The best traffic-free bike rides around Haunoldstein

Closed to regular traffic

Drinking water fountain, which can be used on warm days as a wonderful opportunity to cool down and refill bottles

Small good coffee house

A bike ride to the Klangturm (Sound Tower) in St. Pölten is a worthwhile stop on any tour of the city. The 77-meter-high tower in the government district was built in 1996 by architect Ernst Hoffmann and is a striking example of modern architecture in Lower Austria. Its glass, spiral shape evokes movement and sound, which is how the tower got its name. An elevator or stairs lead to the viewing platform, which offers panoramic views of St. Pölten and the Alpine foothills. The ground floor houses a tourist information center, and spacious squares and green areas around the tower invite visitors to linger – ideal for a short break during a bike tour through the city.

Of course, the observation deck next to the transmitter is more interesting.

Viehofen Castle is located in the St. Pölten district of the same name and was first documented in 1130. However, its history likely dates back even further. In 1179, Pope Alexander III confirmed the ownership rights of the Diocese of Passau, and a castle chapel is documented from 1248. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times: It was owned by, among others, the Viehofen, Wallseer, Kirchberg, and the noble Herberstein and Kuefstein families, who took over the property permanently from 1745 onwards. Viehofen Castle served as a residence until 1945. After the Second World War, it was severely damaged by Soviet troops, fell into increasing disrepair in the following decades, and was even on the verge of demolition in the 1960s. In 2003, Josef Figl acquired the severely damaged building and began a comprehensive restoration. Historical elements such as 18th-century windows, original wooden floorboards, and old doors were carefully restored. Today, Viehofen Castle serves as a stylish venue for weddings, concerts, corporate events, and private celebrations. The vaulted hall on the ground floor, a marble-floored hall on the first floor, and the renovated Gothic chapel dedicated to St. James are available for a variety of events. Since 2021, civil weddings have also been possible in the castle. Architecturally, the ensemble is impressive due to its location on a prominent escarpment with views of the Lower Austrian Alpine foothills and its largely preserved historic structure.

max. 1km long and is also doable with a road bike if you drive carefully

Semi-interesting observation tower in the unfortunately always deserted government quarter. Not even a restaurant open here on the weekend 😞. You can choose between an elevator or lots of stairs. The view is certainly beautiful, on the top floor there are signs on every corner explaining what you can see. Very hot and stuffy up there on a summer's day, the loungers are fun, but nothing invites you to stay. I found the most interesting to see how many solar panels are on the roofs of the quarter. Fingers crossed 👍 for that. Colorfully lit or not, I still don't see the tower as a landmark of the city, and I would still prefer to be able to stroll through the Au, fairground meadow and race track than through this dead concrete desert of the government quarter.