Welcome to the Eisenwurzen Nature Reserve Lower Austria!
Between the Gamsstein (1,774 m), Voralpe (1,770 m) and Königsberg (1,452 m) lies a unique nature and cultural landscape with herb and demonstration garden.
Headed for the woods, into the fen, off to the mountains – by foot or (e-)mountain bike: The Eisenwurzen Nature Reserve Lower Austria is a paradise for wildlife, plants and
The Eisenwurzen Nature Reserve Lower Austria is located at the Austrian “Eisenstraße” (iron trail) in the triangle of Lower Austria, Upper Austria and Styria. The Eisenwurzen ("Iron Roots") – extending from the Eisenerz Alps to the Danube and from the Trauntal valley to the Erlauftal valley – was once a closed economic region supplying iron to Austria and bordering countries up to the Balkans and Russia. In the Ybbstal, ample supply of timber facilitated coal production, and water resources were used as means of drive and transport – this was the basis for numerous hammer mills where iron ore was turned into malleable materials. Due to its favourable geographical location, Hollenstein an der Ybbs was one of the first places to accommodate a hammer mill.
Hollenstein is also the main town related to the Eisenwurzen Nature Reserve Lower Austria which extends over approx. 5,000 hectares bordering directly on the Styrian Eisenwurzen Nature Reserve. Nestled between Gamsstein, Voralpe and Königsberg, the nature reserve offers a variety of specific scenic characteristics – densely wooded canyons, remains of primeval forest, waterfalls, flowery forest moors, lovely alpine meadows, rocks and summits.
Hiking and Mountainbiking
- 25 kilometres of hiking trails ranging from easy to advanced; theme trails: Spitzhiatl's Treasure Hunt Trail and Legend Trail “Wo das Eisen zerrennt wurde” (where the iron was melted)
- 4 kilometres of Nordic Walking trails
- 300 kilometres of mountain bike tracks – 9 routes
Hammer mills Treffenguthammer and Wentsteinhammer
The Treffenguthammer mill is one of the few preserved hammer mills along the Hammerbach brook. In 2001, the blacksmith's shop was revitalized:
- Hammer mill and "dwarf mill" for children (Opening hours: Every Wednesday in July and August from 6 p.m.)
- Room for seminars or events
- "Playground for the senses" and playing brook
- Blacksmith's demonstrations can be booked anytime for groups of ten or more.
The Wentsteinammer hammer mill offers a roofed-over barbecue area and playground as well as a caravan site for three vehicles. From the Ybbs bridge, take the Legend Trail “Wo das Eisen zerrennt wurde” (where the iron was melted; pushchair-friendly) to get there.
Herb and show garden
The “Fünf-Elemente-Weg” (path of the five elements) of one and a half kilometres leads visitors from the Jagersberger inn at the Königsberg to an oasis of recreation and relaxation for body, mind and soul. The park consists of a show garden with more than 100 domestic wild and medicinal herbs – also the ingredients for the well-known herbal extract KE are grown here – as well as barefoot and Kneipp paths. Furthermore, an attractive hiking trail leads from the herb and show garden to the farmed alp Kitzhütte. For groups of ten or more, guided tours in German are available between the beginning of May until the end of October, upon request with an additional health lecture (including a serving of “Grießsterz”, a traditional Austrian semolina dish made on open fire and a drink, or lunch or dinner at the Jagersberger inn). Bus transfers for persons with phyiscal impairments are possible. Info and booking at Gasthof Jagersberger