Best lakes around Obritzberg-Rust are primarily located in the nearby city of St. Pölten, Lower Austria. This area features artificial lakes developed as local recreation areas, offering diverse activities. The St. Pölten lake area, covering 53 hectares, provides varied landscapes from floodplains to open water. These lakes serve as popular destinations for recreation and nature appreciation.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
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The Viehofner Lakes in St. Pölten consist of the Großer Viehofner See and the Kleiner Viehofner See, and together form a popular local recreation area. The lakes are connected by a canal and offer a variety of opportunities for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, walking, and cycling. Well-developed cycling and hiking trails run along the shores, offering magnificent views of the water and the surrounding nature. While the Großer Viehofner See invites you to linger with its lawns, swimming areas, and restaurants, the Kleiner Viehofner See, with its reed beds and breeding grounds, is a nature reserve and provides a habitat for numerous bird species. The area thus combines recreation, sports, and nature experiences in the immediate vicinity of the city.
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Free swimming, parking is subject to a fee, except in winter
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The Ratzersdorfer See in St. Pölten was created in the 1970s as a local recreation area and offers numerous leisure activities. It is an artificially created bathing lake. The sports and leisure facilities include beach volleyball courts, a basketball and football pitch, and a mini golf course. There are restaurants to cater for your physical well-being, and you can take a short break here during your tour. The lake is easily accessible by bike via the Traisental cycle path. Admission is free.
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A very beautiful natural monument, located on the Dunkelsteinerwald circular hiking trail 653, next to which there is a rest area with a bench.
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Depending on the season or water level, it's either a lake or a bog. As a lake, especially in autumn, it's a truly magical place!
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Great view over the lakes to St. Pölten and the mountains.
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Located directly on the Traisental cycle path - perfect for swimming. No entrance fee. Beautiful meadows!
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This viewing platform is located between the big and small Viehofner lakes and offers a beautiful view from above over the lakes, over St. Pölten and up to the mountains. It is not far from the Traisental cycle path. You can easily push your bike the short stretch to the platform.
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The lakes near Obritzberg-Rust, particularly the St. Pölten lake area, offer a wide range of activities. At Ratzersdorfer See, you can enjoy swimming, beach volleyball, basketball, football, and mini-golf. The Great Viehofner Lake is excellent for swimming, boating, stand-up paddling, running, and walking. You can also rent paddle boats at Viehofner See. For nature lovers, the Kleiner Viehofner See is a nature reserve ideal for bird watching.
Yes, several lakes in the area are very family-friendly. Ratzersdorfer See is an artificial bathing lake with extensive sports and leisure facilities, including beach volleyball courts and a mini-golf course, making it perfect for families. The Great Viehofner Lake also offers swimming and boating, and the Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes provides an engaging experience for all ages with panoramic views.
For panoramic views of the lake landscape, visit the Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes. This twelve-meter-high tower offers wide views over the Viehofner and Ratzersdorfer Seen. The eastern shore of the Great Viehofner Lake also provides picturesque views, including that of Viehofen Castle.
Yes, there are hiking opportunities near the lakes. The Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes is located directly on several running, walking, and cycling routes. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the "Großer Viehofner See – Old Town, St. Pölten loop" which is a difficult 22.75 km hike. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Obritzberg-Rust guide.
Absolutely. The lakes are very cyclist-friendly. Ratzersdorfer See is easily accessible by bike via the Traisental cycle path. The Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes is also situated directly on the Traisental cycle path. For dedicated cycling routes, consider the "Viehofer Lake – Flatnitztal Near Klein-Wien loop" (54.67 km) or the "Großer Viehofner See – St. Pölten loop" (42.86 km). More options are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Obritzberg-Rust guide.
Yes, you'll find gastronomy options at the lakes. Ratzersdorfer See has restaurants and a "cyclist lounge" for refreshments. At the Great Viehofner Lake, the lakeside restaurant "Seedose" offers Mediterranean cuisine and can even arrange picnics on the lakeshore or for a pedal boat ride.
The lakes are popular recreation areas, especially during warmer months. The Great Viehofner Lake is wonderful for swimming in summer, with an average summer water temperature of 23° Celsius. However, it can also be quite crowded during peak summer. Lake Rührsdorf is particularly magical in autumn, depending on the water level.
The lakes, primarily located in St. Pölten, are easily accessible. They are well-connected by cycle paths, such as the Traisental cycle path, making biking a convenient option. While admission to the lakes and the observation tower is generally free, parking may be chargeable from May to September at some locations, such as near the Observation Tower Between Viehofner Lakes.
Ratzersdorfer See is a popular artificial bathing lake created in the 1970s. It's known for its extensive recreational offerings, including beach volleyball courts, a basketball court, a football pitch, and a mini-golf course. Gastronomy options are also available, and its easy accessibility via the Traisental cycle path, along with free admission, contribute to its popularity.
The Großer Viehofner See (Great Viehofner Lake) is the larger of the two and is primarily used for active recreation like swimming, boating, and sports. Its eastern shore is well-equipped for bathing. In contrast, the Kleiner Viehofner See (Small Viehofner Lake) is mainly a nature reserve with reed beds, serving as a crucial habitat for various bird species. It's preserved for nature observation and tranquility rather than active recreation.
Yes, for a quieter experience, consider Lake Rührsdorf. Depending on the season and water level, it can be either a lake or a bog, offering a truly magical and tranquil natural setting, especially in autumn. It's a natural monument located on the Dunkelsteinerwald circular hiking trail, providing a peaceful break amidst nature.
Visitors appreciate the comprehensive leisure infrastructure, clean waters, and picturesque surroundings. Many enjoy the blend of active sports, relaxed bathing, and opportunities for nature appreciation. The free entry to most lakes and the feeling of being in nature despite the proximity to St. Pölten are frequently highlighted by the komoot community.


Still not found your perfect lake around Obritzberg-Rust? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.