The best traffic-free bike rides around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
4.5
(328)
2,032
riders
129
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Zwettl-Niederösterreich traverse the heart of the Waldviertel region, characterized by tranquil river landscapes and diverse natural features. The area features the confluence of the Kamp and Zwettl rivers, with idyllic valleys like Zwettltal offering paths through pine forests and meadows. The landscape also includes the fjord-like Ottenstein Reservoir and distinctive terraces and strip fields typical of the Waldviertel. This varied terrain provides a range of dedicated routes suitable for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic…
Last updated: November 10, 2026
4.1
(20)
102
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.3
(19)
77
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(6)
72
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(6)
64
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(4)
23
riders
20.8km
01:37
290m
280m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Popular around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
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Traffic-free bike rides around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
Traffic-free bike rides around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
Other adventures around Zwettl-Niederösterreich
Tips from the Community
Interesting small church next to the Kamp in Zwettl.
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Beautiful path with information boards along the Kamp river.
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The historic old town of Zwettl in the Waldviertel captivates with medieval city walls, colorful baroque facades, and the colorful Hundertwasser fountain on the main square. Highlights include the Old Town Hall with its city museum, the striking Antonturm, and the nearby Zwettl Abbey (Cistercian monastery).
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The Mühlbach-Promenade in Zwettl is a picturesque green space right in the historic old town. It nestles against the Zwettl riverbank and the old city wall, combining nature with recreational activities.
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The "Natur-Erlebnis-Weg" (Kamp and forest) leads from the Bründlkirche, along the Kamp through the forest, towards Gschwendmühle.
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At the Kamp, above Zwettl, a weir with a mill race and a power station were to be built, in which two turbines with a total of 100 HP would generate enough electricity to operate at least 950 light bulbs in Zwettl, each with a luminous intensity of 16 standard candles. [The "standard candle" was an old unit of measurement for luminous intensity = the light of a paraffin candle with a diameter of 20 mm, whose wick was trimmed so that the flame burned 50 mm high.] Initially, it was planned to generate high-voltage direct current, which was to be transported to Zwettl via an approximately 2.8 km long overhead line to a transformer. The costs for all preparatory work (including land and usage rights acquired as early as April 1892) were borne in equal parts by Wichtl, Göschl, and Löscher out of their own pockets.
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In 1892, when the use of electrical energy was still in its infancy worldwide, three Zwettl businessmen made the bold decision to build an "electrical power and light central" (= a power plant) in this city. They were the 40-year-old master miller Alois Wichtl (Kuenringerstraße 3), the innkeeper Karl Löscher (Ottenschlager Straße 2), then just 38 years old, and the 43-year-old master cabinetmaker Friedrich Göschl (Kamptalstraße 22). They consulted the Viennese electrical engineer Franz Kröttlinger and became convinced that they had found the ideal location for their power plant in the Kamptal, near the Gschwendtmühle. Here, both the drop, water level, and water volume seemed suitable for the project to the technician.
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In 1984, the municipality, in cooperation with the Nature Friends and the local savings bank, created a memorial plaque with a relief image of Emperor Franz Joseph. The monument is still popularly called Kaiserbüste (Emperor's Bust), even though there is no longer a bust of an emperor here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
Zwettl-Niederösterreich offers a wide selection of no-traffic touring cycling routes, with over 120 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, ensuring a suitable ride for everyone.
Are there easy, no-traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy, no-traffic touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. You'll find 9 easy routes that often follow tranquil river valleys like the Zwettltal, offering gentle gradients and picturesque scenery away from traffic. These paths are ideal for a relaxed day out.
What about more challenging no-traffic touring cycling routes in the area?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Zwettl-Niederösterreich provides 61 difficult no-traffic routes. These often feature more significant elevation changes and cover longer distances, such as the Plague Column at the main square in Zwettl – Center of Zwettl loop from Katastralgemeinde Gschwendt, which spans over 39 km with nearly 500 meters of ascent.
Can I find circular no-traffic touring cycling routes around Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Zwettl-Niederösterreich are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Center of Zwettl – Plague Column at the main square in Zwettl loop from Friedersbach, offering a moderate 28 km ride.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along these no-traffic routes?
The no-traffic routes often lead through the serene natural environment of the Waldviertel. You can explore the idyllic Zwettltal with its old trees and rock formations, or cycle near the fjord-like Ottenstein reservoir. The region is also home to the scenic Ottenstein Dam.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks along the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, the region is rich in history. Many routes pass by or near significant landmarks. You might encounter the impressive Burg Rappottenstein, one of the oldest castles in the Waldviertel, or the historic Zwettl Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1138. The town center of Zwettl itself features medieval and baroque architecture, including the Plague Column.
What is the best season for no-traffic touring cycling in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
The best season for no-traffic touring cycling in Zwettl-Niederösterreich is typically from spring to autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the natural landscapes of the Waldviertel are at their most vibrant. The tranquil river valleys and wooded paths are particularly enjoyable in these seasons.
Where can I park my car when starting a no-traffic touring cycling route in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
When starting a no-traffic touring cycling route in Zwettl-Niederösterreich, you can typically find parking in and around the town center of Zwettl. Many routes, such as the Plague Column at the main square in Zwettl – Center of Zwettl loop from Jahrings, are designed to begin from central locations, making parking accessible.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in Zwettl-Niederösterreich?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's tranquil river landscapes, the blend of historic charm with natural beauty, and the well-preserved medieval town centers. The variety of routes, from easy to difficult, also receives positive feedback.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots on the no-traffic cycling paths?
Yes, the diverse landscape of Zwettl-Niederösterreich offers numerous scenic spots. Along the Ottenstein reservoir, you can find the Predigtstuhl Peninsula, which provides excellent views. The routes through the Zwettltal also offer picturesque vistas of the river and surrounding forests, often described as paradise-like.
Are there any routes that pass by waterfalls?
While not directly on every route, the region is home to the Lohnbach Waterfall, a scenic highlight where the Lohnbach descends in several stages. Some routes in the broader Waldviertel area might offer access or views of this natural feature, providing a refreshing stop during your ride.
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