Höllgraben bei Litschau

The Höllgraben, a wild and romantic river valley with underground waterfalls and impressive granite formations, is hidden in the northern Waldviertel near Litschau. The origin of the name "Höllgraben" is unclear, but the valley has always been surrounded by stories and legends. The gentler version is called Föhrenbachtal: here the natural Föhrenbach stream babbles between ferns, willows and spruces.

The Höllgrabenweg starts at the town square in Litschau, leads through the Höllbachgraben, over the Reißbach and back to the village of Schönau. The approximately 8 km long loop takes around two hours. Along the way is the Höllstein, also known as the "Graselstein". It commemorates the robber chief Johann Georg Grasel, who lived in a cave behind the granite block at the beginning of the 19th century.

Another highlight is the Reißbach: the Natura 2000-protected watercourse meanders freely through species-rich wet meadows. Otters, beavers, dragonflies and rare butterflies such as peacock butterflies and emperor butterflies make their home here. The stream is particularly beautiful from the small bridge on Höllgrabenweg.

Litschau, the northernmost town in Austria, is known for its traditional Schrammel music.