she also came into contact with Rainer Maria Rilke and Stefan George. Hellingrath, however, fell in the Battle of Verdun in 1916. In 1924, she married the economist Wilhelm von Bodmershof in Krems, who, like Imma, privately engaged with Indian and Far Eastern religions. Together with her husband, she managed the estate of Rastbach Castle. She also lived in Vienna at times.
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Imma von Bodmershof (born Emma von Ehrenfels; * August 10, 1895 in Graz; † August 26, 1982 at Rastbach Castle in Gföhl, Lower Austria) was an Austrian writer. The daughter of one of the pioneers and precursors of Gestalt theory, Christian von Ehrenfels, and Emma von Hartmann, she grew up in Waldviertel at Lichtenau Castle, but also spent a lot of time in Prague, where her father worked at the university. She studied art history, philosophy, and graphology at the universities in Prague and Munich. From 1937, she published prose texts connected to tradition and homeland. In 1937, her first novel "Der zweite Sommer" was published. In 1939, the novel Die Stadt in Flandern was published and was included in the recommendation list Das Buch, ein Schwert des Geistes (1940 and 1943). Some shorter stories, including well-known ones like Theres Piernagl (1938, 1941), were published primarily in the magazines and anthologies of S. Fischer Verlag.
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The Imma von Bodmershof monument in Gföhl is a memorial stone in honor of the Austrian writer, erected in 1995 on the occasion of her 100th birthday. ● The location is in Sparkassenstraße, 3542 Gföhl (another memorial stone is located in Rastbach). ● The monument was erected in 1995 for Imma von Bodmershof's 100th birthday. ● Imma von Bodmershof (1895–1982) lived and worked at Rastbach Castle near Gföhl and was awarded, among other honors, the Grand Austrian State Prize for Literature.
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Gföhl was first mentioned in documents around 1180 and looks back on a long history as a market town and centre of the Waldviertel. The most important milestones Antiquity and settlement: Prehistoric finds (like from the Bronze Age) prove early traces of humans on the Gföhl plateau. Before German settlement from the 12th century onwards, there was a Slavic presence. First mention (1180): The place name is presumably derived from a topographical depression in the ground. Elevation to market town (1314/1493): In 1314, Gföhl is mentioned as a market town. In 1493, Emperor Frederick III granted the town official market rights and a coat of arms. War hardship and crises: In 1426, the Hussites destroyed the town and church. The population also suffered severely during the Peasants' War (1595) and the Thirty Years' War (1645), as well as from the plague (1679/1681).
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The inn "Zum weißen Rössl", also known as Gföhler Stüberl, is located right in the middle of the main square in Gföhl. Daily snacks, Friday evening warm meals ("home cooking")
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Gföhl?
Gföhl offers a comprehensive network of over 40 hiking routes. These trails cater to various preferences, ranging from easy walks to more challenging paths, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Gföhl?
The ideal seasons for hiking in Gföhl are spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is mild, and the natural scenery, with its mixed forests and rolling hills, is particularly vibrant and inviting for outdoor exploration.
Are there easy hiking routes suitable for beginners or families in Gföhl?
Yes, Gföhl features 14 easy routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Gföhl – Drescher Pond in Jaidhof loop from Gföhl, which is just under 6 km long and offers a pleasant walk around the Drescher Pond.
Can I find circular hiking routes in the Gföhl area?
Many of the trails around Gföhl are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Gföhl – Steinberg Viewpoint loop from Gföhl is a popular moderate circular trail offering scenic views.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I expect to see while hiking?
Gföhl's landscape is rich with natural wonders. You can explore dramatic rock formations like the archaic Wotansfelsen and Teufelskirche, or visit the Gudenus Cave. The region is also characterized by the Große Krems river, offering deep valley views, and bodies of water such as Drescher Pond in Jaidhof. For impressive views, consider the Predigtstuhl Peninsula, Ottenstein Reservoir.
Are there any trails that offer scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely. The region is known for its scenic vistas. The Gföhl – Steinberg Viewpoint loop from Gföhl specifically highlights the Steinberg Viewpoint. Another trail, the Gudenus Cave – View of Hartenstein Castle loop from Ruine Hohenstein, provides views of Hartenstein Castle.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Gföhl?
While specific parking areas for each trail are not always explicitly listed, Gföhl, as a hub for outdoor activities, generally offers designated parking in or near the town center and at popular trailheads. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival or consult detailed route descriptions for specific starting points.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Gföhl?
The trails in Gföhl are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the impressive rock formations, and the varied terrain that ranges from gentle forest paths to more adventurous routes.
Are there any water features or lakes to explore near Gföhl?
Yes, the landscape around Gföhl is enriched by several water features. The Große Krems river is a prominent feature, and you can also find Drescher Pond in Jaidhof and the Fischteiche Brunner at Tiefenbach. Further afield, you can explore the Ottenstein reservoir and Thurnberg Reservoir.
What are some of the more challenging hikes in Gföhl?
For those seeking a challenge, Gföhl offers routes requiring good fitness and sure-footedness. The Gudenus Cave – View of Hartenstein Castle loop from Ruine Hohenstein is classified as difficult, covering 14 km with significant elevation changes, and explores geological features like the Gudenus Cave.
Are there any historical sites or cultural attractions accessible via hiking trails?
Yes, Gföhl's trails often lead past historical and cultural points of interest. You can explore sites like the Hussitenkreuz and the Galgenriedel, a site of medieval justice. The Lichtenburg castle ruin also presents a challenging climb with rewarding views. Additionally, you can visit Jaidhof Castle and Park or the Bauernhofmuseum (Farm Museum).
How long do hikes typically take in Gföhl?
The duration of hikes in Gföhl varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. Easy walks, like the Gföhl – Drescher Pond in Jaidhof loop from Gföhl, can be completed in under 2 hours, while moderate trails such as the Gföhl – Steinberg Viewpoint loop from Gföhl typically take around 3.5 hours. More difficult routes can extend to 4 hours or more.
Most popular routes around Gföhl
Most popular attractions around Gföhl
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