West of Vienna, in the natural region of Lower Austria leading towards the city of Linz and the Lake District, there are several interesting and experiential attractions for adults and children alike. If you have enough time on your trip, you can drive along the rural roads of northern Austria and visit several nice attractions along the way. In this article, we will detail three nearby attractions in the nature area of northern Austria, not far from the city of Linz.
Bärenwald Arbesbach (Bear Sanctuary)
The Bear Sanctuary is actually a project of the Vier Pfoten (Four Paws) organization, which works to protect animals. In the large park located in the heart of a wooded area near the village of Arbesbach, live about 7 bears that were formerly circus bears and grew up in small cages. The place has been operating since 1998 with the aim of rescuing bears from captivity and allowing them to live properly in nature.
A visit to the Bear Sanctuary is a fun experience for the whole family. You can walk through the park and see the bears in their natural habitat. The park has exhibits, a small rope course, a multimedia room, and an obstacle course. All activities in the park are designed to give visitors a better understanding of the world of bears and animals in general.
This is what the Bear Sanctuary park looks like:
Essential Information for Visiting the Bear Sanctuary:
Opening Hours:
The park is open to visitors from the end of May until November 2nd, every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Costs:
- Adult: €13
- Senior, Student: €11
- Child (6-14): €8
Address: Schönfeld 18, 3925 Arbesbach
Map:
Rappottenstein Castle (Burg Rappottenstein)
This is one of the oldest historical sites in the region. This castle was built in the Middle Ages on a bare cliff at an altitude of 683 meters above sea level. The castle was never conquered and has been wonderfully preserved. The castle rooms are decorated and designed in their original form, creating an atmosphere of traveling back in time to the Middle Ages.
You can take a tour inside the castle to see the various rooms (including the torture chamber) and learn about the noble families who lived there. You can also sit and rest in the beautiful castle gardens and enjoy the view, peace, and quiet.
This is what the castle looks like:
Operating Hours:
- May, June, October: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Tours are held at: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM.
- July, August, September: Tuesdays to Sundays. Tours are held at: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM.
Tour Costs:
- Adult: €12
- Child (6-15): €5
- Senior, Student: €10
Tours in English must be arranged in advance: burg@atf.at
Address: Rappottenstein 85, 3911 Rappottenstein
Map:
Sonnenwelt (Sun and Energy World)
The Sun and Energy World is also a short drive from the Bear Sanctuary. This place offers fun, interactive activities related to life and solar energy. The exhibition teaches about the technological development of humans from ancient times to the present day.
A new exhibition on green energy has recently opened. The various stations in the exhibition teach how to produce and use green energy.
Sonnenwelt is an experiential place for the whole family with lots of educational games.
Watch the variety of activities at the Sun and Energy World:
Opening Hours:
From March to the end of October, every day (except Mondays) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Last admission is at 3:00 PM.
Costs:
- Adult: €14
- Child (6-15): €10
- Child under 6: Free
- Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children): €40
- Audio guide: €3
Address: Sonnenplatz 1, 3922 Großschönau
