Gars am Kamp: Castle, Kamptal Valley and Experiences

Gars am Kamp combines historic sites, waterside landscapes and a wide range of experiences for shared holiday days. Gars Castle, the Kamptal Cycle Route, museums, an adventure pool and activities for children offer different ways to discover the town. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore consider whether culture, exercise, nature or weather-independent activities should be the focus of your trip.

History and culture around Gars Castle

Gars Castle was built in the 11th century and is described as Austria’s only freestanding Babenberg castle. Today, it serves as an event venue. From the viewing platform of the castle tower, visitors can look out over Gars, the Kamptal Valley and the Horner Basin. A visit to the castle therefore offers not only a historical point of reference but also a clear view of the local landscape.

In the historic Babenberg castle, the BURG GARS Opera presents major productions every year in an open-air setting. Those interested in music, theatre and history can combine this focus with other cultural destinations. The Falco Villa has largely been preserved in its original condition; guided tours are offered throughout the entire house. The Zeitbrücke Museum documents the history of trade, including that of the Kiennast company, which is based in Gars am Kamp.

Shared experiences in any weather

For active days, the Wörth leisure centre offers three beach volleyball courts, basketball hoops, a skating facility, a children’s playground, a football pitch and soft running tracks. The Garser adventure pool has a sports pool, an adventure pool and a children’s pool. The sports pool includes a diving area, a water whirlpool lounger and an air bubble feature. The adventure pool has a current channel, massage jets, water fountains and a 58 m-long slide.

There are also suitable options for days with changeable weather: Kids Space is an indoor play centre for children in Gars am Kamp. The Gars ice rink is a covered artificial ice rink and is therefore independent of the weather; ice skates can be rented on site for a fee. Escape the Town offers a special shared challenge: an outdoor escape game in the centre of Gars am Kamp. The game combines elements of an escape room with a puzzle trail, with the puzzles being solved both indoors and outdoors.

Nature, cycle route and regional specialities

The landscape around Gars am Kamp is characterised by water, forests and meadows. On the Etzmannsdorf circular trail, one section runs along the right bank of the Kamp near Stallegg; various wild animals can be spotted there repeatedly. For walks with a cultural interest, St. Gertrude’s Church, with its valuable stained-glass windows and frescoes, is also one of the sights mentioned. The spa park, opened in 1908, adds another historical accent to the town.

The Zeitbrücke Museum is located directly on the Kamptal Cycle Route. Gars-Thunau railway station is 200 m from the museum. Anyone including the cycle route in their travel plans should note that the Kamptal Cycle Route between Gars am Kamp and Rosenburg is closed at hazardous points; the local diversion must be followed there. The Kurkonditorei Ehrenberger café and restaurant offers a culinary addition. Its menu centres on the original Waldviertel poppy-seed pastry, Waldviertler Mohnzuzler – from confectionery to wedding cakes.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Gars am Kamp can be selected according to your preferred pace of travel: culture enthusiasts can focus on the castle, villa, church and museum, while families can include the recreational activities, pool and indoor play centre in their daily plans. For a cycling-focused trip, the information about the Zeitbrücke Museum, railway station and closures on the Kamptal Cycle Route provides important guidance. The Gars Office for Tourism and the Economy provides brochures and information material at Hauptplatz 80 from Monday to Sunday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

More destinations for your planning

If you would also like to compare other destinations, you can find the pages for Geras, Horn, Meiseldorf, Rosenburg, Sigmundsherberg, Maria Dreieichen, Langau and Messern.

To the higher-level travel overview: Horn.