Thayatal National Park: A Valley of Wilderness

Explore Austria's Thayatal National Park: A small park with big biodiversity, hiking trails, and stunning Thaya River valley views.

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Thayatal National Park

Discover Austria's smallest national park, Thayatal, a haven of biodiversity along the Czech border. Explore the Thaya River valley, home to rare wildlife and stunning landscapes, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

A brief summary to Thayatal National Park

Merkersdorf 90, Hardegg, 2082, AT
+4329497005
Visit website

Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

Wear sturdy shoes for hiking, as trails can be steep and rocky.
Bring your passport if you plan to cross the Thaya Bridge into the Czech Republic.
Visit the National Park Centre near Hardegg for information, exhibits, and guided tours.
Check the schedule for wildcat feeding times at the National Park Centre.
Pack weatherproof clothing, as the weather can change quickly.

Getting There

Driving

From Hardegg, follow the signs towards Merkersdorf. The National Park House, the main access point for Thayatal National Park, is located approximately 1.5 km outside of Hardegg on the road to Merkersdorf. Parking is available at the National Park House free of charge. Note that parking can be limited during peak season.
Public Transport

From Vienna, take a train to Retz. From Retz, take the bus to Hardegg Nationalparkhaus. The bus stop is located directly at the National Park House, making it a convenient option for reaching the park. A single bus fare from Retz to Hardegg is approximately €4-6.
Walking

From the center of Hardegg, it's a pleasant walk of approximately 1.5 km to the National Park House. Follow the main road towards Merkersdorf. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes.

Discover more about Thayatal National Park

Thayatal National Park, nestled on the border of Austria and the Czech Republic, protects a unique valley landscape shaped by the meandering Thaya River. Established in 2000, the park encompasses 13.3 square kilometers, making it Austria's smallest national park. Adjacent to the Czech Podyjí National Park, it forms a cross-border protected area, safeguarding a diverse ecosystem. The park's history is intertwined with the region's geopolitical past. After World War I, the area became a border zone, later forming part of Nazi-controlled territory during World War II. Following the war, the Thaya Valley remained a sensitive border area until the establishment of the national park. This isolation inadvertently preserved the valley's natural beauty, creating a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. The Thayatal is characterized by steep hillside forests, rocky terrain, and the winding Thaya River. The park's diverse flora includes oak and hornbeam forests, along with rare orchids and lilies. It provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the elusive European wildcat, black stork, otters, and numerous bat species. Visitors can explore the park's natural wonders through a network of hiking and cycling trails. The National Park Centre near Hardegg serves as a visitor hub, offering information, exhibits, and guided tours. Here, you can learn about the park's history, ecology, and conservation efforts. Don't miss the chance to visit the wildcat enclosure, home to Frieda and Carlo, and explore the adventure playground. Hardegg, Austria's smallest town, lies near the park and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Bítov Castle

16.1 km

Explore the historical charm of Bítov Castle, a stunning medieval fortress offering breathtaking views and rich Czech heritage.

Kellergasse Maulavern

18.1 km

Discover the historic Kellergasse Maulavern in Zellerndorf, Austria, a picturesque wine cellar lane with rich winemaking heritage and traditions.

Szene Waldviertel

24.9 km

Experience the vibrant Szene Waldviertel festival in Horn, Austria, celebrating local music, art, and cuisine in a lively atmosphere.

Schloss Rosenburg

29.2 km

Explore a magnificent Renaissance castle with falconry displays, stunning gardens, and a rich history in the heart of Lower Austria's Kamp Valley.

Renaissanceschloss Greillenstein

32.7 km

Explore Austria's Renaissanceschloss Greillenstein: A stunningly preserved castle showcasing opulent Renaissance and Baroque interiors and rich history.

Ruine Schauenstein

34.8 km

Explore Ruine Schauenstein: A captivating castle ruin with stunning Kamp Valley views, rich history, and hiking trails in Lower Austria.

Waldviertler Geisterwerkstatt

36.2 km

Discover the mystical Waldviertel region at the Geisterwerkstatt: an immersive experience into local folklore, legends, and ghostly tales in a historic farmhouse.

Erstes österreichisches Museum für Alltagsgeschichte

37.7 km

Discover rural Austrian history at the First Austrian Museum of Everyday Life in Neupölla, showcasing 300 years of Waldviertel culture.

Erstes österreichisches Museum für Alltagsgeschichte

Galgen Berg

38.1 km

Discover Galgen Berg, a stunning mountain peak in the Czech Republic offering breathtaking views, serene hiking trails, and a retreat into nature's beauty.

Der Heldenberg

38.9 km

Explore Austrian history, Lipizzan stallions, vintage cars, and Stone Age life at Der Heldenberg in the scenic Weinviertel region.

Kreisgraben Puch

40.8 km

Explore the mysteries of Neolithic Europe at Kreisgraben Puch, a 7,000-year-old circular ditch system near Hollabrunn, Austria.

Soldatenfriedhof Allentsteig

41.3 km

A solemn World War II military cemetery near Allentsteig, Austria, offering a place for quiet reflection and remembrance.

St. Procopius Basilica in Třebíč

41.4 km

Explore the stunning St. Procopius Basilica in Třebíč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing remarkable Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Skulptur Weinviertel

41.8 km

Discover contemporary sculptures in a serene Austrian landscape. Experience the unique fusion of art and nature in the Weinviertel region.

Schloss Allentsteig

42.3 km

Discover Schloss Allentsteig, a historic castle in Lower Austria's Waldviertel region, showcasing centuries of architectural and military history.

