Ottenstein Reservoir

Ottenstein is the largest of the three reservoirs built on the Kamp in the Waldviertel, dammed in 1957, and its shape is the point: the river ran through a deeply incised winding valley, so flooding it produced a lake with long narrow arms reaching back into wooded side valleys, about four hundred hectares of water with a shoreline out of all proportion to its area. Boats, sailing and swimming are the summer use, with a marina and bathing spots along the shore. Every few years the reservoir is drawn down for inspection of the dam, and when the level drops the things the water covered emerge - the old road, a stone bridge, foundations of buildings from the valley floor - which draws crowds for the few weeks it lasts. Ottenstein castle stands above the water.

Highlights

• A branching reservoir - long arms flooding the old winding Kamp valley.
• A drowned valley emerging - road, bridge and foundations when the level drops.
• Sailing and swimming - the marina and bathing spots along the shore.
• Ottenstein castle - the fortress standing above the flooded valley.

When to go

May to September for the water; drawdown years for the ruins. Half a day.

Things to know

The drawdown happens only every few years and is announced in advance - do not expect it. Shore access is limited in places by private land. The water is cold and the depth drops off fast.

Nearby

Zwettl Abbey is west; the Kamptal wine country runs downstream.

Key facts