Cross Country Skiing in the Waldviertel

Enchanting countryside and hundreds of kilometers of groomed cross-country trails

With its pristine winter landscapes and well-groomed cross country skiing trails, the Waldviertel attracts large numbers of cross country enthusiasts every year. Exercising in the fresh air of the Waldviertel is a true fountain of youth. Skiing through this winter wonderland is one of the gentlest ways to strengthen your muscles and joints.

Bärnkopf is the highest point in the Waldviertel. This small, idyllic village is located at 1,000 meters above sea level and is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding countryside cross-country skiing and to breathe in the fresh air of the Waldviertel. Nearly 120 km of well-groomed cross country skiing trails cross the picturesque Weinsberger Forest here in this cross-country skiing paradise Bärnkopf – Gutenbrunn – Martinsberg.

Skiers can look forward to pristine, fairytale-like countryside in the Waldviertel highlands. And of course they are welcome to go at their own pace to leave some time to enjoy the scenery and natural landscapes.

Aktivwelt Freiwald – Karlstift – Langschlag – Gross Gerungs is a system of nearly 280 km of cross country skiing trails that extends nearly to the Austrian province of Upper Austria. This area is known for the impressive reliability of its snow cover winter after winter and cross country skiers are assured of excellent snow conditions far into spring.

At the foot of the Nebelstein, the sun is reflected in the countless trout ponds next to Gasthof Nordwald, a restaurant that is an ideal place from which to get onto two different trails. For novices, there is the “Xundwärts Parcours Loipe”, about 2 km long and relatively flat. Skis and boots can be rented on site. Hirschenwies, for its part, is for experienced cross country skiers: The Hubertus Trail is quite demanding and the trail going around the Nebelstein holds athletic challenges even for practiced hands.

Ottenschlag and Bad Traunstein also have wonderful cross country skiing trails passing through unforgettably beautiful winter landscapes.