Nature, Scenery, and Moorlands for Families Who Love to Hike
The Große Bärentrail near Arbesbach offers families who love to hike nature, scenic views, moorland, and ponds—ideal for a day trip from Gutenbrunn.
Anyone who spends their vacation at our Vacation Rentals in Gutenbrunn will find numerous destinations in the Waldviertel that beautifully combine nature, exercise, and relaxation. A particularly lovely destination for guests who enjoy hiking is the The Great Bear Trail in the Arbesbach Area.
The region around Arbesbach is characterized by forests, open landscapes, tranquil marshes, small ponds, and sweeping views. It is precisely this mix that makes the Großer Bärentrail so appealing. It is ideal for families with older children, nature-loving couples, and all visitors who want to do more than just look at the Waldviertel—they want to experience it step by step.
Hiking in the Arbesbach Area
The Great Bear Trail begins at the BÄRENWALD Arbesbach, a well-known tourist destination in the Waldviertel region. The starting point alone makes the hike particularly interesting, as it combines a nature experience with the theme of animal welfare. If you’d like, you can combine your visit to the BÄRENWALD with a hike along the Bärentrail, or plan the trail as a separate day trip.
From there, the route winds through a varied landscape. Open stretches alternate with forest trails, quiet natural spots line the path, and time and again, the Waldviertel reveals its peaceful, unspoiled side.
For guests staying at our vacation apartments in Gutenbrunn, this excursion is a wonderful way to enjoy an active day on vacation while getting to know another part of the Waldviertel region.
Nature, Scenery, and the Vast Landscapes of the Waldviertel
The Great Bear Trail isn't a short stroll, but a hiking experience for people who enjoy spending extended time on the trail. That's precisely what gives it its special character. You take your time, walk through the countryside, stop, look around, listen, and feel the tranquility of the region.
The landscape around Arbesbach opens up again and again. In some places, there are beautiful views of the Waldviertel; on a clear day, the view stretches far across hills, forests, and meadows. This sense of openness is typical of the region: not spectacularly loud, but quiet, powerful, and soothing.
People who spend a lot of time sitting, work a lot, or are constantly juggling appointments often experience exactly what makes a vacation special when they take walks like these: their minds clear, their breathing becomes calmer, and their steps more even.
Waldhofmoor – a tranquil moorland landscape along the trail
A special nature experience on the Great Bear Trail is the Waldhof Moor. Moors are fascinating landscapes. They have a serene, sometimes almost mysterious quality, and at the same time serve as valuable habitats for plants and animals.
A bog can be a particularly fascinating topic for families. Here, children learn that nature doesn’t look the same everywhere. A bog is different from a forest, a meadow, or a pond. It has its own atmosphere, its own plants, and special ecological significance.
Anyone passing by Waldhofmoor should take some time to stop and look around. Places like this don’t reveal their charm as you walk by, but rather when you take the time to really look at them. The silence, the colors, the moisture, and the unique vegetation are what make this landscape so captivating.
Rubner Pond – an idyllic stop along the way
Another beautiful spot along the route is the Rubner Pond. Ponds are as much a part of the Waldviertel as granite, forests, and poppies. They reflect the sky, soothe the eye, and invite you to take a break.
A pond makes for a pleasant stop, especially on a longer hike. Here, you can take a short break, have a drink, eat a small snack, and take in the surroundings.
For families, it’s often this very mix that makes the day special: it’s not just the destination that counts, but also the little breaks along the way. A pond, a beautiful view, a patch of forest, a discovery by the side of the trail—all of these things often stay in your memory longer than you might think.
Who is the Great Bear Trail suitable for?
The Great Bear Trail is particularly well-suited for visitors who enjoy hiking and have plenty of time. For families with young children, the entire route is usually too long. However, for families with older children, teenagers, or experienced hikers, the trail can be a wonderful nature experience.
If you’d like to take it easy, you can also explore just certain parts of the area or combine your visit to the BÄRENWALD Arbesbach with a shorter walk. This way, you can easily tailor the outing to your own fitness level and your family’s needs.
It’s important to wear good shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, bring plenty of drinks, and pack a small snack. Since the weather in the Waldviertel can change quickly, it’s a good idea to check the current weather conditions before setting out.
A day trip from Gutenbrunn
From our Vacation Rentals in Gutenbrunn The Great Bear Trail is a great option for a day trip to the Arbesbach region. After breakfast, head toward Arbesbach, where the hike begins at the BÄRENWALD. Depending on your schedule, fitness level, and interests, you can hike a longer section or keep the trip shorter.
After an active day outdoors, it’s especially nice to return to the vacation rental. There, you’ll find peace and quiet, plenty of space, and the chance to spend the evening at your own pace. You can cook together, relax in the garden, talk about the day’s experiences, or simply put your feet up.
Especially after a long hike, many guests appreciate the freedom of a vacation rental: no set mealtimes, no hotel routines—just a cozy retreat in the heart of the Waldviertel.
Hiking: It Helps You Slow Down
The Great Bear Trail is more than just a hiking route. It’s an invitation to experience the Waldviertel in a mindful way. Step by step, your perception changes: You hear the rustling of the leaves, feel the forest floor beneath your feet, notice the small details along the trail, and realize just how soothing simple movement in nature can be.
That fits perfectly with a vacation in Gutenbrunn. Our region isn’t a place for hustle and bustle, but rather for relaxation, nature, and taking a deep breath. The Great Bear Trail perfectly complements this vacation experience because it showcases just how diverse the Waldviertel is: forests, marshes, ponds, scenic views, and quiet trails come together to create a unique nature experience.
Combined with the BÄRENWALD Arbesbach
The proximity to the BÄRENWALD Arbesbach is especially nice. If you’re traveling with children, you can plan your day to combine a nature hike with an animal encounter. The BÄRENWALD offers insights into the work of VIER PFOTEN and demonstrates the importance of species-appropriate care and animal welfare.
This makes for a varied outing for families: First, watch the bears, learn more about animal welfare, and then explore the surrounding area on a hike—or do it the other way around. Depending on the children’s ages and your personal interests, you can plan the day flexibly.
Our tip for vacation guests
Don't plan the Great Bear Trail as a quick stop on your itinerary, but rather as a dedicated day of hiking. Start early enough, bring plenty of food and snacks, and decide in advance whether you want to hike the entire trail or just a portion of it.
For families with young children, a combination of the BÄRENWALD trail and a shorter walk is often ideal. Guests who enjoy hiking, on the other hand, can choose the longer route and explore the moor and pond landscapes around Arbesbach in greater depth.
Gutenbrunn Vacation Rentals – Your Starting Point for Nature Excursions in the Waldviertel
Our vacation rentals in Gutenbrunn are an ideal starting point for guests who want to explore the Waldviertel in an active yet relaxed way. Whether Ysperklamm, Hansl pond, BÄRENWALD Arbesbach or the Großer Bärentrail—there are many places to visit around Gutenbrunn that combine nature, tranquility, and family time.
The Große Bärentrail showcases a particularly quiet and unspoiled side of the Waldviertel. For families who love to hike and nature lovers, it is a rewarding destination that beautifully combines exercise, scenery, and relaxation.
After the outing, you’ll return to your vacation rental in Gutenbrunn—with tired legs, fresh forest air in your lungs, and many memories of a special day in the Waldviertel.




Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.