Discover the wonders of the forest
Located at the mountain station is the Holzknechtland adventure world. A unique amusement park in Austria on the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe at 1,267 m above sea level offers insight into the working methods and living conditions of the lumberjacks from long ago. This amusement park is not a rigid museum, but filled with life. Children and interested visitors can playfully understand what was once hard work. On this journey into the past, the most important work processes in forestry from the tree to the plank are clearly demonstrated. A ride on the forest railroad around the forest and crystal lake is a highlight for all visitors. A new playground with slope slide and sand play equipment invites to romp.
NEW since 2016: Water play park Biberwasser - new play equipment guarantees play, fun and action. Attractions include a water play area with raft race, gold panning, beaver dominoes, a giant slide and the "Eagle's Nest" climbing facility with ropes, suspended ladders and climbing nets up to 3 m high. On the shore of the forest lake is the ÖBF Ark of the Forest. Here you will be spoiled in the café with drinks, cakes, ice cream as well as small snacks.
Meanwhile, children can make souvenirs from natural materials in the creative corner. For our smallest visitors there is also a play corner with wooden train and rocking horse. In addition, the Ark of the Forest offers the possibility of seminars and events for up to 120 people. It is especially romantic to hold your civil wedding here with a view of the lake.
The view from the Archduke Johann lookout, one of the landmarks of Mariazell, into the surrounding mountain world is overwhelming and conveys all the beauty of the region. The 21-meter-high lookout was built of wood as early as 1855, in 1908 a new building was erected in its current form, and in 2006 the lookout was completely renovated. Especially popular with children is the view through the telescope: Lake Erlauf and the entire Styrian-Lower Austrian Alpine foothills can be seen from here.
The Holzknechtland also organizes forest experience days for schools.