Unmissable attractions to see

Hardecká vyhlídka

1.4 km

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Podyjí National Park from this easily accessible observation deck in Čížov-Šumná. A must-see for nature lovers!

Burgruine Kaja

2.8 km

Discover Burgruine Kaja, an 800-year-old castle ruin in Lower Austria's Thayatal National Park with stunning views and medieval history.

Nový Hrádek u Lukova (Neuhäusel) Castle Ruins

3.5 km

Explore the captivating Nový Hrádek Castle Ruins, a historic gem in the Czech countryside offering stunning views and rich history.

Nový Hrádek u Lukova (Neuhäusel) Castle Ruins

Podyjí National Park

4.4 km

Explore Podyjí National Park, a stunning blend of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history in the heart of the Czech Republic.

Ledové sluje

4.6 km

Explore the cool mystery of Ledové sluje in Podyjí National Park, where ice lingers in unique pseudokarst caves.

Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau

6.4 km

Discover Baroque splendor at Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau, a historic castle with opulent interiors and breathtaking views in the heart of Podyjí National Park.

Vranov nad Dyjí

6.6 km

Discover Vranov nad Dyjí Castle: A stunning Baroque masterpiece with a rich history and breathtaking views in the heart of South Moravia.

Větrný mlýn Lesná

7.0 km

Discover the charm of a historic Dutch windmill in South Moravia, now a restaurant and guesthouse in the heart of the Podyjí National Park.

Vranov Dam

7.6 km

Discover Vranov Dam: South Moravia's stunning reservoir offering outdoor adventures, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Železné schody

8.1 km

Discover the enchanting trails and breathtaking views of Železné Schody, a premier hiking area in Podmolí-Znojmo, perfect for all nature lovers.

Šobeská lávka

9.4 km

Cross the picturesque Šobeská Lávka in Podyjí National Park, connecting vineyards and offering stunning views of the Dyje River valley.

Papírna u Devíti mlýnů

9.4 km

Discover the serene ruins of a former paper mill in Podyjí National Park, a testament to history and nature's resilience.

Heiliger Stein

10.0 km

Discover the ancient mystique of Heiliger Stein in Mitterretzbach, Austria, a place where history and nature intertwine.

Sealsfieldův kámen

10.2 km

Breathtaking views of the Dyje River valley from a rock outcrop named after novelist Charles Sealsfield in Podyjí National Park.

Králův stolec

10.5 km

Discover the breathtaking views from Králův Stolec, an iconic observation deck near Znojmo, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Essential places to dine

Mährische Botschaft im Weinschlössl

12.1 km

Discover the flavors of Moravian cuisine at Mährische Botschaft im Weinschlössl – a must-visit dining destination in Retz.

Spálený mlýn

12.9 km

Experience exquisite Czech cuisine surrounded by nature's beauty at Spálený mlýn, where every meal is a journey into flavor.

Restaurant Brandy la Moravia

15.3 km

Discover authentic Czech cuisine at Restaurant Brandy la Moravia in Znojmo - a culinary gem blending tradition with modern flair.

Hausgnost - Gasthaus an der Kreuzung

25.7 km

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine and warm hospitality at Hausgnost in Guntersdorf – your gateway to local flavors.

Wagners Wirtshaus

34.8 km

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Wagners Wirtshaus in Hollabrunn, where traditional flavors meet modern hospitality.

Restaurant und Cafe Familie Toluay

35.1 km

Experience authentic Turkish cuisine at Restaurant und Cafe Familie Toluay in Hollabrunn – where flavor meets tradition.

Gasthof Wildrast

36.2 km

Discover authentic Austrian hospitality at Gasthof Wildrast – a cozy guest house offering traditional German cuisine amidst scenic beauty.

Obývák bistro a káva

41.3 km

Discover the cozy charm of Obývák bistro a káva in Třebíč - where every sip and bite tells a story.

Oswalds

42.3 km

Discover culinary excellence at Oswalds in Waidhofen an der Thaya - where local flavors meet international cuisine.

Restaurant zum Stadttor in Allentsteig

42.5 km

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Restaurant zum Stadttor in Allentsteig – where flavor meets tradition in a warm atmosphere.

HORA Restaurant & Weinbar am See

42.5 km

Discover exquisite local cuisine and fine wines at HORA Restaurant & Weinbar am See, where scenic views meet culinary excellence.

Bründlmayer Restaurant / Ab-Hof-Verkauf / Gästezimmer

43.4 km

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Bründlmayer Restaurant in Langenlois – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

Bründlmayer Restaurant / Ab-Hof-Verkauf / Gästezimmer

Waldviertler Rast-Stube

48.8 km

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Waldviertler Rast-Stube in Gföhl – where every meal tells a story.

Gasthaus Meyer

49.2 km

Experience authentic Austrian cuisine at Gasthaus Meyer in Pfaffenschlag bei Waidhofen an der Thaya, where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Pivní zahrádka Pod hrází

49.3 km

Discover Pivní zahrádka Pod hrází: A delightful beer garden offering local brews in a picturesque setting perfect for relaxation.

Explore Kitos s.r.o. in Znojmo, a charming home goods store offering unique kitchen supplies and garden essentials for every traveler.

Discover the charming Bar Podsvětí in Znojmo, a cozy bar featuring a delightful selection of drinks and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Thayatal National Park: A Valley of Wilderness

A brief summary to Thayatal National Park

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Walking

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