The best hiking routes in Lafnitztal - Neudauer Teiche

Lafnitztal - Neudauer Teiche is a low-lying river valley and wetland area characterized by a slow-flowing river, marshy meadows, and artificial fishponds. Unlike the dry, hilly forests nearby, this area is defined by its flat, waterlogged terrain. Walkers will find a mix of damp alluvial forests, reed beds, and open water bodies. The landscape is highly modified by historical pond management, which you will notice in the straight dikes and sluices regulating the water levels between the ponds.

Underfoot, the paths vary between grassy dikes, damp earth tracks, and gravel lanes. There are no boardwalks or paved promenades here, so the ground can feel soft and uneven. The walking is entirely flat, offering no elevated viewpoints or deep valleys. Instead, the paths follow the edges of the ponds and the meandering loops of the Lafnitz river, where dense riverside vegetation often limits long-distance views to short openings across the water.

In autumn, particularly around October, the ponds are occasionally drained for fish harvesting, exposing muddy beds that attract migrating wading birds. The area is generally quiet, though the sections closest to Neudau can see more local foot traffic. It is a place suited for those who prefer quiet, level walking along water margins rather than varied topography or dry forest trails.