Waldviertel, Geographic region in Lower Austria, Austria
Waldviertel is a region in the northwestern part of Lower Austria, extending between the Danube and the Czech border and shaped by forests, meadows and high moorland. The area covers the administrative districts of Krems, Horn, Zwettl and Gmünd and features numerous granite formations rising from the rolling countryside.
The area developed a strong glass tradition from the 14th century onward, as sand was readily available, with colored glass production gaining particular importance. The forests supplied wood for the glass furnaces over centuries and shaped the economic development of the region.
The name reflects the extensive woodlands that shape the scenery and have supported forestry for centuries. Today residents cultivate poppy, whose blue flowers color entire fields in summer, and continue the tradition of carp breeding in the many ponds scattered across the countryside.
More than 2000 kilometers (1240 miles) of cycling paths and numerous hiking trails cross the region, connecting the four main districts. The paths pass through forests and across fields, so expect changing landscapes and sometimes hilly terrain.
The southern section contains the largest continuous forest area in Austria, forming an unbroken green expanse across several districts. Numerous granite rocking stones lie scattered across the countryside and can be set in motion with gentle pressure.
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